Average Gamer 2.3.12: Cars Edition

Posted by Dan Watson on 02.03.2012

From Need for Speed: The Run and Forza 4 to Gran Turismo 4, JoyRide: Kinect and more, 411's Dan Watson takes a look at the driving games on the market and which provide the best bang for your buck!

Welcome back to the Average Gamer. I am Dan Watson and if you are a weekly reader, you were probably expecting the top girls of gaming this week. I made a last minute change due to the fact that I have been having so many car issues I figured lets discuss driving games. Next week, I promise to have the top girls of gaming so please keep sending in your comments and notes so that I don't forget anyone.

As I stated I am having a few car issues. I found out that the Alternator is over charging the car by about four to five volts just when in idle. I drive over forty miles each way to work, at speeds near or above sixty miles an hour. So, the car is starting to fry as I wait for the parts to get in and be replaced.

In the gaming world, I jumped into Gears of War 3 again this week. The new map pack has been less than great. I have come to the realization that no season pass is really worth it anymore. The Gears' Season Pass has included a map pack (that everyone was given), Raam's story, and a few maps. I have been disappointed to say the least. Other games I have been playing would be Call of Duty: MW3, NHL 12, Battlefield 3, and a few others here and there. My gaming streak continues at 134 days straight of gaming.

Last thing before jumping into the main part of this, of course this Sunday is the Super Bowl. I know that there are more people watching this game for the commercials and just about everything outside of the game and that really bothers me. Every year I am invited to parties and I hate attending but do it anyways. I love to sit back and watch the last game of the NFL season. This is my last chance to enjoy any bit of football for the next four months (draft) and then six-seven months until preseason. Please, if you are attending a party, don't bother the four or five guys that are sitting there enjoying the game. If we want food, we will get it; if we are thirsty we will get a drink during your precious commercials. Thank you.

3….2….1… Go!

The racing game I play greatly depends on the mood I am in and how much time I have. If I have a few hours, a simulation racing game is my preferred choice. If I have less time or am in a destructive mood, arcade racer it is. Currently, we have quite a few of both out there and most of the arcade titles are pretty affordable. So, let's jump into the games and figure out which is best for you.

Need for Speed : The Run

Ah, this is the newest Need of Speed game in a long line of racers with the same title. This has been one of my least favorite Need for Speed games. The game tries to be more than it actually is. The beginning is filled with different cut screens with button pushing just to get into the first race. The cut scenes are extremely long by video game standards and even longer when compared to other racing titles. The actual game play though is fun and allows you to see many different areas. It does get a bit repetitive but what racing game doesn't. If you have enjoyed the series or need an arcade title to get into, this would work for you.

Forza 4

Microsoft exclusive here that offers the real world feel with more knowledge about cars than you will ever need to know. This game provides the total simulation experience. There are plenty of car options and the ability to upgrade your car really makes this a very long game. There are more tracks than you will ever need and if you get that urge to mess around there are a few online options such as soccer and tag that will keep the energy going in this game. Another fun option is the ability to add skins to the car either through creating your own or downloading someone's work of art. If you have tons of time this game is for you.



JoyRide: Kinect

Ah the Kinect racing title. This is a very arcade style game that leans a bit too much into kid friendly and totally not realistic. It is a fun title but after a bit you get bored and realize that you just would rather play a pure racer or jump to Mario Kart. The positives to this game are that you can have fun for a cheap price if you have the Kinect. The game is sold for $17.99 used at Gamestop. Another pro is that you can pick the game up and play for fifteen minutes and not feel like you are taking away from the game. The races are fairly short which gives you plenty of time to rest your arms from holding them as if you were driving.



Gran Turismo 4

Another simulation of pure racing is what you get out of GT4. This game offers something that Forza doesn't, AI drivers. If you are someone that just wants to build the cars up and let someone else do the two hour race, you can. Hire an AI driver and let them do the work while you just work on cars and watch as a proud owner. As long as the driver experience is great and the car is set, you will have nothing to worry about. Again, there are tons of cars and tracks and you should have a game that lasts a few months to really get through.

Others

I have never really gotten into the Dirt Series or Shift Series. I have heard good things about both but just haven't found the time. I would check out some reviews before picking either up.

Well that is it for this week. Thanks for reading and have a safe Super Bowl weekend.