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Review - rFactor

Written by Marco Fiori

Thursday, 29 November 2007

Customization is big business in the world of video gaming and it seems that every game released nowadays comes with a ton of tweakable options. Developers seem to think that to fall into the category of ‘next generation,’ their game must allow the player the option to fine-tune. There is often a level of great depth that accompanies customizing and it is often the case that it’s too daunting for the player. For every hardcore gamer out there, there is one that just wants to jump in without the hassle. rFactor is one of those games, offering huge levels of customization and realism unforeseen in the racing genre. Boasting “Advanced tire modelling and engine boost modelling” on the box it certainly doesn’t worry about alienating potential buyers. It claims it's “100% realistic” but does the math add up or has it forget to carry the one?

The first thing that needs to be cleared up in this review is that rFactor is not a new game. It’s only receiving a review now because it’s finally been boxed (and therefore re-released) because it was previously only available via download. It’s been around since 2006 but has had a graphical overhaul, making it deceptively pretty and many 3^rd party enhancements / mods have been added. The groundwork had been laid back in 2006 and the re-release has brought it all together.

Despite its age, it is surprisingly proficient in the visuals department. The game accurately replicates the cars, down to the tiniest level. With masses of cars available within the game, (of varying types; touring, F1, F3, Daytona, trucks, etc) they are all precise in their modelling. The tracks and surroundings are adeptly created and on a race day (rather than warm-up or practice) the stands are teeming with crowds. Sound effects for the people in the stalls would have been a welcome detail (which breaks the 100% realism tag) but it’s inevitable in a game with so much scope. While on the notion of sound effects, the cars sound meaty, successfully conveying the power across. When you start to afford some of the later cars, if you turn up the surround sound, it sounds as though you’re practically in the car. Every little detail is taken care of, from the advertising billboards, the cones, lights, track surfaces, pit lanes; it’s all there. It immerses the play and makes you feel like you’re racing around the world at speed.

The game’s realism doesn’t stop there as it effectively nails the gameplay. Handling is solid, with oversteer and understeer recreated to a fine degree. Breaking, speed and cornering are all convincing and reward the player who is patient with their driving approach. There is no room for the burnout players here as if you take a corner too quickly you’ll find yourself in the gravel pit. It’s bordering on Gran Turismo levels of punishment / reward and rFactor should consider that a compliment. There are a variety of different driving aids to lessen the pain for new players; invulnerability, steering and braking aids, traction control, pit-lane control, anti-lock brakes, anti-spin help. It’s there for the novice but if you’ve played racing games before feel free to turn several of the helps off as its often too easy (and possibly restrictive – braking and steering particularly). The same treatment is extended to the rules, which allow the player to tweak to their liking. Flag rulings, race length, AI opponents, AI aggression and difficulty are all there and it means that you can race an easy 5 lap race without fear of totalling your car of a 100 lapped marathon where one wrong step can mean retirement.

The customization isn’t limited to difficulty or rule sets. The whole game is practically dripping with tweakability. You can choose from a plethora of tracks and championships where you can participate in race weekends, full seasons or just throw your car round the track a couple times. Once you have a car chosen and have upgraded it to your liking the fun really begins. If you find you’re self the statistic buff that enjoys slowly tweaking tire pressure, gear ratios and downforce to the trumpet of graphics then this is your game. There is every conceivable option available for change in rFactor. There’s the simple option of moving some sliders allowing for greater top speed or acceleration or you can define the particular value of your front left suspension. There are options here that even mechanics would trouble here. It’s one of the most in-depth games that you’ll ever play and if you enjoy that sort of then you’re in heaven.

All this customization really comes into its own when you take the game online and join its thriving community. Nothing beats racing wheel to wheel with real human competitors in a race exactly to your liking. With a built in friends list, competent server browser and a secure anti-cheat system it’s a pleasant experience. Multiplayer racing is unpredictable and hugely fun. The multiplayer element extends the game’s life and rounds of a solid example of a realistic racing simulation. Unless you find yourself the play to really take interest into its depth you’re probably most likely going to jump in and out of the game. It is built for the casual gamer as well as the aficionado.

Score: 7/10

Comments (9)

	1. 23-09-2008 17:40
	I got the game in the computer Guest Report