Best introduction to racing

[JohnTomorrow]

After talking to some of my mates, i've resolved to get a racing game. The games have never really appealed to me in the past except through passing fancy or within a sandbox game via GTA4 or Saints Row 2, but i figure its time to bite the bullet and get one because:

1. I might actually learn about things like turbos and carbies and what a 3.0 V8 whatchamajiggit is.
2. It would be nice to have a game that i could play with my best friend besides Tekken 6
3. It would be nice to have a game i can play with my fiancee that isn't Tekken 6.

Does anybody have any ideas? I seem to remember Gran Turismo being a good, but i'd best wait till GT5 is released.

 

[Rylot]

Forza 3 was pretty easy for me to get into. I really liked the braking and cornering assists. Helped me learn what lines to take on corners and when to break and when to step on it. Also lets you take them off when you get the hang of it.

 

[Corkydog]

I would like recomendations for a new racing game as well. In the past I have enjoyed all the midnight clubs and more arcade-y racers, but I want to try more realistic stuff, while still not being too complex. What should I be looking at?

 

[DSK-]

I don't think your really going to learn anything technical (such as the various components of an combustion engine) and the like from a game - though Gran Turismo did have information pertaining to a fair few components when tuning your cars.

It really depends on your platform. From mentioningg GT5 I take it you have a PS3.

Grid(PS3/360) is a decent enough racing game, but there is little else much to it. You don't tune cars, you simply buy them, add sponsors, hire a teammate and do races.

Forza 2(360) is pretty good, it's pretty much the same sort of experience as GT (though I have only played up to GT3) - I haven't played Forza 3 so I can't really give any info on it.

PGR3/4(360) is mostly about racing and the way in which you race - stylish racing is rewarded moreso than say efficiently using the racing line etc. They are both good games. Again, no car customisation.

That's all I can think of at the moment I'm afraid.

 

[syndicated44]

I personally thought the best racing game I have ever played is Dirt 2. However what got me into racing games would probably be Need For Speed Underground 2.

 

[Thunderhorse31]

Forza 3 is just beautiful, and it's easily the best racer on the 360. If you have a PS3 you could probably wait to get GT5, odds are it will be pretty great as well.

 

[shotgunbob]

Serious Racing Sim: Gran Turismo 4/5 When it comes out or Forza 3

Arcade Style: Pretty much any NFS game involving cops

 

[TBR]

Depends what platform and how hardcore you want to be.

If you're not sure how hardcore you want to be, and have a 360, then good news, it's (for now) got some decent arcade racers. Pick up PGR4 and Forza 3, in that order. PGR has always had great arcade physics and it looks pretty hot. Forza 3 is a good introduction to a arcadey sim racer, it's got a few significant physics flaws, but if you're new you won't notice them.

If you've got a PS3 or a PC, then you're probably going to have to be a bit more hardcore. I'd suggest staying away from Supercar Challenge unless you enjoy pain and suffering; the first training level is a McLaren F1 on the Nurburgring (record-setting fast car on tough German racetrack). Motorstorm 2 (NOT 1, don't even bother, just get 2) is like the best bits of Burnout, but off-road and very, very pretty. Pick that up. Then when GT5 comes out (Nov 2nd) get that, and go to the in-game driving school, it's always a great way to improve.

If you have a PC, go find an old copy of NFS: Hot Pursuit 2. Then grab a copy of NFS: Porsche Unleashed (sometimes called Porsche 2000 or just NFS 5). Those are two of the greatest racing games of all time. If you're feeling hardcore, go find a copy of rFactor, or GTR Evo/Race On (look on Steam for deals with Race On).

 

[Vek]

The GT series by SimBin are fantastically realistic and fun. Racing sims are pretty much all SimBin does. Kinda hard for a new player to get into though. Check out the website:
SimBin and GT site [http://www.simbin.se/]

GRID would be good, but it's a bit more arcadey. More sim-like would be Forza 3, or NFS: Shift. DIRT if you're looking for more rally-kinda racing styles.

 

[DarkHourPrince]

I personally am not a racing person but I fell for Need for Speed Most Wanted because I like the whole story with the underground street racing crime ring. But that's just me and I like story.