alms24sebring wrote:Screw a negative point system. I think Ian should just use a controller like everyone else. If he still wins then props and bragging rights to you. But I do agree that a steering wheel is a huge advantage. Its way smoother through turns.
Wow, this is a touchier subject than I thought. No need to get so bent out of shape.
Coming from someone who has spent serious time with both a controller and wheel, I will tell you, the advantage you refer to is not as large as you think. When using a wheel, the game becomes more difficult. Yes it allows you to be more precise, but at the same time, the game requires you to be so. I just spent time with a controller today. Its not new to me, I got to around 30% on GT5 with it, and I platinumed Dirt 2 with it before getting the wheel. The controller is gifted so that in turns, if you push to what would be full lock, the game only allows the wheels to turn as far as grip allows, and maybe slightly further. The wheel on the other hand, will do exactly what you tell it to. Steering too hard during a corner rapidly overheats the front tires. If you are not careful this can and will lead to a sudden fit of understeer that will send you into the weeds. The same is true when correcting a slide. This adds difficulty to the game.
IMHO, the biggest benifit of the wheel is not the wheel at all, but the throttle. You have more control, it is easier to open the throttle without upsetting the car in corners. This is why I raced the whole series with TCS off. Trust me, wheel or not, a Super GT car can get hairy very quickly without traction control, and it shows in the replays. If any of you are using the D pad to steer, or X as throttle, then you are handicapping yourselves.
My tests today reaffirmed this.
Running the same borrowed Calsonic GTR, I ran five laps at Tsukuba with a controller. I have not used it for GT5 in nearly 2 months, and Ive hardly played Dirt 2 since I got GT5.
The very first 5 laps with standing start as follows.
1.01
low 57
mid 56
low 56
high 55
The 55 being almost identical to the fastest lap I had during Sunday's race.
The following 5 laps hovered in the low 56s.
I dont use the wheel to be faster. I use it because it adds depth to the game, and in some ways makes it harder. It requires skills the controller does not.
Either way, I could scream this all day long, and most or all of you wont believe me. I guess its time to nut up or shut up.
I will do my best to make the next event, and I'll bring my controller. Afterwards, we can reassess the situation.
RCA, I dont think a sliding point scale is the best way to implement a handicap. It wont promote wheel to wheel racing, and anyone who gains a lead, gets the advantage of being all alone on the track. I think 1 or 2 steps down in tires would be more effective. This would also help negate some of the benefits of better throttle control. And I have already talked about TCS off.
With all that being said, I think some of you guys should look into getting wheels. They are a blast, and not nearly as expensive as you think. I picked my wheel up for $100, and built the rest for less than that.
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