Getting to the Checkered Flag

Many gamers wax nostalgic when the topic of classics is brought up, like Donkey Kong, Golden Axe, and Galaga. But mention Need for Speed, Test Drive, or Pole Position, and while most will say they were quaint games, they won't necessarily have that fond, almost star-struck expression on their faces. Bring up Gran Turismo or Forza Motorsport, and discussions of realistic physics, racing mechanics, and photorealism come to life. Yet, there's still plenty that even the latest racing sims lack.

From rendering the cars and scenery to more in-depth customizations and deeper damage modeling, the current state of racing sims needs to advance if it's going to hold gamers' interests. While each game has its own strengths, each lacks what all the others have. For example, one game may have the most photorealistic environments and cars, while lacking a full-blown damage model. Another might feature component wear and damage modeling, but not have the depth and field of cars that other games possess.