Hello!
I think that I should write a few words of what I feel vdrift is.
I hope that this might help the developers of the game...
First things first:
My system is: PowerMac G5, dual 2GHz, 2.5GB RAm, Radeon X850XT, Mac OS 10.4.7
1. installation was a beeze. Ulike most other open source projects, which require you to not only download the app/game, but also to compile it on your own, or also download a library of this and that, vdrift is self contained. Big plus.
2. The munu system is ...ugly. It works, its simple, yet most of the options that I could care for are present and working. I can set the resolution, keys etc without using a console or changing a .ini file.
Good work.
3. Game physics are terrible. My closest comparison of the cars and tracks is Total immersion racing. By playing one after another it seems that the cars of vdift are hover cars. Mush less control at both high and low speeds.
I can not say if this is due to the car's properties, the tracks, or the games, but something IS wrong.
4. Graphics are poor. blocky landscapte, cut out trees and spectators.
But on the other hand I have a good frame rate (never below 80, and often 100) so I am sure that the engine is good, and the graphics CAN be improved. Right now, they are certainly not ready for prime time.
5. Sounds are non existant. The same wroom being used on all cars, and being terrible at that.
Overall I think that vdrift feels very unfinished, but it works.
I have not experienced any show-stopping bugs (not one crash!!!) and everything is "working" it may look funny, but it does work!
requests for future versions:
1. New menu design.
Not only a complelty new graphica idea, with some nice profesional designm but, I would also like to be able to see what key I assigned gear 1 to, and not seeing a graphical "X" Also, clear words such as "on" and "off" instead of the joystick icons, or the balls that are grey or white. Similarly a new mouse cursor is needed.
2. Finish a few tracks. Most of the tracks look unfinished, and some have stragne bugs that make them undriveble. On monaco track, for instance, there is a place, where if I hit the curb, the car is spun around like its inside of a barrel ??!!
3. Finish some cars. I would like to see a complete interior, with dials inside the dashboard, and a seering wheel that turned.
Overall, a higher quality is better than a higher quantity.
So, I wont cry if you take out a few cars and tracks in order to improve the quality level of the game.
4. Improved physics.
5. Damage
Final thoughts directed at the developers:
I do understand the concept of opensource, however, even though it is free, you, the developers are still selling the game.
You MUST "sell" the game to us players. You must make us interested in the game, and keep us interested in it. Why ? in order to create a comunity.
As a project continues, it grows, and as it grows more people are needed to add to the project! And the only way to get more people involved is if they are interested in the project!
Final words:
Very Very Good Work!!
