Racing vs. Hotlapping

[TheJohnNewton]

I started out only hot lapping and running career.  Then when I finished both of those I turned my focus to online races (still need about $290k to finish the million online winnings achievement).  At first I sucked badly because I had no clue how to deal with the traffic.  Slowly I've leanred that patience is usually rewarded as most people either crash or get crashed by others at least once during a race.  Just not crashing for the entire race will most likely get you on the podium.

Now that I'm comfortable online I find quite often I'll set a new best time while racing.  If I can get out in front then the race essentially turns into a hot lap session.  At first I was a bit slower but after learning the cars and tracks better I can pretty mush push my limits and still stay in control.  So I'd say it takes the same basic skills but online racing has some additional ones, dealing with the traffic, being consistent and getting off the line.

Oh and I can't stand crashes turned off.  I hate that you can't see a darn thing if you go through another car.  It really throws me off.  I prefer min damage because driving with a damanged car is no fun either.

[Spiny Anteater]

...Oh and I can't stand crashes turned off.  I hate that you can't see a darn thing if you go through another car.  It really throws me off.  I prefer min damage because driving with a damanged car is no fun either.

I'm with you on both those points TJN. I don't know about you but with collisions off I still end up trying to avoid the other cars It can also come as a shock to be running along and suddenly some other driver appears in the middle of your car - sort of a high-speed pick-up taxi service.

Thile I would like to have full sim damage, I would agree that limited works best for online, partly because there will always be some pillock entering the room for a crashfest and partly because when you're racing real people, there is less predicatability than racing the AI so accidents are more likely to happen.

[JG4tr]

I like cosmetic. Nobody likes limping a damaged car around the track, especially if it wasn't you that caused the damage.

[fndrbndr]

I'd use similation damage if I just had to deter the wreck-happy folks once.  However, there's an endless supply of them online.  I'm also running more and more rooms made up mainly of friends from this site...hehe.

[Ske]

Cosmetic if there are randoms in the room, limited with friends only.

I participate in an touring car series with 25 lap races and full damage... and it's no fun.. in fact I've more or less retired from the series, because of the slightly erratic nature of controllers and random lag spikes we basically have to stay at least a few meters apart or risk instant red bodywork - it's like watching F1. I think a little bit of body contact should be allowed without costing you the race - like real touring car racing. If the damage scaled a bit better it could be fun, but sim damage as it is too much like that scene from "Top Secret"

Limited damage still hurts if you slam hard, but the little paint scratches won't ruin your day. Just right, if you ask me... It's a game after all.