Any PC gamers out there? Having recently "upgraded" my PC to Windows 7 I was distraught to find that many of my favourites would not run in 7 (inc. GT Legends). So I did a bit of digging and was amazed how much effort has gone into developing "classic" driving sims, so they not only run on modern PC's but have been enhanced beyond recognition from their original form. Not only can I now play GT Legends again but my 11 year old copy of Grand Prix Legends (still the greatest racing sim ever) is now up and running again with a host of patches and add ons that make it hard to believe it is the same game. If you like driving games and have a decent wheel and pedals (essential I'm afraid) either dig out your old copy or buy a fresh one for next to nothing and relive the 1967 GP season. Fantastic. Did Silverstone last night in the Brabham. Had me laughing out loud, especially when I out braked the Ferrari! Go to GPlinks.org for a full list of what's available. Start with the GPL Installer to get the basic game with all the patches, then go for the 1965 mods and GEM2.
By the way, I use the Power and Glory add on for GTR2 / GTL to learn circuits on. I find either the Lotus Elite or Cortina GT are very similar in performance to my Eleven!
Grand Prix Legends Lives!
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techbod
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Re: Grand Prix Legends Lives!
Bought GPL when it came out and still have it somewhere, unfortunately though the wheel and pedal set have long gone.
If I dug it all out (and got some practice in) could setup a network game?
I think that link should be gpllinks.org (extra 'l') or you will get an error.
If I dug it all out (and got some practice in) could setup a network game?
I think that link should be gpllinks.org (extra 'l') or you will get an error.
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sgrant
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Re: Grand Prix Legends Lives!
I'd love a networked game of GPL, assuming I could get it all working again. Used to love that game, even though I was usually in the gravel on the first corner.....
It's always mystified me that it never got developed further.
stephen
It's always mystified me that it never got developed further.
stephen
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techbod
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Re: Grand Prix Legends Lives!
Now look what you have done....
The hunt for the GPL CD has started. Its not in any of the cd wallets where it would be logical to keep it, but that's not surprising as I haven't used it in years. Its not in the loft, so a hunt around the garage found a box with PC flight sims and driving games in in it. And joy the GPL box was in there, hurrah.
Only to open it all up and discover that everything is complete, all the bits including the steering wheel cds and the GPL cd jewel case but the actual cd-rom is missing. Bugger.
Not a complete waste though, I found myself wading through some seriously old PC games which I can probably get rid of. How about 'Vette' by Spectrum Holobyte which proudly wears on a sticker on the front displaying the fact not only is it playable on a 'PC and compatibles' but it includes both the CGA and EGA versions. Inside was both a 3.5" and a 5.25" floppy with the game on. I doubt either will load up but I am tempted to try...
The hunt for the GPL CD has started. Its not in any of the cd wallets where it would be logical to keep it, but that's not surprising as I haven't used it in years. Its not in the loft, so a hunt around the garage found a box with PC flight sims and driving games in in it. And joy the GPL box was in there, hurrah.
Only to open it all up and discover that everything is complete, all the bits including the steering wheel cds and the GPL cd jewel case but the actual cd-rom is missing. Bugger.
Not a complete waste though, I found myself wading through some seriously old PC games which I can probably get rid of. How about 'Vette' by Spectrum Holobyte which proudly wears on a sticker on the front displaying the fact not only is it playable on a 'PC and compatibles' but it includes both the CGA and EGA versions. Inside was both a 3.5" and a 5.25" floppy with the game on. I doubt either will load up but I am tempted to try...
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erictharg
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Re: Grand Prix Legends Lives!
Sold Out Software still does it for a fiver or less. Never tried racing online with it but would be good to give it a go. Always found the AI challenging enough! I did manage to finish 13th out of 17 at Kyalami last night though after only 10 mins practice. My G25 wheel does help with the feedback... not quite seat of the pants but you can do some pretty lurid slides and still keep control.
Even better, some hero has written an programme for the Targa Florio loop for GTL. Downloaded it last night (63 Mb I think...) but only got half way around before time for bed. 72 km loop! And of course some other genius has developed 1967 GT cars to add on too, so you can drive the Targa Florio in a Mk1 GT40, Ferrari P312, Lola T70, Porsche 910 etc etc.
Meanwhile the real car sits in the garage... I have ordered a Mini large bore LCB though to modify for it. Decided I'd rather do it myself than pay Maniflow the thick end of £400.
Even better, some hero has written an programme for the Targa Florio loop for GTL. Downloaded it last night (63 Mb I think...) but only got half way around before time for bed. 72 km loop! And of course some other genius has developed 1967 GT cars to add on too, so you can drive the Targa Florio in a Mk1 GT40, Ferrari P312, Lola T70, Porsche 910 etc etc.
Meanwhile the real car sits in the garage... I have ordered a Mini large bore LCB though to modify for it. Decided I'd rather do it myself than pay Maniflow the thick end of £400.
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techbod
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Re: Grand Prix Legends Lives!
Disk found, GPL + patches, 65 mods and GEM2 installed.
Can only find the worst gamepad in history to control it with - it can only do on or off which applies to, brakes, accelerator and even the steering is either straight ahead or full lock - no matter its nice to play it again, even if I clearly needs lots and lots of practice, plus this time round I can run it full detail and resolution which I couldn't do before.
So give me a decade or two to get the hang of it again and we will setup a network race.
Can only find the worst gamepad in history to control it with - it can only do on or off which applies to, brakes, accelerator and even the steering is either straight ahead or full lock - no matter its nice to play it again, even if I clearly needs lots and lots of practice, plus this time round I can run it full detail and resolution which I couldn't do before.
So give me a decade or two to get the hang of it again and we will setup a network race.
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erictharg
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Re: Grand Prix Legends Lives!
It's a lot easier if you use the 65 cars. The sounds are rusbbish but a 200hp 1500 is way easier to control in a sub 500 kg car than 400 + hp!
Also just downloaded Anglesey for GT Legends as it's on our calendar this year. Nice views of the sea could prove distracting though. Good circuit for small light cars I think. The power guys might call it "mickey mouse", I am guessing.
Also just downloaded Anglesey for GT Legends as it's on our calendar this year. Nice views of the sea could prove distracting though. Good circuit for small light cars I think. The power guys might call it "mickey mouse", I am guessing.
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techbod
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Re: Grand Prix Legends Lives!
Well with a bit of mucking around the PS3 joypad can be use with GPL. Whilst its still a joypad, it offers analogue in 3 axis, so I now have proportional steering (instead of straight ahead or full lock) which makes things much better and a graduated throttle which is an improvement - I think.
Braking is still all or nothing though - I can't find away to map the 3rd axis to braking so its just an on/off button for now.
I remember going through this learning curve first time around when I got the wheel. The wheel instantly makes steering easier but in fact the pedal set makes it initially harder because you have to moderate your right foot, whereas with a button for a throttle (ie its on or off) the game doesn't seem give you full throttle when you press the button or all you would do is wheelspin all the time - so whilst you may be slower its easier to put the power down. (I'm not talking about the throttle help option here, thats in addition).
So its slowly coming back together, just practising round Monaco for now. I may revise my race ready time down from decades to years.
Maybe Anglesey will be your best results then if all the power boys can't get out of 2nd...
Braking is still all or nothing though - I can't find away to map the 3rd axis to braking so its just an on/off button for now.
I remember going through this learning curve first time around when I got the wheel. The wheel instantly makes steering easier but in fact the pedal set makes it initially harder because you have to moderate your right foot, whereas with a button for a throttle (ie its on or off) the game doesn't seem give you full throttle when you press the button or all you would do is wheelspin all the time - so whilst you may be slower its easier to put the power down. (I'm not talking about the throttle help option here, thats in addition).
So its slowly coming back together, just practising round Monaco for now. I may revise my race ready time down from decades to years.
Maybe Anglesey will be your best results then if all the power boys can't get out of 2nd...
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Westfield 129
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Re: Grand Prix Legends Lives!
Computers? Game pad? Patches? Windows 7?
That's why I have the XI and live in the canyons above Malibu. So I can get away from the computer!
Of course, that's why I also have the Renault R5Turbo (why not drive an actual Group 4 tarmac rally car? Much more responsive than a virtual one, and the sound from the straight pipe turbo engine is so, well, real). Much more satisfying, and you get to feel real Gs, along with that great upper body workout from the 11º of caster). Even better, my new girlfriend doesn't get car sick!
Patches? Joypad?
Anyway, We do have an advantage here on the West Coast. It's about 75F here, clear and dry. Roads are perfect, and the wine tasting rooms are just about the right distance apart.
That's why I have the XI and live in the canyons above Malibu. So I can get away from the computer!
Of course, that's why I also have the Renault R5Turbo (why not drive an actual Group 4 tarmac rally car? Much more responsive than a virtual one, and the sound from the straight pipe turbo engine is so, well, real). Much more satisfying, and you get to feel real Gs, along with that great upper body workout from the 11º of caster). Even better, my new girlfriend doesn't get car sick!
Patches? Joypad?
Anyway, We do have an advantage here on the West Coast. It's about 75F here, clear and dry. Roads are perfect, and the wine tasting rooms are just about the right distance apart.
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erictharg
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Re: Grand Prix Legends Lives!
Jan - I envy your weather but nothing else! We also have a West Coast. Best bits are all of Wales and Scotland. Probably the best driver's roads ever. Anywhere. Not just my opinion. And of course we have all of continental Europe on our doorstep! Vinyards to die for throughout all of France and Spain. Plus the worlds best and most esteemed racing circuits. In top trumps I win!