[disc]What Makes a Racing Game Great?

[R1TAL1N]

I am currently considering making a racing game, but I already in the midst of a project, so I am only in the planning stages. I 'm not even sure if I will make it or not, but I wanted to know...What do you think makes a racing game great? If I decide not to make the game, anyone who is interested in doing it with art and concept from me is welcome to contact me. (don't I sound like such a little businessman?)

[Pugger]

fun

[R1TAL1N]

lol...but what elements of a racing game make it fun do you think?

[Pugger]

Well it all depends on what you are aiming at - realism or arcade. I like arcade (honestly can't stand simulations), I like mad jumps, insane hand brake turns, speed, speed, speed! But thats me, I don't play racing games very much so I am not the person to reply.

Micromachines would be an example of fun.

[R1TAL1N]

ok, I was definately going for arcadey so that works perfectly. another question...I am using hovercraft type vehicles, so should I use code like that in asteriods(modified of course)?

[Pugger]

I suppose

[R1TAL1N]

ok, thx.

[mprimmer]

I think just needs to have something on the side... like car upgrades and such,,, customize cars. you know. Thats the sort of stuff that keeps people playing for hours and coming back.

[stevz©_]

HypreSpeed

I was actually looking to do a Mario Kart version (snes) of this... You consider the idea if you will.

Physics... All about the MAD physics!

[The_Mercenary]

Speed makes a racing game fun.
Here is a game I'm working on. Its just for a collab, but i think I might make this into something bigger, like have different modes, customizable cars, etc.
http://www.zippyvideos.com/157870372572545.html

[R1TAL1N]

That HypraSpeed game is a lot like the one i was going to do. I want weapons though, and probably no online multiplayer.

[adi4x]

What Makes a Racing Game Great?

- car realistic movements !
- inteligent racers
- good sounds and music + graphics ... sure
- fun should go well... we are not using The 3D capabilities of our video cards so this flash games are never going to compete those games (for example).
but good ideeas could...

PS: I would like something like Carmagedon I

[PhobiK]

items, crashes, improving your vehicle, slopes & speed!!!!

[WilloughbyJackson]

I dislike most race games (at least in Flash)...yet I'm making one...isn't it ironic... don't you think?

Anyhow, I LOVE the Burnout series. I think it's a fine example of a race game for people who hate race games.

Things I don't like about race games (once again, in Flash):
- The AI is too darn perfect. The AI makes every turn absolutely PERFECTLY. If you mess up just once, you lose the race.
- Too hard to control. While speeding, if I try to turn left or right, I overshoot the turn. Often times, I end up facing the other way. Most games, I have never gotten the feel for the control. While games like GTA, Gran Tursimo, Burnout, even older games like Power Drift and Outrunners, I was able to get use to the controls.
- Not interesting collision detection/crashing/etc.. Most Flash games I've played, have the simple "you hit the grass and you bounce off", which is very old school, but rather annoying. Others, you crash when you hit the grass.
-No shortcuts, jumps, car damage or crashing...
-Tracks are often very uninteresting and dull. Big green land with a black road in the middle.. woo-hoo...

Okay... That's my list of what I dislike. I am not a customization freak, so I'd rather have great gameplay, then be able to create the "perfect" car.

-pXw

[The_Mercenary]

Dude! My game is based on burnout! Check it out.

[WilloughbyJackson]

Do you want some feedback, The_Mercenary?

[R1TAL1N]

If I make this game, how should I go about making the checkpoints? Thx for all the feedback, I think I am going to take this project on after all.

[WilloughbyJackson]

Depends.

Checkpoints can be done as a physical target that you need to get to, or just something invisible on the track to make sure the person doesn't take any cheap shortcuts (in an overhead game)...

[R1TAL1N]

I mean like visible checkpoints used in a overhead game to keep the player from taking cheap shortcuts.

[WilloughbyJackson]

If your asking me how to make it, I have no clue, since I've only just started on my racing engine again.

However, I think someone was working on an FAQ for it. (Search for Racing in FKG forum) Also, I think there's one on Flash Kit in the movies section, I think. Since I'm work from scratch (as always), I have no clue if it's good or not.