The Smartest Kid In Class Isn't Always The Most Fashionable
rFactor is a mixed bag. It's arguably the most technically proficient simulation in terms racing physics, but lacks the polish that makes other titles stand out. More than anything, rFactor is a sandbox for racing simulation enthusiasts, with an SDK that's enabled the creation of hundreds of user-created mods - from vehicles to custom physics to new tracks. Though the single-player experience quickly wears thin, the online community is thriving, with no shortage of dedicated servers located around the world for multiplayer. Ultimately, the game is an extremely capable foundation, but the delivered content doesn't match the quality of contemporary racing simulations. The experience suffers a bit as a result, but the target market - die-hard racing sim fans - will be enamored with the sheer potential that rFactor offers.
Summary of YouGamers Hardware Testing
The publisher of this game state the following specifications for their minimum and recommended requirements:
Component
Publisher's Minimum
Publisher's Recommended
Processor
1.4 GHz Processor
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 processor (*)
Memory
512 MB
2048 MB (*)
Graphics Card
128MB ATI Radeon 9200 or 128MB NVIDIA GeForce4 4200
256MB Geforce 7900 GT or 256MB Radeon X1900 GT (*)
Graphics Card Example
Not specified
Not specified
Free Disk Space
2 GB
2 GB
Net Link
LAN or 56K (or faster) Internet connection
LAN or 56K (or faster) Internet connection
To learn more about how YouGamers performs its hardware testing, click here. Through our extensive gameplay and hardware testing across the full spectrum of PC configurations, YouGamers suggests that one should use the following guidelines for an appropriate minimum and recommended setup:
Component
YouGamers Minimum
YouGamers Recommended
Processor
AMD Athlon 64 3800+ / Intel Pentium 4 530
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ / Intel Core 2 Duo E6750
Memory
1 GB
2 GB
Graphics Card
ATI Radeon X800 128MB / NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT 128MB
ATI Radeon HD 3850 512MB / NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 512MB
Free Disk Space
2.5 GB
2.5 GB
Net Link
Broadband
Broadband
(*) The developers suggests that the game will "run best" with these hardware specifications.
Scores
To learn more about our scoring methodology, please click here.
Gameplay
82
An excellent, focused recreation of authentic racing mechanics, but the single-player experience feels incomplete and rough around the edges. Multiplayer is the real treat – if you can find a compatible match. A dedicated modding community is the real treat, extending gameplay far beyond what's shipped with the game.
Graphics
76
Well-designed cars and great track design (both real and fictional), but the game's assets don't live up to the engine's potential. Soft shadows and detailed textures are a plus, but the quality is inconsistent. Scales well on a wide range of hardware.
Audio
85
Sampled audio clips from authentic vehicles give the audio real "oomph", particularly from the in-car position. Voice-over work does its job, though it can be repetitive. More background track audio would round out the atmosphere.
Technology
82
ISI's engine technology remains some of the best in the business, with an intricate physics engine and very capable graphics engine. Netcode isn't perfect, with lag in busy races, and single-player AI is still immature. Replay facilities are feature-packed.
OVERALL
80
The granddaddy of hyper-accurate racing simulations, rFactor remains near the top of the heap in this genre. While other titles have more pizazz (and commercial licenses to boot), it remains the technical king, with a physics engine that's second to none. Though SimBin's latest titles are more polished, the breadth and sheer potential of rFactor make the game's first retail showing a winner.
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ESRB:
Games: rFactor
AMD Athlon 64 3800+
