DTM Experience Initial Thoughts

[Nox]

Hi all,

So, I installed DTM Experience and got going, doing a little time (not long) at Hockenheim. I'm not one of those people that just is a fanboy, or bitches and moans about stuff. But this time, I want to share my (DTM) experience. Here's my initial thoughts on it.

Pros:
Graphics look nice
The sounds are quite good
It runs smooth on my computer (GTX 680, if I remember right)

Cons:
NO PIT STOPS - I mean, nada, nothing. No tyre changes, no repairs, no pit strategy. If you drive into the pit lane the game just drives you right through like a drive through penalty. SimBin, this is unacceptable. I heard the rumours this might be the case but I thought that would be like releasing a Call of Duty game without guns. Of all the things you haven't got, like multiplayer, releasing a motor sports game without pitstops is nothing short of shameful.

Too much stuff on screen - There's position boards, fastest laps, and all sorts of race 'info' flickering around the place all the time it's very easy to get distracted by one and make a mistake. It's like racing from inside a slot machine.

Harsh cut rules - Playing on Get Real (I want no traction, brake help, etc) you so much as just get deep into a corner and run wide off track, even when it COSTS you time, you get a cut-track warning. A few of these and it's a drive through. I agree that cutting the track should be punished, but not if I just make a mistake and miss the corner, lose time, positions, etc.

There's more stuff I am disappointed about, but I am going to cut it here so that it doesn't end up being a rant thread. This is NOT a DTM Experience at all. I was fine to get this game even without multiplayer, but I expected a game, complete, with a full, you guessed it, 'DTM Experience'. How can that be without pitstops?

They've released a game that is very disappointing, especially considering the high price point (I had money for one game this season, and regret my choice). I'll put some more hours into it so I'm not going to be unfair and not give it fair chance, see how it pans out, but I kind of feel ripped off. 40 euros is already high for a game. It feels like nothing more than an alpha version of DTM Experience 2014. My initial recommendation: Save your cash.

If 2014 version doesn't have pit stops or multi player, it's the last time I spend a cent on new SimBin stuff. They haven't even bothered replying to stuff on here, or to the contact form I filled out on their website days ago. It's almost as if they know it's crap and they're avoiding customers.

 

[Ernie]

I know the direction the ffb is going and physics guys (Marko and Mark) are doing a good job.

Oh boy, you love to tease us.

 

[James Cook]

Hi all.....after the start of e rl season 2014 i thougt i give dtm ex a chance again as assetto is my favourite sim... I like the atmosphere and the sound of the cars.....i feel immediatly comftable on the car BUT, ffb need for my opinion some modifications....for me i miss the little step which makes me "feel immersed" in the car and feel the car as assetto ot does
I spend houres with modifications on the ffb setting,ingame,on the wheel and driver....i'm almost there bit it needs just a tiny bit....
Overall i'm happy with it,but for the 2014 update pitstops is a must have! Looking forward for mp

Ps: sorry for my english

Agreed, FFB is a little lacking compared to AC and not even in the same league as rF2, but if it's being worked on then I look forward seeing it improve.

 

[Doni Bellafronte]

Agreed, FFB is a little lacking compared to AC and not even in the same league as rF2, but if it's being worked on then I look forward seeing it improve.

btw: i use also the CSR with CSP V2
saving Money for the CSW

 

[Blkout]

I played DTME for a while last night. Raced 4-5 single races, really enjoyed it. The AI is aggressive, they do like to bump and push. Multiplayer should be a lot of fun, the AI provides a good challenge most of the time, but if you drive really clean, you can usually pull ahead and stay ahead.

 

[Mika Kerttula]

Hard playing with this game and I broke my TH8RS. First shifter didn't go neutral and then it broke up from bottom where gear changing happens, It was terrible moment I gotta say many rude words. I didn't stay on fire and I changed gears to flaps. My times went better after that and my weakness on Brand Hatch and Lausitzring times became better than earlier. I'm waiting multiplayer. I also change steering lock to 24 and more Basherboards braking parts to have better braking touch,

 

[Blkout]

Just use paddles to shift. The nice thing about Simbin games is that they give you the option to use whatever method you want to shift regardless if its the same in real life.

 

[UOPshadow]

Any news about Pitstops and an AI slider?

Besides that:
After all I think R3E has it all. For me it's the top sim, together with AC. Really love the cars, the tracks, the driving, graphics, performance, all of it. SP will be perfect for me with these options and then even AC is second place for me, until they catch up. Can't wait for the ADAC GT Masters.

 

[Justin Swan]

I think I most excited to see the WTCC pack. Although I love DTM, My sim racing bug started with Race Pro then on to Race 07 so I see this as the next step

 

[Andy Kettler]

If someone wants to be in the current MP Alpha Test > PN me

 

[Peter]

If someone wants to be in the current MP Alpha Test > PN me

Thx, I will.

 

[Andy Kettler]

lol xD

 

[Justin Swan]

If someone wants to be in the current MP Alpha Test > PN me

I might be up for some DTM fun this evening (UK)

 

[Andy Kettler]

Nice.

 

[Azfalt Raser]

I've been playing F1 (2011, 2012...). But I love DTM.

Here's why I won't be buying this game.

I won't buy anymore games that I can't play as a STAND ALONE. I had times my internet has gone down or not had internet.

AND I won't play games that require a subscription.

simple.

As for my impressions of the Oschersleben Demo:

Things I liked.
Decent Graphics
Great sound effects (except for AI cars)
Awesome how I can adjust brake bias from my steerring wheel, during my hot laps.

Almost everything worked for me. When I turned on the steering wheel vibration (when the car idles), even though I turned the in-game setting off, the steering wheel continued to vibrate. Can't seem to turn it off now. It only affects me when playing late at night. Neighbors get testy.

Things I didn't like.
Car Setup menus are abit strange to be intuitive.
"Toe In front" shown on car setup menu.
a) It's already listed under Front Suspention.
b) is it "Toe in"?
c) Why not Toe Adjustment?
nitpicky, I know.

the arrows for the car setup menus
Is the left arrow to increase or decrease? Some items have numeric values so you know. But what about splitter or wing? 2 clicks down means more downforce or less? Again, for someone not familiar with this game, it would be confusing.

Cockpit view
I like playing racing games from cockpit views. I have a 23" monitor. Yet I have to look through the windshield and see what is basically the size of a cellphone screen from 36 inches away.

Move the HUD from the corner

Eyefinity support

What is with the invalid lap for being slightly off course. Isn't losing time or track position enough of a penalty?

Please add DAMAGE

Make the cars just alittle bit less nervous.

Right now, DTM Experience is just an Arcade game with some extra features. It could be great though.

 

[Majuh]

Cockpit view
I like playing racing games from cockpit views. I have a 23" monitor. Yet I have to look through the windshield and see what is basically the size of a cellphone screen from 36 inches away.

You can move your seat position with key bindings that you define in your steering profile.

What is with the invalid lap for being slightly off course. Isn't losing time or track position enough of a penalty?

I think the cutting rules are perfectly fine in Get Real mode. For less strict rules, there's Amateur mode.

Please add DAMAGE

Damage was implemented in the Multiplayer Alpha demo; I think it is also implemented in the full game.

 

[Gavin Hendley]

If someone wants to be in the current MP Alpha Test > PN me

What is the deal with this testing, I seemed to have missed all this, is it over now?

 

[William Wester]

What is the deal with this testing, I seemed to have missed all this, is it over now?

Yes, I believe it's over now. I was able to play a couple days ago, haven't had time to try since but my understanding it was ending very soon - if not already.

You must not follow the SinBin forums:

Hey guys,

If some of you are interested in joining the test phase in WIP application and wasn't part of the previous Closed Beta period, feel free to PM me here and I'll send you a Steam key.

Same for friends. If you have some friends you would like to involve in the testing phase, feel free to PM me.

The more the merrier for testing .

 

[Gavin Hendley]

Where was that posted? I don't troll the threads looking for something I didn't know was happening. Thanks for the info

 

[William Wester]

That particular post was in the SimBin\RaceRoom Racing Experience thread.

 

[Bryan O'Connor]

Right so i bought it. I wasn't going to as i thought Multi Player would only be in 2014 version. And being a tight git the Steam sale sealed the deal .

BAD:
AI is Gran Turismo-like in that they follow each other 4 inches from each others bumper and never make a mistake trying to pass fellow AI.
I consider myself very middle of the road sim racer. Usually crack top 150 on the Leaderboard challenges but so far against AI i have finished nothing better than 20th . Too hard! We're not all aliens. I play on Get Real as i don't want any assists that aren't on the real car.
No menu music or sounds. I know this might be petty, but come one! The first time i fired the game up i wondered if my speakers were broken!
No Multi Player filters i.e filter out sessions that are Amateur etc

GOOD:
It's the DTM.
Physics are great (as are all SimBin games).
AI when around the player will give you a nudge now and then to let you know they are there and will go for a gap. Very realistic.
DTM Overlays make you feel like you are there.
Sound.
Graphics.
Multi Player!


Overall i am very happy and with a Multi Player that doesn't have a gazillion Mods and tracks to choose from there is always a race to be had. And so far it seems smooth and consistent. Great job so far.

Great licence and they have done a superb job of it imho. I'm now really looking forward to their other Experiences (pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease do V8 Supercars. )

I know a few of you SimBin guys frequent this Forum and probably already know recently with RRRE i have been quite critical, but i will say this is a job very well done.
I think i have owned every game you guys have made (yes even Race Pro) and this is up there in terms of the whole package.