Are you intimidated by Sport Mode? I prefer to play "offline".

[Strax]

That's unfortunate... sorry... I've probably not helped in that department.
Go in and do your best, do some quality practice to know where your breaking points and turn-in points are (and stick to them, often you see people going wayyy deep and think you should too... only to see that person miss the corner or create havoc, if you know your spots and keep to them, you'll not be "that guy") treat the other racers the way you would want to be treated, and let the chips fall where they may.
If you are doing your best to be clean and fair, then, that's all you can do...
Most of the guys in here doing the complaining (myself included) recognize the difference between a mistake vs over-driving vs intent...
Mistakes happen... over-driving is frustrating... intent, well... people.

You paid for the game, no reason to be intimidated if you are doing your best... and, if you make a mistake, just remember that even the best do too.

I'm not blaming you, or whoever like you complains about bad drivers ruining their race. Actually, just as I paid for the game and have all rights to enjoy it to the fullest, the same applies to the more pro racers: you guys paid for the game full price, and deserve to enjoy it. DR drops don't bother me so much, but I can perfectly understand why it bothers you guys, you worked hard to get those ratings up, and losing on them because somebody bumped you and sent you from first to 8th, that grinds gears. I just don't want to be that late-braking, ramming guy, which is very likely to happen knowing my skills.

I will somehow have to win races in Sport, as I'm a trophy hunter, but that will take a LONG time. Veeery long. And will mostly take place in one-makes.

 

[spidermonkey]

If your playing with a ds4 don't let that discourage you. There are many fast drivers (aliens) who use ds4s. I just prefer a wheel but I am one of the ones who is faster with a wheel.

 

[Slapped]

Unfortunately, you guys are exactly what Sport Mode needs more of... clean racers with a conscience.

Well I entered my first Sport Mode race today, and what an absolute clusterf... it was. Rammed from every direction. OK I thought, I’ll just pootle around at 50Mph to get my SR rating up so I can enter some clean races, but then it struck me that, given what I’ve read, if I do that then I’ll end up in races where nobody is going to take any risks and it’ll just be a clinical time trial procession with no overtakes - that’s not racing.

Nah, I’m out. I’m going back to F1 2017 and GRID Autosport for some actual racing. The AI in both is probably way more convincing that racing against real people in GTS.

Shame really as I bought my PS4 Pro specifically for GTS, but I’ll probably end up selling it now.

 

[Strax]

I’ll just pootle around at 50Mph to get my SR rating up so I can enter some clean races, but then it struck me that, given what I’ve read, if I do that then I’ll end up in races where nobody is going to take any risks and it’ll just be a clinical time trial procession with no overtakes - that’s not racing.

No Sport Mode race will be as you just described it, there is nobody racing like that especially on higher rankings. You just need some luck to end up in a room with clean racers...they exist, actually in the few races (about 20) I've had I've never ended in a bumper cars nightmare. Could be different regions, don't know tbh.

 

[GTFraker]

Sport Mode is why I got GTS, I had not touched a racing game since 2013 when I last played GT5. When I heard the game was going to have FIA sanctioned events and be mostly focused on racing, that's what sold me as I had tired of the same formula.

 

[spidermonkey]

I guess one more thing Ill add, I don't usually overtake. If I'm faster than the driver in front of me I will be a pest. This leads to one of 2 things: they let me go by or make a mistake and it's usually the latter.

Also, I haven't been in a 100% clean race like. That doesn't mean I was involved in an incident I just see stuff happen but I try my best to avoid confrontation.

 

[Krypton78]

I played GT4 and GT5 much, bought even a wheel. But GT6 only few weeks. Didnt touch any race game since then. Then I bought PS4 + GTS. I was so disapointed cause of missing campain. But before I closed the game forever, I said to myself, come on play at least 1 race sport mode. Man was I flashed. Playing against real people. Since then Im adicted for sport mode. Cant motivate myself against KI.

But I think maybe there should be 1 or 2 more daily races where you are matched with equal DR/SR drivers but cant lose/win DR so only SR. So you wouldnt have the pressure but the fun. And if you want to gain DR, then you drive the other daily races like always. Just an idea

 

[cleanLX]

the same applies to the more pro racers: you guys paid for the game full price, and deserve to enjoy it.

Just to set the record straight, I'm a mere Dr.B driver, so, I'm not, by any means, "fast".
And, when I first ventured online, I was "that guy"... late braking, causing grief... thinking I needed to win... then reality set in... "hey, I'm actually not fast". Once I put that behind me and raced my race, and let the chips fall where they may, things got a lot more fun.
You're a step ahead of where I was... you at least are already thinking responsibly...

 

[MikeTheHockeyFan]

Nah, I’m out. I’m going back [...] for some actual racing.

👍

...AI

actual racing.

...AI

...AI

actual racing.

 

[Ryan81]

Very interesting topic. I would say that I don't race online for two reasons:
First, I tried it on GT6 and didn't enjoy it. Got pricks driving the wrong way etc.
Secondly, I ain't payin' for PS + subscription.

The intimidation factor wouldn't enter my mind since I'm a driving instructor and deal with dip?#@# on the road every day. Heck, I would actually love to ruffle some feathers

 

[Strax]

Got pricks driving the wrong way

Luckily, those are now turned by the game into ghosts, so at least that is one worry out of the way

 

[TomPyke]

Just to set the record straight, I'm a mere Dr.B driver, so, I'm not, by any means, "fast".
And, when I first ventured online, I was "that guy"... late braking, causing grief... thinking I needed to win... then reality set in... "hey, I'm actually not fast". Once I put that behind me and raced my race, and let the chips fall where they may, things got a lot more fun.
You're a step ahead of where I was... you at least are already thinking responsibly...

This!

When I finally realised what was what and that going forward 2-3 places was a good achievement, I stopped getting frustrated that I wasn't winning and that people would be faster. obviously I have a divine right to win haha but once I got over it, my DR and SR went up as I was calmer and more consistent in the races, got faster and just kept plugging away

http://www.kudosprime.com/gts/stats.php?profile=1366048

You'll see from this I went up ,down a bit, up more, down a bit, but each time going up and up on all levels.

 

[GT5 Level 41]

Interesting comments so far. I wasn't sure the if the topic was interesting enough to garner many comments so my OP was short. My main issue is I'm married, have kids, have hobbies outside of gaming, and my time is limited. 30 minutes is a long session for me. It takes half or more of that just to get to the starting line. One bad race race and my days worth of gaming is wasted.

 

[skydragon49]

Well, GT Sport is built around Sport Mode. The online portion is the main star of the game.

However I think it’s ok if the player doesn’t want to play the online thing. Competitive online gaming can be something harsh and hard to cope with. It’s ok.

The same player just gotta be aware that GTS is meant be an online competitive game, and for that the offline portion may not be as interesting and extensive as the other GT entries. Of course there’s livery editor, photo mode, arcade mode with custom races, in game achievements, cars to collect and GT league, and if the player can have fun with those options, it’s ok. Be a happy gamer. Games are supposed to be fun, if online playing is not fun for you, don’t go there. Simple as that.

 

[Slapped]

👍

Funny, but quite frankly I don’t see much in the way of real intelligence going on in sport mode, so I’ll take the artificial version thanks.

I had the same thing today. First 3 races I actually tried to race properly, but it seemed nobody else was interested in that. I was picking up penalties for getting knocked off the track left right and centre. One time I missed my braking point, and in order to not slam into the car in front I deliberately dumped my car off the track without hitting him - and I get a 5 second penalty for that even though the off track was considerably to my disadvantage.

I’ve found a way to game my SR though. I’m qualifying quite highly, so I need to be careful with this to not ruin somebody elses race, but what I do is as soon as the race starts is pull off the racing line, find a place to stop, and let everybody go past. I’ll then rejoin but not get any closer than 2 seconds to the car in front so it gives me, and the car, to react to any f’wittery going on up ahead. If they go off then I’ll stop and wait until they get going again.

It works. What I lost in SR in the first 3 races I regained later with the above strategy.

Remember folks, “only a fool breaks the 2 second rule.”

 

[Goetz]

Concerning OP opinion, I can totally relate. At first I was very intimidated as well, both by my apparent lack of skill/speed as well as the possibility of messing up someone elses race. Nonetheless, the key is to be bold and to jump right in. Conquer your fears. The best way to get better playing online is, well, by playing online (learning the tracks by heart is a close second).

Already I have had some good races (at the back end of the field) in Sport mode. Right now, as I am trying to clinch the Achievement with 15 clean races in a row, I always stick to the back of the field and even let faster cars pass.

However, with PD adding new cars and challenges in League mode, there are now plenty of things to do apart from Sport mode. I enjoy that, too.

 

[cjr3559]

Interesting comments so far. I wasn't sure the if the topic was interesting enough to garner many comments so my OP was short. My main issue is I'm married, have kids, have hobbies outside of gaming, and my time is limited. 30 minutes is a long session for me. It takes half or more of that just to get to the starting line. One bad race race and my days worth of gaming is wasted.

I’m confused why “intimidated” is in the thread title if time is the main issue. But time doesn’t appear to be a problem when COD and Destiny can be “played all day long”.

I agree that it takes too much time to find a daily race where I know the track and can be competitive, and then sometimes wait for the event to finally start, qualify and race. This online waiting is true in all the racing games I play. There’s simply no waiting offline.

 

[Goetz]

When short on time (which is the case most days), I dont bother to start up Sport mode. In order to get to my daily marathon as quickly as possible, I use a League or Arcade race or take a few shots at full laps in circuit experience.

 

[MikeTheHockeyFan]

Funny, but quite frankly I don’t see much in the way of real intelligence going on in sport mode, so I’ll take the artificial version thanks.

Yeah online competitive racing is not for everyone, especially when it’s matchmaking with randoms. If you think GT Sport is bad, try F1 2017 or other games with no penalty system or driver reputation.

That said, F1 for me provides the best AI racing experience on console. They did a great job immersing you in a race weekend. It makes it a lot easier to have that suspension of disbelief that you are racing a big pack of top race car drivers.

 

[TetsuKobura]

Yes because I don't have fun with fixed setups.

 

[Nando deBem]

Yeah online competitive racing is not for everyone, especially when it’s matchmaking with randoms. If you think GT Sport is bad, try F1 2017 or other games with no penalty system or driver reputation.

That said, F1 for me provides the best AI racing experience on console. They did a great job immersing you in a race weekend. It makes it a lot easier to have that suspension of disbelief that you are racing a big pack of top race car drivers.

I bought F1, because I was getting tired of the online and GTS AI is pretty bad. As I was not used to it, I started a career with the McLaren at 90% difficult. First race, qualified and finished 5th... with a McLaren. I know it’s not hardest setting, but it really threw me off. I thought 90% would be a lot harder. Then, kind of disappointed, I went back to GTS. It took me 3 days to get used to it again. I thought I would never be able to drive the same way I did before. Something is really different between those 2 games... but I started racing online again. Only 1 2-second penalty in 5 races and, incredibly, 4 wins.
I can’t go back to AI. Of course I get nervous and anxious, but that’s the fun of it. I know people have different objectives, but for me, if I’m sure I can do something, I don’t do it. There’s no need to do something I know I can do. There’s zero difference between playing a race in my mind and racing against GTS AI. Actually, in my mind is better, because I don’t waste so much time.

 

[Crazy Taylor]

Its the usual schtick. You will only be intimidated if you dont 'dip your toes' into sport mode. You only learn by doing.

 

[immortalmindz]

Ive had the game for just over a week, im not new to the series but have never raced online before. I spent the last week doing the license tests and playing through career just to get acquainted with the game. I wouldnt say its intimidation that was stopping me playing from online, more like myself being a little apprehensive due to not wanting to be the noob who gets in the way and wrecks races for others.

Anyway yesterday i bit the bullet and ventured into sport mode and im so glad i did, i joined the daily A race. Pantera around one of the tokyo circuits, up against a field of EB drivers which is what i expected, I qualified in pole and felt some nerves before race start lol. I messed up the start, basically i didnt anticipate the end of the auto drive, silly error really but finished in third after being punted into a wall twice but hey it was great fun. Took a breather redid the race, i redid qualifying and took a second off my initial qualifying time to get my second pole, this time i nailed the start and led the whole way to take my first win. I was buzzing.

To anyone that feels a little apprehensive or even intimidated about racing online id say give it a go, expect to be hit and you'll prob collide with others too but you have to start somewhere, the main thing i would say is make sure youre having fun. If you dont have fun with it then its not for you but def give it a try.

 

[Strax]

When short on time (which is the case most days), I dont bother to start up Sport mode

Same for me, I usually don't even bother thinking about Sport mode apart for the weekend. Not enough time to get acquainted to the car/track combo via qualifying laps, and then doing some racing. Usually it's GT League, circuit exp (still have to finish them lol) or time trialling to do the daily 40 kms.

 

[vxr58]

Kind of, yes. Mostly for the following reasons:

- I recognize that I am bad at this game
- I hate when I ruin someone else's race by mistake
- I don't have fun playing after realizing the above points

Hence why I play Sport mode very rarely. Sadly, Sport mode is required for the Platinum trophy, so I'll have to somehow play it, little by little. I try to stick to the one-make most of the time.

If you keep playing, you will become much better, very quickly.

 

[Racin-Rev]

I'm not intimidated by Sport Mode, but I have always preferred offline racing. I can choose cars and situations that make racing competitive even with relative low skill AI. However, I have been surprised by how much I do enjoy Sport Mode. I avoid certain tracks out of personal preference, but have found the racing fun. I don't win, but if I can advance 3-5 places I do feel that I am improving. It is nice that lapped cars are ghosted and that I am ghosted when the leaders reach me. I don't worry about upsetting their racing experience. It is also good to know that the non-ghosted cars are real competition for me and my position in the race.

 

[05XR8]

That was key for me in my first race. Staying calm. I didn't panic with me going off or cars gaining time on me. I enjoyed the immersion of flags and adjusting brake bias.

One thing I'm practicing more is engine mapping. With Pro AI, Endurance at 20 min, tire/fuel wear at +5, I'm having fun. About to turn wear up to 8.

 

[_ApexPredator]

The AI in both is probably way more convincing that racing against real people in GTS.

but what I do is as soon as the race starts is pull off the racing line, find a place to stop, and let everybody go past. I’ll then rejoin but not get any closer than 2 seconds to the car in front so it gives me, and the car, to react to any f’wittery going on up ahead. If they go off then I’ll stop and wait until they get going again.

Yep, that^ certainly sounds like some real racing to me

 

[Slapped]

Yep, that^ certainly sounds like some real racing to me

Yeah, I know, but I had to do that in order to get my SR up. Now I'm getting into good races with fair players - sure there's a nudge or two here and there but that's racing. My only problem now is that when an overtake opportunity arises I'm just too hesitant to make use of it.

I've also discovered that I'm not fast - at all. 20 years ago it was a different story where I was mostly well ahead of most of my friends who played GT 1, but on a world stage I doubt that I'm even close to average.

Still, I'm loving the challenge of taking my white 911 GT3 RS for enthusiastic Sunday drives around the tracks, my favourite being Alsace Village. That thing is a bit of a handful with no assists.

 

[englishbob]

Game designers have forgotten the offline player, so much so that everything is online or requires a server connection to survive. It will kill the retro market dead at some point. You won;t be able to fire up a game like Destiny for example in 10 years time and be able to play it past the title screen.

Most game genres now have woeful offline content, if at all. Most recent high profile games (the likes of something like Street Fighter V) just don't bother.

I wouldn't say I find online gaming intimidating, but since the early days of getting the "online bug" of playing against others on COD4, I've certainly learned not to bother using a headset anymore. People are idiots over a headset.