New to PC2 - which version to start with?

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Brego

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I have been a Gran Turismo player since GT1. This will be my first ever expo outside of GT.

There are several versions that I am aware of, there are some DLC packs too. Not sure what all is out there, and hence my question for this post: I am all about single player, not much for online. I care about cars and tracks and thats just about it. So... which version and DLC packs etc., should I be looking at?

In other words if I want a large car & track collection, what is the best (in your opinion) value for cost vs content package?
 
Definitely get the Duluxe Edition, it comes with all dlc (extra cars/tracks) it's not on sale at the moment so it'll cost you about £60 on psn.

The game is definitely worth that but considering it's Xmas soon they'll start running Xmas sales so keep an eye out as it'll probably drop to £30.

Saving £30 around Xmas time is always a bonus regardless of any title (unless you're rich) :)
 
The season pass by itself very rarely seems to go on sale if ever, but the deluxe edition does... so it's probably worth holding out for that if you are interested in the car and track DLC.
 
Thanks guys, I will definitely watch for the sale. I have never bought a digital copy of a game before, so next question is:

Between the downloaded digital copy from the Sony store vs. Retail purchase, is there any advantage/caveat to either choice?
 
I'm still waiting for release of a complete edition with all DLC included or for ps4 deluxe edition to go on sale/be available at reduced cost.

Tempted to just pick up pcars 1 complete edition for the $25 or so.

I'm such a cheapskate.
 
Mr Grumpy
Download you don't have to keep changing disk,
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This, and you don't have to store the case somewhere, which can become annoying after a few console generations. I have two cardboard boxes full of PS1, PS2 and PS3 games. Storing nostalgia away like this helped my decision to go fully digital on PS4, and physical copies have never been more underwhelming than they are nowadays (often no real manual etc).
 
Brego
is there any advantage/caveat to either choice?
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I used to prefer a physical copy at one time but now with faster connection speeds I generally stick to digital now.

Digital advantages and disadvantages.
  • Convenience - You don't have to move from your seat to buy it and it's delivered there and then. :)
  • You don't have have to insert & swap disks
  • It's quieter (no disk noise)
  • It's very slightly quicker loading.
  • You can't damage the disk.
  • If your internal disk player fails you can still play digital games.
  • -------------------------------------------------------------------------
  • You are stuck with the online stores prices - you can't shop around.
  • You can't sell/trade the game if you don't like it/finished it.
  • You don't get a physical manual (although it's rare that you do with disks these days)
  • Sometimes (on rare occasions) if the network is down you can't play the game due to licencing issues..
Of coarse with a disk you don't have to download the game in the first place but there's usually large patches that are required which sort of negates this though.

Brego
I will definitely watch for the sale.
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I'd recommend you to do that, even though it's a great game, as the other guys have said why pay full price when it's often in one of the reduced price sales. Saying that, if you can find a retail version cheaply it's worth considering even the base game. If you decide you don't like it you you wont have spent as much and if you do like it you can get the extra content later - in a reduced price sale.
 
While I wait, do you recommend starting with Project Cars first version to give me something to drive in the mean time? My other option is buy some bookcases organize my office and files and go for the non-bio-hazard-area ambience for a change.
 
In between your environmental detoxification you could try downloading the demo of PC2 which is available (on the PlayStation anyway), it'll sort of give you a rough idea of the game. But bear in mind it was released in November 2017 and since then there have been many improvements to the game - so don't base your opinion on it completely..

PC1 is still a decent game, especially in its Game of the Year form since it includes all the updates and added DLC. But again PC2 has improvements over it so it might be better to save your cash for that.
 
Brego
Between the downloaded digital copy from the Sony store vs. Retail purchase, is there any advantage/caveat to either choice?
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I'm a Luddite so I prefer physical copies of games! If like me you don't play many games and rarely use the PS4 to play movies, then removing discs and storage isn't a problem.

Personally I would recommend buying a physical copy of PC2 - if necessary from your local secondhand store. The Season Pass is often on sale, heavily discounted so buy that when it drops in price - probably just after Christmas. If you get the Season Pass you will also need to get the Japanese Pack - this is a small pack which is included in the Deluxe edition, but is not in the Season Pass as it was a free pre-order bonus - it will only cost a few dollars.

Personally I think money spent on PC1 is a waste - much better to spend that money on a copy of PC2 (physical or digital). I enjoyed PC1 thoroughly, but there is really no point in playing it if you have access to PC2.
 
Get the one with all DLCs of course. It is worth indeed.

Also, and despite some folks will not agree with this, you will also need a wheel to properly play this game (project cars is definitely made to be played with a wheel regardless some may disagree. You will notice this overwhelming fact straight away the moment you try). So if you can afford one then it will be double win for you. And if you have one already, then what are you waiting for?, jump in pc2 already! : - D
 
fernandito
Get the one with all DLCs of course. It is worth indeed.

Also, and despite some folks will not agree with this, you will also need a wheel to properly play this game (project cars is definitely made to be played with a wheel regardless some may disagree. You will notice this overwhelming fact straight away the moment you try). So if you can afford one then it will be double win for you. And if you have one already, then what are you waiting for?, jump in pc2 already! : - D
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I'll disagree for starters :) I've got 900+ hours in the game, every single one of those on a pad, and I'm still enjoying the hell out of it. Don't get me wrong - I don't doubt for a second that I'd be getting even more out of it with a wheel, but I haven't once felt that I need a wheel to enjoy the game.
 
gregc
I'll disagree for starters :) I've got 900+ hours in the game, every single one of those on a pad, and I'm still enjoying the hell out of it. Don't get me wrong - I don't doubt for a second that I'd be getting even more out of it with a wheel, but I haven't once felt that I need a wheel to enjoy the game.
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I'll add to that, obviously a wheel is smoother & yes a wheel is better & yes it's a sim so it'll feel more immersive, but by no means is it less enjoyable using a controller.

Me, with a controller in the rain.
I also own/use a TX when I can be bothered to get it out.
 
gregc
Not really no (though @Mr Grumpy clearly does!) - in fact personally I'd be perfectly happy if all the street cars disappeared to make room for more race cars...
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heh just as I expected. You need a wheel in pc2 to drive street cars properly at their full capabilities.

A wheel should also imrpove your enjoyment with racing cars too in pc2. Just give it a go if you can, a friend or something that also plays pc2 and has a wheel. If you like it, then be advised a t300 wheel (best performance/price wheel out there) is very cheap right now, and almost perfect deal.

You will need many months to adjust of course once jumping in a wheel, and many times you will think on dropping it and go back pad. I had to tell you the not that happy part about getting a wheel too : - D But if you suceed in the adaptation procces, there's no turning back you'll see
 
fernandito
heh just as I expected. You need a wheel in pc2 to drive street cars properly at their full capabilities.

A wheel should also imrpove your enjoyment with racing cars too in pc2. Just give it a go if you can, a friend or something that also plays pc2 and has a wheel. If you like it, then be advised a t300 wheel (best performance/price wheel out there) is very cheap right now, and almost perfect deal.

You will need many months to adjust of course once jumping in a wheel, and many times you will think on dropping it and go back pad. I had to tell you the not that happy part about getting a wheel too : - D But if you suceed in the adaptation procces, there's no turning back you'll see
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The reason I don't bother with street cars is not because I can't drive them, it's because they don't interest me. I have no idea how good/bad/indifferent I'd be with one on my pad because I've never tried...

I have tried PC2 with a wheel several times, and of course it's great, but there is no point me getting one because it would just gather dust - most of my game time is when I'm away from home in hotels, and a full wheel and pedal set is not the most portable thing in the world. There's no need to try to convert me lol, I'm quite comfortable playing with my pad (in VR, which is portable enough to use on the road :))
 
Imo, a cheap wheel is worse than no wheel. I have a G29 and just taking any average car for a lap around Nurburgring is quite satisfying and relaxing, but I can see where street cars would be underwhelming without a wheel.
 
gregc
The reason I don't bother with street cars is not because I can't drive them, it's because they don't interest me. I have no idea how good/bad/indifferent I'd be with one on my pad because I've never tried...

I have tried PC2 with a wheel several times, and of course it's great, but there is no point me getting one because it would just gather dust - most of my game time is when I'm away from home in hotels, and a full wheel and pedal set is not the most portable thing in the world. There's no need to try to convert me lol, I'm quite comfortable playing with my pad (in VR, which is portable enough to use on the road :))
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Believe me I couldn't be less interested in converting you or anyone else. I was just telling you where the true strength of pc2 lies, which is precisely on the street cars and the pirelli street tyre model, not the racing cars and slicks, which model and physics is fine too for the most part of GT categories featured, but definitely overshadowed by the new street tyre model the game shipped with. It's not me that is missing this anyway.

There's other racing games to be enjoyed with a controller such as the amazing Driveclub, the old but immortal PGR4 and Forza Horizon. PC2 is, precisely, about the other way around regarding the necessity of a wheel to enjoy it as its fullest.

Hey, no mind control. Worry not.
 
I always think a physical disc is better because, if you move on to PC3 or some other newer game in a while, you can always 'gift' some less fortunate friend or a younger family member with the disk. Can't do that with a digital d/l. You just have to erase it to save HD space...

I think, when talking to someone coming from GT (especially someone who went through GT5/6 before they got GTS) that a little understanding of street car racing culture is needed. TBH, this is an area where I feel PC2 could improve significantly... Sure all us 'hardcore' users (you know who you think you are!) couldn't care less about low power street cars. But for the beginning player, for those with pads, for those coming from more forgiving simcade titles, a wider and deeper selection of low power daily drivers helps make the transition to PC2 and it's more hardcore physics, tire model, curb behavior and collision physics a lot easier...

Easing new players into the game benefits us ALL! New players now are more decent opponents later, as long as the game welcomes them without so violent a transition learning curve. More lower power street cars is the GT way. And, let's face it, the GT way has succeeded far better than the SMS way in a pure 'numbers playing' metric.
 
I went ahead and got PC to get my feet wet and wow is it different from what I am used to. I am finding it a little difficult to navigate, and the wheel calibration is going to take some work too. I've only run 2 kart races. First race the steering was so severe it took me 10 restarts just to finish 3rd. Then I calibrated and now it takes a full turn of the wheel to make it around a corner.

Is this par for the course?

not complaining, just asking. I fully expect there to be some learning curve going from GT1-GTS and jumping into PC (literally) feet first.
 
Brego
I went ahead and got PC
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Do you mean Pcars 1 Brego? If so then yes, its menus were somewhat cumbersome and the FFB settings are quite complex! PC2 is much improved on both counts.

There will be a transition period where you have to learn that you need to drive in a different way to GT. More controlled I suppose. Once it clicks you'll hopefully have fun.

If it is PC1 and if you'd like I'll post up some settings I use for my G29 (I see you use one) which I found transformed the feel of the game.

Oh and the karts are tricky little things in both games. Try something else to begin with.
 
Brego
I went ahead and got PC to get my feet wet and wow is it different from what I am used to. I fully expect there to be some learning curve going from GT1-GTS and jumping into PC (literally) feet first.
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I recommend forgetting the karts for now and starting with a Ford Escort RS 1600 - the reason - this is a car which reacts more slowly so that you get time to learn about the feel and handling. Spend plenty of time with the Ford at tracks which you know well. When you get the hang of this car the game will be very enjoyable. After a few hours with the Ford, try the BMW 2002 SW - this has a lot more power and race tyres, but is a delight to handle. Avoid the very high powered race and road cars. I recommend starting in cockpit view with all aids off in the Ford.

The big difference with GT is that it can take quite a long time to adjust your personal driving to each car and much greater care in driving and knowledge of physics, especially weight transfer is required - early braking, setting the car up for the corner and smooth throttle and brake inputs are much more important than with GT - this can be frustrating, but also very satisfying!
 
IfAndOr
I used to prefer a physical copy at one time but now with faster connection speeds I generally stick to digital now.

Digital advantages and disadvantages.
  • Convenience - You don't have to move from your seat to buy it and it's delivered there and then. :)
  • You don't have have to insert & swap disks
  • It's quieter (no disk noise)
  • It's very slightly quicker loading.
  • You can't damage the disk.
  • If your internal disk player fails you can still play digital games.
  • -------------------------------------------------------------------------
  • You are stuck with the online stores prices - you can't shop around.
  • You can't sell/trade the game if you don't like it/finished it.
  • You don't get a physical manual (although it's rare that you do with disks these days)
  • Sometimes (on rare occasions) if the network is down you can't play the game due to licencing issues..
Of coarse with a disk you don't have to download the game in the first place but there's usually large patches that are required which sort of negates this though.


I'd recommend you to do that, even though it's a great game, as the other guys have said why pay full price when it's often in one of the reduced price sales. Saying that, if you can find a retail version cheaply it's worth considering even the base game. If you decide you don't like it you you wont have spent as much and if you do like it you can get the extra content later - in a reduced price sale.
Click to expand...


-Mmmm on PS4 a physical disk install all data on the HDD.... Once installed it occupies the same as the digital version.

-Once installed the phisycal disk is only used as "boot disk", so once you are in the game the disk stops running and the game load all data from HDD equal as digital copy.

-Loading isn't faster... To improve loading times you can change the internal HDD to a hybrid HDD or some external Hard drive also load a bit faster.

.. So only advantage of digital game is that you don't have to swap disks .
Because good promotions and sales you have them on both formats.
And the advantage of the physical game is that you can lean it to a friend or sale it.
 
Brego
I went ahead and got PC to get my feet wet and wow is it different from what I am used to. I am finding it a little difficult to navigate, and the wheel calibration is going to take some work too. I've only run 2 kart races. First race the steering was so severe it took me 10 restarts just to finish 3rd. Then I calibrated and now it takes a full turn of the wheel to make it around a corner.

Is this par for the course?

not complaining, just asking. I fully expect there to be some learning curve going from GT1-GTS and jumping into PC (literally) feet first.
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Skip karting. For now, at least. Sick's advice about the Escort and 2002 are good, to which I'd add the Ginetta G40 Junior and other low power racers. Stay away from the super and hypercars. Stay away from weather and night. Learn the tracks, and learn the curb behavior (probably one of the things most different from GT6/S). Low power open wheelers like the 1967 Lotus Type 51 are also excellent in cockpit mode without being difficult to control.

Make sure your wheel is set to full 1080, not 900 degrees, before you calibrate. That one caught me out for a while (used to be a 900 deg. player in other games). If you want a tighter or looser responsiveness, do it in the tuning menu, not on the wheel itself.

And don't worry too much about keeping the AI set to one setting. They vary wildly from group to group, and track to track, so if you beat them easily on one track and they thrash you on another, it's not you..! If you find yourself leading by half a lap, or trailing by half a lap (with consistent times), don't feel obliged to finish the race. Exit, adjust the strength slider and try again.

Before you run a career race, go to Quick Race and run it enough laps to get the track and your times consistent. Don't worry too much about winning. Just get a rhythm, watch your lap-times drop until they don't, then go run the career race, and adjust the AI until you are battling close to the end for the win!

Avoid cold weather racing at first. It takes care in tuning to get the tires warm enough to not be a Zamboni in low temps! Get a good feel for the car and tires in optimal weather before you explore more extreme settings. You've got to know what the car SHOULD do before you can compare to what it actually is doing!

And definitely listen to your crew chief! He's not kidding about taking it easy the first few laps until everything is warmed up... This is completely different from GTS (although GT6 did model some cold tire behavior after you pitted, but nothing as extreme as PC2) and often catches out the impatient.

As when you first started on GT, it pays to work your way up to the fire breathing top cars. Lessons learned now pay off bigtime later on... :P
 
I think the most engaging, always adrenaline based and rewarding car in pc1 was Formula B.

If you are going to play pc1 instead of 2, then I suggest you try taming this car and discovering the differences between its two set of tyres.

Drifting was not entirely possible in pc1 due to its street tyre model, so pc2 was like a blessing for factory racing. But in pc1, i think you will find the also greatness of this game in FB.
 
fernandito
heh just as I expected. You need a wheel in pc2 to drive street cars properly at their full capabilities.
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You need a wheel to drive any type of car to its 100% full capabilities in just about any sim. Kind of a pointless statement when it's the reason why FFB wheels exist in the first place.

Nevertheless, with my settings, driving roadcars in PCARS2 is only about as challenging as a typical console racing game...and plenty more than satisfying and enjoyable enough. I appreciate the street tire model SMS put into this game the same as you do.
 

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