RFactor2's innovative physics and ambitious new weather and track dynamics may keep serious sim racers like myself logging seat time, but that goodwill will dissipate quickly if some of these more glaring deficiencies aren't dealt with quickly. Graphics are similarly hit-and-miss and, while the new HDR, bloom, and heat-distortion effects represent an upgrade from rFactor1, rough edges like unconvincing wet-weather visuals and an absence of detail on some of the cars is off-putting. There's no career or championship mode to engage you, so you're limited to single-weekend events against the well-behaved AI or a sparsely populated (albeit smooth) multiplayer game that's still a work in progress.
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It's the most mod-friendly racing simulation out there, so that sparse collection should increase exponentially as the modding community starts contributing.Īs much as I enjoyed rFactor2's extensively configurable solo race format, there isn't any sort of proper gameplay structure. There are only eight tracks in the current release - four modern circuits, a trio of classic '60s venues, and the fictional Mills Metro Park carryover from rFactor1 - and, although none of the real-world locales can claim the laser-scanned accuracy of iRacing, they're still convincing representations. RFactor is the most mod-friendly racing simulation out there. For others, I found it playable with a joystick (or even a gamepad) but I had to employ physics-deadening aids like traction control and ABS brakes to accommodate them. Cars behave realistically and predictably - a '68 F1 machine on treaded bias-ply tires isn't going to brake or corner on par with a modern single-seater - and each racing class provides a distinct and singular driving experience that'll absolutely delight wheel and pedal-equipped gamers. Solid physics are the cornerstone of any quality racing simulation, and rFactor2 handily delivers the goods here. There's a wonderful liveliness to the driving model that both challenges and entertains. Each machine boasts its own unique driving dynamics, and mastering them demands time and patience, but I found my efforts rewarded. Vehicle selection isn't huge, but there's an interesting cross section of classes, including modern sedans and GT cars (Renault Megane and Clio, Nissan 370Z and GT-R, Chevrolet Corvette C.6R) modern formula cars (Skip Barber 2000, Formula Renault, Williams F2, and a generic F1 machine) as well as some vintage open-wheel 1966 to 1968 F1, F2, and F3 racers. Unfinished or not, there's quite a bit of meat to rFactor2 despite its woeful lack of presentation and side dishes. That price gets you get the complete game plus one year of online multiplayer ($12 per year thereafter, or you can buy an $85 version that comes with a lifetime subscription). This highly anticipated sequel to 2005's rFactor has carried a "work in progress" beta tag since 2011, but ISI recently decided to remove that label and sell it for $44. rFactor 2 remains far from finished, but it's now officially available for retail purchase (thus the review).