Driving Wheels/ Controllers and recommended racing games

[Crazed Rabbit]

So I got GRID for free when I ordered a video card for my new computer. And its a lot of fun, but trying to steer with a keyboard (either 0% or 100% turning, acceleration, and braking) isn't really enjoyable, so I was wondering what there is in the way of controllers for racing games on the PC - like gamepads or wheels.

I've been looking at the Logitech Driving Force Pro and found one price under $60, which is making me think that buying it would be a good deal.

What do you guys think about various controllers?

Also, what are some good racing/driving games? I'm looking for something more on the realistic than arcadey side.

CR

[TevashSzat]

Well, Need for Speed Most Wanted is the best in the series.

It is pretty arcadey, but it is pretty fun and probably really cheap right now since its been out for a few years already

[Bob the Insane]

I got the 360 wheel for my 360.. Interestingly it does not actually make playing racing games any easier than the normal controller in my opinion (especially the muscle cars, the quick steering inputs needed to control the fish-tailing is much harder with an actual wheel).

However, it does make the whole experience a lot more fun, again in my opinion...

So in answer to the above, you might get just as much milage out of an analog controller as a wheel... Heck, even a joystick would probably be better then the keyboard... I recall foundly playing GP2 on the PC a long time ago quite successfully with a joystick...

[FesterShinetop]

I use the Logitech Momo (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/pc_gaming/wheels/devices/320&cl=us,en), which is a very good wheel for a reasonable price. If you got some more money to spend you can go for the Logitech G25 (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/pc_gaming/wheels/devices/131&cl=us,en) which is an excellent choice.

As for racing games with some realism you can check out Race 07 (http://www.race-game.org/race07/index.php) from Simbin (with expansions GTR Evolution and STCC). The original Race 07 has a nice selection of cars, WTCC Touring cars, F3000, Mini's, Radicals and some more. If you buy GTR Evolution (http://www.gtr-evolution.com/) you also get some great GT's. You can also buy these games through Steam btw, Steam is required for online play.

Another great racing game is rFactor (http://www.rfactor.net/), it is getting a bit old (though it hardly shows) but the community behind it is still very big and the amount of mods for this game is amazing. Just look here (http://rfactorcentral.com/). It has it all... F1, Nascar, V8 Supercars, Touringcars, GT's, GP2... you name it...

If you do get a wheel and get into online racing also check out Racedepartment (http://www.racedepartment.com/). Most of the times it is not a lot of fun on public servers because of all the wreckers driving around. These guys provide online racing in a closed and friendly environment! And there is nothing better than racing online with other people who are serious about it!!! :2thumbsup:

[Crazed Rabbit]

Thanks for the info on the games and controllers! I'll be sure to check out some of those demos.

CR