We were met by Pete Hickman (Senior Producer), Luke Timms (Assistant Producer) and Gareth Ramsey (Public Relations). Our intention was to find out a little more about the title including technical aspects and SCI�s approach to possibly the greatest rally sim.
SCI�s investment in RBR has been huge, not just the 2 � years researching but a personal investment from each of the people involved. Pete has travelled to several stages, this investment has certainly come through with RBR.
After being led into their meeting room we were confronted by a huge projector screen and immediately I was looking forward to getting my hands on the wheel. Luke installed the game and it wasn�t long before we saw the interface. The first thing I noticed was how much it resembled the PS2 version. I was a little concerned that it could be a port from the console, but apparently it was the other way around. Pete explained that the sim had been created on the PC then ported to the consoles. I was also concerned with the keyboard only menus, reminiscent of the Colin McRae and arcade-like titles, though it was soon clear to see that this wasn�t an issue as in previous titles as the menus are easy to navigate and clear.
Luke took the wheel to show us a stage. I think he was actually showing the damage model as he seemed to be crashing quite a bit, hehe. One thing was apparent though - the graphics are superb. The textures are the best I have seen on a racing title with a tight, almost claustrophobic track and the immersion is incredible. It was then my turn, after being put on a so-called easy stage set in Japan I waited for the lights to go out then: Bam! The closeness of the surroundings felt like a Far Cry jungle scene and there was no room for error. Great! Finally a rally sim that doesn�t have 6 wide track widths!
Having played the PS2 version it was apparent that with the correctly configured wheel it�s a lot easier to drive and I could trailbrake and balance the car. The feeling of grip is there too, much like in NR2003. I tried a few views also. The bonnet view seems to be clear though the incar view was sparse compared to other titles it doesn�t take anything away from the experience.
I love the message that comes up stating that perhaps its best to go to rally school first. I would recommend this to anyone. The rally school is based loosely on the Forest Experience School and if you want to complete a stage without crashing it is best to go here first.
I noticed some FPS slow downs especially when the car got sideways. We were running on a P4 3GHz with a Geforce FX something, I'm guessing it was one of the higher detailed cars as the general quality was high. However Luke informed me that they did get it working reasonably with a 1GHz and a gfx card better than the nVidia MX range.
The wheel configuration is also good. You can have multiple controllers such as a Speed 7 pedals with a MOMO wheel and ActLabs shifter for example. At the test we didn�t have force feedback so it�s difficult to gauge what that is like. You can also map you controller using �filters� which enables you too set the throttle and brake range and how linear they are, etc.On the modding front, SCI has an understanding of the power that modding can bring to a title to reinforce it so you will be able to create your own liveries to start with. Track editing creating is a no no unfortunately as the track editor was created using Warthogs own in-house tools. Car editing still isn�t clear, but I think this will be possible. I would also love to see the planned 27 km Japanese stage. It would be akin to the Nordschleife and a real test of car and driver. After extensive testing SCI thought it was too long and boring, but said if there was enough demand it could be released as an add-on, so start shouting for it!
The replay system is the same as the console version and I had hoped that that would have been improved. Papyrus still being the benchmark, the RBR replays looks very good and are in a similar style to the moving camera of Gran Turismo. You will also be able to export replays for hotlap competitions. You also may be able to export your ghost lap for others to drive against, though this wasn�t confirmed.
Another crucial aspect in race sims is multiplayer. At present you can do turn-based multiplayer on the same PC however there are no network options. I think that if there is a sequel to RBR, multiplayer in some capacity over the internet is a must. I don�t mean more than 1 car on the track at the same time, but continuous logging of times would be good. In saying that Luke said he is looking at an export function for stages, that could be an alternative.
Working closely with Warthog who they have had a great relationship with in the past and with Richard Burns and Robert Reid, RBR has become a masterpiece for rally sims. SCI wanted to create something different in an over-populated genre and nothing like this has been done before. The reward for finishing a stage without crashing is immense. Support from Richard and Robert has enhanced this already polished title. Though their involvement is less now due to obvious reasons, they have been following the progress.
RBR2? Well, it all depends on the sales for RBR, but this is a superb start. The physics and graphics engine can be ported to other types of racing, though I'm not sure if proper aero is modelled as yet. In general this is a must have sim.
Finally I must say thanks once again to SCi, we got a funky T-shirt and a signed copy of RBR for the PS2! Gloating over!
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