immersive experience

spaceboy · June 08, 2009, 09:30:23 AM

I mentioned in my first impressions the seamless transition from races and free ride. I am really liking this because it allows you to immerse yourself in the map a bit more.

Global example: From any race start point ie. Dry Rigs, you can choose a race or challenge from the menu OR you can start a race by driving around the camp to the start point OR (more to my point) you can drive to the challenges which are typically a ways off from the race starts but still in the "area". Of course, the "areas" are quite large.

Specific example: I took off after "spotting" a challenge and headed towards it (a red line on my GPS). It was probably a 10 minute drive - but I wasn't timing it. It was dusk and I had to drive through a small "forest" that had recently been burned. The trees were all black and some were still burning and smoldering. I could have taken roads only of course, but I like to do a little of both off and on road. Anyways, I did the race at night, and free-roamed afterwards which meant I took off from where the race ended, day break. Back through the forest, all fires were out but some trees were still smoking. There was a thick layer of fog about and I cruised along, satisfied after my race. Found some asphalt and just took off. Passed some snowy hills and just drove, drove, drove until the sun was fully showing and the fog had lifted.

Fiach · June 09, 2009, 12:43:00 AM

Thanks for that spaceboy, sounds really cool, will be awhile before I get fuel though, next games on my radar are Prototype and Batman Arkham Asylum.

I like racers, but tend to prefer "defined" tracks, I really like Testdrive Unlimited, you can free roam Oahu, but the races themselves are quite defined routes.

I'll probaly get fuel when its about 20 quid, just for the free roam.

Is there like radio stations or music soundtracks in it?

Fiach · June 09, 2009, 12:49:04 AM

BTW I used to play a MMO, I think it was called something like Auto Assault, where you drove cars in a post apocalyptic landscape and they had guns etc mounted on the vehicles, was a great idea but the gfx were badly detailed, very bland visuals.

What you describe above sounds awesome compared to that! :)

spaceboy · June 09, 2009, 06:16:10 AM

Thanks Fiach. Yes, Batman AA is on our list as well (I mean my son and my lists). Prototype also looks good, perhaps a bit bloodier than I normally go but may get picked up down the road depending on reviews. Too many good games out right now - I understand.

As for the music question in FUEL, there is music playing but I'm going to try turning on my mp3 through surround sound instead once in a while especially if I'm going to go for a long free roam. I do really like the snippet of song in the loading screen, I know it sounds crazy but that little bit gets me pumped.

spaceboy · June 13, 2009, 08:17:57 AM

I had another tremendous experience that I think most OWG members could appreciate. I was spending some time in the Offshore Shack area trying to complete the challenges. Option 1: Choose the challenges from menu. Option 2: Drive to them.

After driving to several challenges and criss crossing across the wonderful terrain for a while I decided to turn down the in-game music and put on my mp3. It was great to cruise around listening to some good tunes. Then I came to final challenge, nearby was a vista point. So I drove on to the vista point...it was night. I sat and waited, and watched the sunrise. (The day/night cycle is actually pretty fast). Then after watching the beautiful sunrise, I drove off to my nearby challenge.

JRD · June 13, 2009, 08:32:23 AM

thats what I like... you can take your time and enjoy the view ;)... ok, you are on a racing game, but what's the hurry? ;D ;D

PZ · June 15, 2009, 02:24:34 PM

Very cool experience - just the kind that many members have discussed in the past regarding the beautiful FC2 sunsets and vistas.

Art Blade · July 03, 2009, 07:18:11 AM

Quote from: JRD on June 13, 2009, 08:32:23 AMthats what I like... you can take your time and enjoy the view ;)... ok, you are on a racing game, but what's the hurry? ;D ;D

right ;D

two impressions while off race. The last one being off a cliff, too ;)

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PZ · July 03, 2009, 08:05:24 AM

Wow, beautiful colors. This game would be almost perfect if you could go on shoot-'em-up missions like FC2! ;) ;D

Art Blade · July 03, 2009, 02:02:09 PM

Test-driving a bike... helmet camera 8) By the way, it's dusk and the headlight just went on

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Art Blade · July 03, 2009, 02:45:04 PM

amazing, there's not only beauty in the landscape... this reminds me of burning oil fields as an aftermath of a war... but then again, the FUEL story tells us that mother nature went bonkers and whipped the land...

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Art Blade · July 03, 2009, 05:17:35 PM

Driving around in the neighbourhood... inconspicuous casual wear, unobtrusive hockey helmet, and a low-key car. Perfect ;D

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spaceboy · July 03, 2009, 06:29:18 PM

Quote from: Art Blade on July 03, 2009, 02:45:04 PM
amazing, there's not only beauty in the landscape... this reminds me of burning oil fields as an aftermath of a war... but then again, the FUEL story tells us that mother nature went bonkers and whipped the land...

yes some of the destroyed areas or burning forests are "beautiful". I saw one abandoned house with a little swing set and slide...no kids to play on. Sad really.....until I launched off of it during a race ;D

Art Blade · July 04, 2009, 04:24:30 PM

I liked those immersive views, here for you to enjoy :)

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Art Blade · July 04, 2009, 07:02:01 PM

I do like the colours in FUEL :)

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Art Blade · July 06, 2009, 01:01:27 PM

There is a town you can drive in around and participate in races... kind of spooky...
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...and in the salt desert in the middle of nowhere. great vista point LOL (my first vista I checked out)

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PZ · July 06, 2009, 02:05:12 PM

... the most impressive colors I've seen in a game :-X

spaceboy · July 06, 2009, 02:06:23 PM

interesting vista point. Most I've seen are high on mountains, or at a water's edge or something like that.

Art Blade · July 11, 2009, 05:27:41 PM

Now I have time to explore and roam. Career's finished ;) Nice to cruise around using different vehicles. I like quads and bikes, though :)
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JRD · July 11, 2009, 06:26:54 PM

... and what about that town you found?

Art Blade · July 11, 2009, 06:30:47 PM

it's just looking spooky. Else, it's a regular part of the game, with career races there. I don't remember where it was, I went through those races all across the map... so bloody big :)

Art Blade · July 11, 2009, 09:25:57 PM

Quote from: spaceboy on June 08, 2009, 09:30:23 AMIt was dusk and I had to drive through a small "forest" that had recently been burned. The trees were all black and some were still burning and smoldering. I could have taken roads only of course, but I like to do a little of both off and on road.

Could have met you there, I guess ;)

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Fiach · July 12, 2009, 04:46:48 AM

What is it with the dark corners of the screen shots? They are screenies from PC yeah?

Saw the same on some of the videos, I just figured it was due to a camera used on a TV screen.

Art Blade · July 12, 2009, 06:57:53 AM

it's just like that, like a helmet visor that's dirty in the corners ;) Can't change it. Oh and the burning trees pic has a light cone from the headlights on the ground which adds to the effect.

Fiach · July 12, 2009, 09:26:04 AM

Ah, OK, cheers :)