GTR 2: Realism Redefined Reviews

• This Is A Pure Racing Sim

  
  By A32DAIXG32QOCP on 2006-11-09
  Tech Stuff: This game pushes my X800Xl card to the max, and I'm stunned by this. I can only run it smoothly at 1000x800 with AAx4, compared to Toca Racer3 at 1200x1000 on AAx6. This game uses close to 2gb on your hd, and you better have a nice setup to get the most out of this game. Perhpaps there will be some patch in the future, but I'm stunned that this game pushed my 3.2 ht 1.5 gb of memory so hard.
  Graphics: The graphics on this game aren't overwhelming, until you start to notice all the small details:building, stands, stadium seating in the stands, dust flying. Overall the graphics aren't close to Toca3, but the cars and tracks are nicely detailed.
  Sound: This is where it hits a homer! Whether in car or out of car, the engine sounds sound so real! Shifting, braking, or throttling up, the game scores huge points on realism. Even when you are pumping the brakes, you can hear and feel the action of the car.
  Sim Racing: This aint no easy game by any standards. You really have to know how to enter and exit corners on this game. You just can't drive thru them, because you'll end up off course. Thankfully there is an extensive training guide to assist the average racing fan like your truly. You can practice so many aspects of the game, that it will help alot. You start out with about half the tracks unlocked and about half the cars. You unlock them by winning or accumulating points. Online play is the best, and I really enjoy it. There are literally hundreds of people online worldwide at any time of the day or nite. I work a third shift job, so I unually race around 2:00pm. Still there are hundreds of folks online.
  Summary:
  This is one of the finest pure sims out there, and maybe to date. I don't enjoy it as much as Forzo(xbox), Test Drive LeMans(dreamcast), but I do like it better than Toca. Toca has too many racing dune buggies and crazy vehicles, and this game centers on my euro-style racing and GT cars. Get this game if you have a nice system. I have a 3.2ht with 1.5gb ram, and my x800xl. the game runs smooth on it at reduced settings, but you need to have good specs to get the most out of it. Wish the game could have been easier for an average racer as myself, but overall I can't complain. Nice game!
  
  

• Improved graphics.. same GTR racing fun..

  
  By A9Y5O2R4D6EH5 on 2006-10-17
  You can read all about the great details and graphics this has almost anywhere.. so I won't go there now.
  
  Have used GTR since it came out.. GTR2 is more great racing action with improved graphics and a few nit fixes. Might as well have the latest version I'd say..
  
  As with GTR,(and GTL) hope you have the computer power to run it as it should be run and not just the base system recommendations and on reduced slider settings. It needs max PC power to enjoy the way it was intended to be used.
  
  

• Best Racing Game Yet

  
  By AAXKHFEAUQSIT on 2006-12-12
  If you want gimmicky cop chassing robber driving games this is not yet.
  
  If you want the best racing sim bar none then look no further than GTR2. It's the most realistic, fun, exciting, innovative driving game i've ever seen, on any gaming platform.
  
  I love the driving school feature where you truly learn how to be a great racer.. either that or learn you just don't have what it takes.
  
  

• It's almost wrong to use "fun" to describe it. It is "real."

  
  By A2J2CE6SB4T2O2 on 2007-06-28
  I do a little bit of performance on-track driving (real life!), and I very much appreciate the complete and accurate physics of this game. Understeer, oversteer, trail braking, lift throttle oversteer... it's all accurately represented.
  
  > You NEED a full wheel and pedal setup to enjoy and appreciate this game.
  > You need to invest a few hours with the tutorials.
  > Start with a lower-powered car (Lotus Elise) and build up to the fast cars. I STILL cannot get the Maserati MC12 to behave, but the Vette C5R is a teddy bear in comparison.
  > You need to learn about car setup in order to be fast and stable. Base cars are setup to understeer, which is safe but slow.
  > It's not for kids.
  > The menu setup is too complex.
  > You can download FREE add-on tracks at several enthusiast web sites!!!
  
  

• A high learning curve, but very rewarding gameplay

  
  By A3KOAIRG0CC0NR on 2007-03-06
  This is the most technically excellent racing sim I have played. The physics are perfect, the graphics are pleasing, and there is a wide variety of tracks and cars. The learning curve can be very steep, but you can adjust the AI to suit your needs. You can also turn on traction control, steering aids, etc., which will get you into the game faster. After a couple months, you'll be good enough to turn these aids off and drive the cars the way they are meant to be driven. There is also a comprehensive driving school which will train you in the basics of racing. If you want a realistic racer, buy this game.
  
  
• GTR 2's Realism is THAT good
  By A1CQTJVI4Z4DDC on 2007-09-18
  I have been using GTR-2 with the Logitech G25 wheel/shifter/pedals on a massive machine with the NVidia 8800 Ultra feeding a 32" HDTV, and the experience has been absolutely incredible. Not only is it a lot of fun, but the knowledge I've gained of certain tracks has dramatically improved my ability to really drive on those tracks (novice DE lapper). This is not nearly as much of a game as it is a simulator - albeit a fun simulator - but one that will require a serious dedication to learning how to drive hard and learning tracks really well, if you want to be good at it and ultimately enjoy it.
  
  
• Best Racing Simulation Ever !
  By A1EMTLHQKWHMNX on 2006-10-07
  If you enjoy realistic racing simulation, GTR 2 is a must buy.
  The attention to graphic detail of the cars, tracks and surroundings
  along with sound and car physics is unmatched in any other racing
  sim on any system.
  THE GRAPHICS HAVE TO BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED. . .
  
  
• Best Racing Experience Ever
  By ADMZTIHOC7J5F on 2006-12-08
  Amazing physics, graphics and presentation.. Fully customizable vehicles. This is pure racing as good as it gets. GTR had a tough learning curve but GTR2 is much improved and newbies as well as pros will enjoy this game to the fullest. Forget about all the other racing games on the market. This is the real thing. I would also highly recommend 'RACE-WTCC GAME' downloadable via STEAM to the fans of this genre(not in retail stores yet). That one enables you to play touring championship that features slower cars but just as good. If you really wanna get into the action you should get the best racing wheel you can afford (G25 from Logitech my personal favorite). It is a steal at $19.99. My only complaint would be the clutch option does not work %100 accurate. You can still switch gears without the clutch even if you enable this option. Other than that GTR2 RULES...
  
  
• Very hard to play
  By A29PL0G8O3SBKM on 2007-05-15
  I have to be completely fair - others on the Amazon review postings warned about this - that GTR2 is NOT easy to play. I figured that it might be a little difficult, but not as difficult as it really is! As others have said, you cannot simply sit down and start flying around the track! Even the practice sessions are difficult to pass! Playing on the keyboard is virtually impossible (at least for me) - so I used a Logitech Rumblepad which did help, but still quite difficult. So I basically decided that I don't have the time to really learn how to play this game and will stick to easier ones!
  
  However, the graphics are indeed amazing. If you are really serious about racing games (I found out I am not very serious) then this game is probably for you!
  
  
• Strap in and hold on!
  By A1G352FAXZQOL8 on 2007-05-30
  There's not a whole lot I can add from the reviews below. Maxing out the graphics on a 22" Samsung LCD just immerses me into the simulation (it is a simulation, not a game, just like MS Flight Simulator is not a game). Do not expect to drive at 160mph around the tracks without a lot of practice and skill, because you will go off the road or smash a barrier. The sound, especially if you have a high quality speaker/wubwoofer setup, just blows anything else away. The drive train & gearbox "whine" of the 350Z gives me goose bumps.
  
  As one of the PC gaming review sites mentioned however, the menu interface leaves something to be desired. I find it rather tedious to navigate through all the options and settings. Other racing sims/games have had a much easier menu interface design (NFS Porsche Unleashed, Viper Racing, GT Legends). The options themselves though are numerous and detailed down to adjusting the driver seat viewpoint closer or further away from the dashboard. I find my "sitting" preferences there differ based on the car.
  
  Regarding someone's comment here from 01/2007 about a video card not being powerful enough to run it, there are minimum hardware requirements and then there are recommended hardware requirements. Never, EVER expect to run a game with the minimum requirements to play unless you like really low pixel resolutions. I run what today is considered in the gaming world as a low mid-range system: P4 3.2GHz, 1GB ram, and a GeForce 7900GS AGP card. Some review sites have said this sim has steep hardware requirements, but I haven't observed stutters running a fairly high 1680x1050 widescreen resolution in the sim. If you are not running at least a 2.8GHz Intel P4 or AMD 2.0GHz Athlon, and don't have at least an nVidia 6600GT card or ATI 9800 series card as well as 1GB system memory, you can forget about enjoying this sim.
  
  
• One of the better racing sims available...
  By AN81JUYW2SL24 on 2006-12-05
  ...but it still lacks the fine details that would have made it a "PURE RACING SIM". It's not a simulation in my book, and here is why:
  
  With all the driver assists disabled (including auto clutch and auto shifting), the driver can STILL shift up/down without using the clutch, at all engine and vehicle speeds. In real life the driver would be hearing all kinds of noises coming from the gearbox before it grenades in this scenario.
  
  I used my joystick throttle as the clutch input and only applied the clutch part of the way to let it slip continuously. I took my Lambo up to 160 mph for 10 laps with the clutch slipping continuously and nothing happened.
  
  The game also does not show the driver using his left foot for the clutch. Granted, cars like the Corvette C5-R use a Hewland race transmission, the game still requires you to use the clutch when stopped or the engine stalls out.
  
  I have yet to find a racing sim/game that accurately simulates the clutch. Many GTR2 enthusiasts will argue that since these FIA GT/NGT cars use race transmissions, the clutch is not required and that in real life you don't need the clutch even for a street transmission unless you have to stop. This is TRUE to a certain extent. Floating the gears on a street trans works IF you match the speeds properly. This requires some patience and precise timing. In this game/"sim", I can sequentially upshift from 1st to 6th without skipping a beat. Conversely, I can be driving 160 mph and sequentially shift from 6 to 1st until the engine blows without skipping a beat (keep in mind auto clutch is DISABLED). Unless these racing transmissions have dual clutches, the game still does not get it "right".
  
  In fact, if you program the clutch control to a throttle or a pedal, and step on the clutch 50%-75% of the way, just enough to slip it and still let the car move, you can finish several laps without the clutch burning up. In real life, you would start to smell the clutch material burning up quite rapidly if driven in this manner. The game just doesn't realistically simulate the clutch. It may have gotten the handling, braking, and other aspects quite close to the real thing, even allowing the user to adjust the seat height and position, but it dropped the ball on the clutch operation.
  
  I give it 3 stars for the overall rating because it does give a good effort to become a realistic driving sim (almost like Flight Sim for the racing genre) but falls short in some realism/physics aspects. The fun factor, however, is quite high. For the asking price of the game, it's a high value purchase if you're into this genre.
  
  If you enjoyed the movie Fast and the Furious or 2 Fast 2 Furious, do not buy this game and instead, look at Need For Speed Most Wanted or Carbon.
  
  
• An icon refreshed......
  By A1F9FH0YPP6FOY on 2006-12-15
  *Please read my review on the original GTR first.
  
  Like all motorsports, there are constant refinements, GTR2 is no different.
  
  I. Better competition, you can race side by side, clean,.... just fantastic!!!
  II. Slightly refined physics, don't want to screw up a great thing.
  III. Graphics, nearly photo realistic, but does require alot of PC, you have to be creative on settings.
  IV. Added realism with reward weight, damage models ect.
  V. More tracks, cars, plus driver school for people getting started.
  
  Overall: GTR2 is better than the original,...yes (very hard to even imagine that year or so ago.)
  Best racing simulation to date?........Without question!
  
  Simbin are masters, and the only way they could outdo themselves is to put this level of racing physics into a rally (WRC) simulation.
  Please make it happen.
  
  
• GTR 2
  By A74N1QIAJF4WD on 2007-01-16
  Well, I purchase this game for my boys for christmas but it request a higher video card for my system in order to play. so up to now they still did't install nor play with the game.
  
  
• Excellent Sim!
  By A3B4497KRWUOUW on 2007-01-24
  This is one of, if not THE best racing game I've ever played. It beats R-factor, GPL, and Live for Speed. Not only is the simulation excellent, the graphics, sound, and features are amazing. I love using my TrackIR with this game. On the downside, my biggest problem with this game is that during online play you have to disconnect from the host server to change cars and some other options, it can get very annoying.
  
  
• Not for the casual racer
  By A3GM0UAT2C8GJL on 2007-01-26
  This game has good graphics, lots of details & choices but for me, the camera is too close in & the controls too sensitive. I found after awhile it just wasn't that much fun. If you're a hard core racer I'd say this would be a good addition to your racing games but if you just want something fairly easy & fun, I'd say try something else.
  
  
• Great Racing
  By ABT9P8PNTLVQK on 2007-02-13
  Honestly, this is racing at its finest.
  The game is very realistic, with great physics. Graphics are excellent, and the game runs surprisingly well in a mid-level machine with a decent graphics card (I have a P4 2.4GHz, 1GB RAM and NVIDIA GT6600 128MB) - unless there are several (more than 20) cars in the track, my frame rate is excellent.
  This game is a bit hard to play on the keyboard. Though I have always played racing games on the keyboard, if you decide to go into "PRO" mode, you lose ability to have computer controlled clutch and traction control. Obviously it is very hard to control both these things with a button... impossible really. So I end up playing a lot on "Semi-Pro" mode, with both options ON.
  But enough about the negatives... (there are very few). The cars are amazing, cockpit and sounds are terrific. Tracks are very realistic. AI is very cool too.
  I recommend this product fully. This is a top notch game with a very small price tag... very easy decision to make. You will be impressed.
  
  
• very good once you make some adjustments and get some downloads.
  By A3SMVB6EXX8OVH on 2007-03-16
  GTR 2 is a fantastic racing simulation as long as you take the rain out of the scenario. Even better once you make some downloads to get new cars and different things. Thank you.
  
  
• GTR 2
  By A21QBIG6PE0WF2 on 2007-06-27
  This game rocks. I've been playing consule based games for years and I put this driving simulator really high on my chart. The driving dynamic with a force feed wheel is pretty great. After installing the game get the latest free mod and patches of the internet from free share servers.
  If the game doesn't have a track, then thier a possibility of finding the track at a file server.
  I've driven on the real world famous Nurburgring race track more times than I can count on my fingers and compared to other game with the same track none of them scare me more like the real track then GTR 2.
  I own all of the Grand Turismo and both of the forza motorsports and am really happy with this game.
  
  The only lows are no street cars and no after market parts. But if you remember this game is base on GT series racing you'll get over the fact that your favorite street car isn't here. get a force feed wheel and get ready to sweet as you keep from wrecking your ride.
  
  
• GTR2: Realism Redefined - difficult driving sim
  By A6228PFGP2MK6 on 2008-04-09
  This game attempts to be a realistic driving sim and in my view it takes some of the fun out of the game. I anxiously awaited the game, but after trying it for a while, it made me reach for Colin Mcrae Rally 2005 with new appreciation.
  
  I'll keep at GTR2, but with reduced expectations. I have a Logitech Momo force feedback wheel, which is essentially the only way you can sense whether you are overdriving the car. Unfortunately, there is no sensation through the wheel indicating that you are losing grip either by sound or by force feedback. Flooring the gas pedal can put you off the road, too, but without any accompanying sound warning you that you're breaking the tires loose and giving it too much gas. Of course, there is no force feedback coming through the pedals. The game seemed more frustrating than fun, but now that my expectations have been lowered maybe I'll enjoy it more the next time I try it.
  
  October 18, 2008
  This game was so frustrating I hardly ever play it. I read the comment on my first review and gave it another try. In a no time, I was cussing like a kid who just discovered swearing.
  
  The problem with this sim, is that it gives you, allegedly, real world physics of driving a real race car, but you don't have the benefit of feeling those physics. Granted, my steering wheel isn't the $250 model, but it isn't a mouse, either.
  
  I tried going through the driving school, to see if I could get up to speed that way. I found that as the program takes you up to speed before handing over the controls to you for your driving exercise, I had to have the wheel pre-cranked. Instead of the wheel transmitting a heavier feeling to synthesize g-forces, it gives you the feeling that your tie-rod is bent. Meaning, that you get a feeling of heaviness alternating with no resistance. The signals transmitted through the wheel are very confusing, or non-existent.
  
  Then, while pressing the gas pedal, if you press it too much you'll lose traction and too much is very difficult to gauge. This by itself could be overcome, but combined with the steering challenges and you're in for some road rage instead of fun.
  
  For those who excel at this game, I couldn't get past the final driving exercise in "combined hairpins - level 4" or "overtaking through a series of corners part 2." Forget about "circuit driving."
  
  So, I'm going to get Colin McRae out and see if I can calm down. Right now, I want to smash something.
  
  October 18, 2008
  
  Okay, I'm back. I finally got smart and googled, "GTR2" and "forums" and found that there are some helpful hints for setting up your wheel, force feedback and the car.
  
  Here are a few thanks to Spinelli at racesimcentral:
  
  1. make sure ur Logitech Momo Racing drivers are up to date.
  
  2. Play with the logitech profiler OFF, SHUT IT OFF, EXIT ETC
  
  3. Go to Start->settings->control panel->game controllers, and make sure ffb is at 100 ( can change it if you like though), then make sure Damping and Spring are at 0 and centering spring is UN-checked and at 0
  (although some ppl like it checked but still at 0, try it urself.)
  
  4. In game, set it for "Momo racing" and im not talking about in the controls section, but in the actual FFB section. Thatll take care of the ffb effects, the reverse forces thing, etc etc. Dont change the ffb from 98 to 100, leave it at 98.
  
  5. make sure your steering lock is not super high. In the garage ull see the option. Try something like 14.5 or so. Lower it if you want to turn UR wheel more to turn the games wheels the same. Jus make sure u dont lower it so much that at a corner you can turn UR wheel all the way and feel that you still have grip remaining and could turn harder if you could turn UR wheel more. In that case you would have to increase your steering lock in the garage. Try .5 or 1 incremnets.
  
  6. In the steering sensitivity slider move it down from 50 to more like 45 or 42. People say well now its not linear, but with a Momo racing and its very limited lock it actually is more realistic and better feeling this way, try it. Ive heard people say do 45, then after getting used to it, do 40 get used to it and do 35 and keep it there, I think thats goin overboard as at 35 the second half of the wheels travel would be too sensitive. I used to use 45, I wanted to go lower but didnt wanna increase the latter part of the wheels travel sensitivity so I play on 42. (I think, 42 on RFactor for sure, GTR2 42, maybe 45 cant remember.)
  
  7. If your still understeering then your jus simply going too fast, slow down more.
  
  
  
  
• VERY GOOD SIMULATION
  By A2XUW6VTPD0ILX on 2008-05-30
  Realistic simulation with great gameplay and graphics.
  Lots of customization options and all the cars and circuits from the real GT races, in great detail.
  
  Works very well with WIN XP and Logitech MOMO wheel!
  
  The best race simulation/driving game I have played.
  
  
  
  
• The only Racing Simulator out there
  By A189JXKM4D4HV9 on 2006-10-02
  GTR and GTR2 are the only true racing simulators out there, GTR2 looks prettier, but feels about the same as GTR.
  
  
• Best racing sim
  By A36TIUBA09K2PF on 2006-10-24
  I played the GTR1 before and the graphic was incredible. Just purchased the GTR2 yesterday and the graphic is even better than the version 1. Game play is more smooth and loading faster. I like the bmw GTR car in the GTR2. But still not enough tracks, eg. lacking the Germany famous Nurburgring north loop, macau GP tracks..etc. walwart selling this game for only $ 19 bucks.
  
  
• Harder than heck, but fun
  By A27FZOQ4BQPSFI on 2007-01-04
  This is a very challenging racing sim, not for the casual player. I've driven it for probably 20-30 hours so far and have yet to complete a race in pro mode. Dropping the difficulty only seems to add driving aids, not slow the other drivers, at least from pro to semi-pro. The training module is very good, I learned quite a bit about cornering from the challenges. Overall, I'd highly recommend it if you are willing to invest the time to become proficient.
  
  
• Best title since Psygnosis Playstation game !
  By A157RG55DA645P on 2007-01-04
  Not since the original playstation title Formula1 have I had as much fun
  with a driving game. The ability to adjust brake bias while driving is a great feature, as well as the display that replicates a real Pi racing LCD display with adjust read outs. You can also data log, and monitor brake and tire temps to perfect your set up.
  In addition there a lots of add-on tracks and car skins on the web, the options are vast.
  You definitely need to invest in a decent quality wheel and pedals for this game. It lets you power slide and catch over steer just like the pros ! And you need at least a later generation single core CPU plus a later video card and at Least 1GB RAM (I recommend 2GB). This allows you to take full advantage of nice and rain effects and run at high resolutions.
  
  
• Great fun!!!
  By A2XLMHWBU95J4X on 2007-01-11
  Pros: Training section, Clear vision down the track, plus everything they say on the box.
  
  Cons: Unable to set the computer opponents below 100%. I'm not very good at driving this. It would be more fun if you could keep up with the pack.
  
  I recommend this game. It runs with no faults and has all the features I expect on a racing sim.
  
  
• Awesome... if you like SIMs
  By A3DTJE0UK0L1BC on 2007-01-30
  This 'game' is awesome, if you like SIMs...
  
  Do not buy this if your goal is to enjoy a leisurely drive once in
  a while. 'Playing' it is hard work and requires your full concentration.
  Great tutorials to teach you how to drive on a track (it is *very*
  different from taking the family car for a spin).
  
  I got it with my Logitech G25 (an AWESOME FFB wheel). I think these
  two were made for each other.
  
  
  
  
• PC Racing Games
  By A2OTNVB64B2JNA on 2007-06-02
  Great game, excellent physics, challenging and fun. Logitech MOMO racing wheel works well with this game.
  
  
• A very good racing sim!
  By APH5HWW2LFO7O on 2007-07-03
  This is a very good racing sim!You need some good equipment to use this software. Mine is AMD Athlon 64 3500+ 2.2mHz processor with Nvidia 6600GT x 2 in ASUS SLI motherboard and 1 gig memory...runs very smooth. Coupled with the Logitech G25 Racing Wheel and surround sound it provides everything you need except the Gs...although I do catch myself leaning into the corners. The sound is very good...some of the car's engines sound a bit off real but you are still enveloped in the great sound of a race car. Whether or not the engine sound is a perfect match to the particular car doesn't really matter, the sound is still very good. I highly recommend this sim to everyone that has a real need for speed and doesn't have the money for his/her own REAL race car. It's that good!..GES
  
  
• Won't Install
  By A2SR144ARUC4G1 on 2007-07-17
  It looks like a great game but I'm sorry to say that I can't install it. Everytime I put in Disc 2, it says, "An error ocurred while trying to copy a file; Data entry (cyclic redundancy check). Click retry or try again. Ignore to skip this file (not recommended) or Abort to cancel installation." I keep on installing Disc 1, then 2, and it keeps on saying the same thing. I did buy this 2nd hand and I tried to install it with enough RAM. What might the problem be? Thanks.
  
  
• The best sim game ever!!!
  By AMQZRHDESS0YO on 2007-08-03
  I've been playing racing games since atari race games and i can truly say this game is the best i have ever owned. Not only the graphics are incredible, this game is full of car settings like a real racing team. If you like simulation games this is very close to reality, this is not a nfs game where you jump and jump and your car is not destroyed, this is a serious game for racing fans. I give this game 5 stars or more if i could.
  
  

• PC World
• Razer Tarantula Gaming Keyboard
• PC Gamer (1-year)
• Plantronics DSP-400 Digitally-Enhanced USB Foldable Stereo Headset and Software

• Logitech G25 Racing Wheel
• Logitech MOMO Force Feedback Racing Wheel
• Race 07: Official WTCC Game
• GT Legends
• Dirt