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stifflers mum
Joined: 15 Aug 2004
Posts: 31
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 Posted: Wed Nov 17, 17:42 |
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hi guys,
i would like to read your opinions. is it the same like RBR, or more like CMR?
is it a pure arcade racer? is it simulated well?
thanks |
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SubyRS
Joined: 11 Jul 2002
Posts: 69
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| Posted: Wed Nov 17, 18:44 |
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Xpand is a very realistic game. But both demo's had unacceptable controller setup issues that translated into a "no sale" for me. If they can't make a game to work well with one of the most popular wheels on the market (MoMo) then they really are missing the entire point of making the game in the first place. Maybe it will be addressed in a patch someday. Maybe not because they were blaming Logitech for the problem last I read. 
What they (Xpand) needed was fool proof control setup options like the excellent Cross Racing demo now has. |
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DavDemBlues
Joined: 27 Jul 2004
Posts: 9
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| Posted: Wed Nov 17, 21:53 |
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In fact, the XR game was developed and tested almost exclusively with Momo wheels and most people have no problems at all.
As far as comparisons go between RBR and CMR, obviously CMR tends toward the arcade side of things while RBR is the most realistic handling. Xpand finds a good niche right between those, but tending more towards the sim. For those who wish, they have steering help available and both sim and arcade physics setups. Very flexible game, you can't really go wrong with it as long as you have enough machine to run it. The graphics are far superior to anything RBR or CMR has.
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*** ...Xpand your horizons... *** |
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kenpat
Joined: 10 Oct 2004
Posts: 23
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| Posted: Thu Nov 18, 00:23 |
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I find CMR 2005 almost unplayable, in fact due to problems with protection errors I've uninstalled it and I'm not sure I'll bother loading it on again.
When there are so many really good driving games about right now why bother with something that doesn't come up to scratch.
since I got my steering wheel I'm finding older games like CMR2 and Rally Championship 2000 have taken on a new lease of life. Thats not counting GTR, World Racing, Nascar 2003 and Live for Speed.
RBR is really tough Xpand is easier but maybe in end it is also more fun to play.
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KenPat |
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Weston
Joined: 27 Jun 2003
Posts: 21
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| Posted: Thu Nov 18, 01:09 |
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They are both exceptional. they both seem very realistic although they feel totally different to drive.
To me XR feels more like really driving-it is very challenging- I've never known a game where it is so vital to set up the car before a corner- you can really get into a rythm and gradually improve your time on each stage. The graphics are the best I've seen but very demanding.
I love the rally school in RBR and this game also demands time and concentration. Some of the stages look very dull after XR but they are more like real rally stages and the graphics are good. The force feedback is very engaging and the pleasure of getting it right is fantastic.
I'd rate them both at 9/10. |
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dlm9000
Joined: 18 Nov 2004
Posts: 1
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| Posted: Thu Nov 18, 01:43 |
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DavDemBlues is right on the money.
I have CMR04, CMR05, RBR adn XR.
Graphics, XR is the finsest I have ever seen.
On handling, I thought RBR felt more like what I experienced Rallying in real life. The left foot braking is awesome in RBR (and it is great in XR).
Physics in RBR are too real sometimes. Pot holes at 190Kph can bounce the car end over end like Marko Martin. Small bumps can startt fishtailes that require getting out of the throttle to correct. Very real.
I think XR is more playable with buying upgrades and earning money. These are things that emerse a person in the environment. The physics model is awesome as well. The car seems to correct a little easier than RBR.
RBR Car Set ups are more like the real WRC cars. Differential Mapping, Torque Maps, Left Foot Brake Diff maps, all very complex VCU/Differential tuning concepts. Spring stiffness, mount blocks, damper rates, helper stiffens... All allows tuning the suspension like a piano. If you get the the car tuned right, then the contol over the car setup prior to a turn is like playing a violin. (Shifting the center of gravity and the parapetetic pivot point.)
If you doubt the Physics Model in RBR, run the USA/South Catamount in an Xsara and keep your speed over a crest and you will hear the rear wheels spin and the force feedback get very light in the wheel as you float. Also, handbrake control is better (for me) in RBR, but XR is close behind. In a 30 degree powerslide, applying a little hanbrake should 'throw' the rear end around quickly.
CMR05? Adeniline rush, instant gratification, very fun to plan. Recommend playing from insde the car to get the most realistic feel. I like it.
Finally back to XR, simply ground breaking. It will change the way we look at rally games. If you are deciding between the two, go with XR uless you are a car gizmo guy, then the setup in RBR will appeal to you. Best bet, bite the bullet, and buy both. Don't play them at the same time as they have a different feel.
Dennis |
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murkz
Joined: 26 Feb 2003
Posts: 53
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| Posted: Thu Nov 18, 10:21 |
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| DavDemBlues wrote: |
| In fact, the XR game was developed and tested almost exclusively with Momo wheels and most people have no problems at all. |
This is the single biggest disapointment for me, I have a Logitech Driving force Pro and there is no FFback effects when driving in a straight line and no centering force at any time. This makes the car seem like it is made from paper as there is no weight in the steering.
If i get the car to oversteer there is a very slight force in my wheel but other than that I find the FFback effect very poor indeed and are seriously spoiling my enjoyment of this game 
Other than that I find myself playing this more than RBR, I can't give you a reason why but it just keeps dragging me back 
Jeff
Jeff
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Moonwalker
Joined: 31 Aug 2004
Posts: 9
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| Posted: Thu Nov 18, 13:27 |
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I agree with the last comment about the Logitech. I have the same cr*p. It's like holding a vibrator and you don't really get a feel for the surface contact. It's a shame, cause the rest seems real good. I've just started the game and I'm combining this with playing GTA:SA on the PS2 and I have a 6 month baby. So slow progress, but really enjoying the rest of the experience.
Hang tight!
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When the going get tough, the tough get's going! |
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ubias
Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Fri Nov 19, 14:59 |
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Great explainings already up here, so only my humple opinion.
RBR: Clear your mind, concentrate and try drive clean stages. Figure out settings and get many times frustrated. Some races can be dull, cos rallying can sometimes be... Don't even try to drive this if u got only 1/2 hour or so time.
Xpand: Easy to jump in (in no time), career earnings -> free cars. Still some degree of difficulty, little too hard handle in some terrains (snow).
Both lack variety of countries and roadsurfaces. I got no bad word of FF (momo) RBR got it suberb.
-> I have played Xpand about 3 times more than RBR mainly because lack of long timewindow. |
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