rFactor
This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2016) |
rFactor | |
---|---|
Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
Release |
|
Genre(s) | Racing simulation |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
rFactor is a
rFactor was developed by Image Space Incorporated (ISI), which has been developing simulators since the early 1990s for both commercial and military purposes. The isiMotor2 on which the game is based is a direct successor to the engine used in previous titles developed by ISI, most notably F1 Challenge '99–'02, released through EA Sports. The isiMotor2 engine was also used in many other simulation games, and in rFpro.[1]
Gameplay
rFactor has a detailed interface during offline race sessions or online games, allowing players to control the mechanical
General consensus dictates that a
Modding
In addition to the stock vehicles and circuits available in rFactor, a steady stream of unofficial mods has become available. A large number of modifications were released, including ones that recreated seasons from
Development
rFactor is an evolution of . As such, rFactor's initial release only included four fictitious circuits (seven as of v1.087), with about a dozen layouts within these facilities and there were about six vehicle classes, including two open wheel and four sedan classes. Among its most notable features was a rich interface for creating custom game contents, which made it possible for amateurs to create additional vehicles and tracks for the game. In August 2006, ISI released the full update, with many changes and new features, including the new 2006 BMW Sauber F1 and a much requested manual. Another notable and often requested feature was driver-swapping, which allowed to change drivers during the race, enabling up to 24 hour events like Le Mans.
A feature was added to allow the AI to "learn a track", which teaches the AI the ideal way to drive a particular circuit. As of v1.150,
F1 Challenge proved to be popular for online racing over the Internet through GameSpy, which allowed any player to find available games. rFactor has extended this in several ways. The central server is handled by ISI themselves, so finding other games is effectively the same, but the central server will show all races and practice sessions over a web interface known as Racecast. There are also career statistics available for registered drivers. The game server can be run from a dedicated program, free from the need to render graphics. It can run mixtures of human and computer controlled (AI) vehicles.
In an evolution from F1 Challenge, the circuits now include all layouts at a particular facility, which greatly reduces the need to duplicate track geometry. The game can easily accommodate different sorts of vehicles and games between multiple classes of vehicles are possible. rFactor also has a plugin-interface for third-party addons to hook in, which allows for features like screen-overlays or radio chatter.
rFactor was also released on the Steam distribution service in March 2015, with an updated version n. 1255G that introduced some new features.[5][6][7]
Reception
Aggregator | Score |
---|---|
GameRankings | 86%[8] |
Publication | Score |
---|---|
HonestGamers | 8/10[9] |
In the first review of rFactor, published on AutoSimSport, Jon Denton stated: "What the tire model in rFactor does very well is that it models the relationship between slip angle, self aligning torque and cornering force - and it does this better than anything that has come before".
Writing on HonestGamers, Paul Josua concluded: "It's a little unfair to hold rFactor's lack of accessibility against it as it has clearly set out to be a simulation racer. It does a fine job of that, but those who don't demand flawless simulation are better served looking elsewhere".[9]
rFactor was a finalist for
Sequel
ISI developed rFactor 2, which includes weather effects, reflections and accurate shadows on a variety of textures. It was released on March 28, 2013.
See also
- ARCA Sim Racing '08
- GT Legends
- GTR 2 – FIA GT Racing Game
- NASCAR Racing 2003 Season
- rFactor 2
- Simraceway
References
- ^ History of the Image Space Inc. Software Engine, at imagespaceinc.com
- ^ v1150 Update Released!, 01.08.06
- ^ rFactor Update Version 1.250, rfactor.net, 25.01.07
- ^ rFactor 1255 Patch Released, 10.12.07, at rFactor newsroom, rfactor.net
- ^ Tim Weathley rFactor on Steam, at studio-397.com, Mar 2, 2015
- ^ Marcel Offermans rFactor: Full Steam Ahead!, at planetmarrs.net, March 2, 2015
- ^ Marcel Offermans rFactor 1 has just been released on Steam, at racedepartment.com, March 2nd, 2015
- ^ "rFactor for PC - GameRankings". GameRankings. Retrieved December 2, 2016.
- ^ a b Josua, Paul (November 20, 2007). "rFactor (PC) review". honestgamers.com. HonestGamers. Retrieved December 2, 2016.
- PC Gamer US. 13 (3): 33–36, 38, 40–42, 44. March 2006.
External links
- Official website
- Interview with rFactor developer Gjon Camaj of ISI, Inside Sim Racing, Feb 29, 2008