Bridging the gap between reality and simulation

Hi readers,

To anyone who knows me it is no secret that I am a huge petrolhead (gearhead for people in the USA).  Anything regarding nice cars and I am hooked (a bit sad really). Cars are definitely my second passion behind digital media. So when an opportunity arises to combine these two passions I jump at the chance.

It is clear to see when browsing the net that I am not alone with these interests, there are a huge number of people throughout the world that share these passions. This also means that there is a huge amount of work to be found regarding Automotive digital media. With a massive selection of work comes a great range in quality, some amazing, some not so good and the rest in between.

A prime example of this wide variety of quality can be found in the gaming industry, especially the trailers created for marketing new games. The general formula seems to consist of making these animations fast, action packed and exciting. I am not saying this is the wrong formula, clearly it has worked time after time and gets people excited about a product. But sometimes a trailer doesn't really represent the final experience the gamer receives, it hides the short falls in the game.

Today I bring to you a trailer for "Project CARS - Waiting for Dark" Created by Slightly Mad Studios, this is one of the last titles to be developed for the current generation of consoles. It is clear to see how far the development has come since the original games of this generation. This is down to the creators mastering the tech and by eeking out every last bit of performance from the hardware.

Project CARS Trailer by Slightly Mad Studios

"Project CARS" is marketed as a "racing simulator" and because of this they've have attempted to capture the experience of driving a race car. This is demonstrated in the trailer by showing the subtle changes affecting the car from the damage, the weather and road surface etc.

The level of detail that has gone into 3D models in the game is amazing and the use of hi-res textures give a very believable experience. One detail that really stands out for me is rain water landing on the body work of the cars.

Visually this game is outstanding, the lighting is really well done and highlights all the intricate details of the 3D models. I would find it hard to tear myself away from just staring at this game to actually play it.

All images featured are courtesy of Google images and respective websites.

There are probably only going to be a few occasions in my life where I will be able to experience driving a race car, but with the quality of simulators like this, who knows what the future holds for me and fellow Petrolheads.

Happy reading.
Ryan Blackburn - Media Productions

www.sovibrant.co.uk