Wednesday, 30 December 2015

JGTS Salute to GTPlanet

I want to make a JGTS salute to GTPlanet as my final post of 2011 for this blog. GTPlanet has been the only online community devoted to Gran Turismo that I have been a part of. I have been part of this message board since December 5, 2003. I had initially joined just to follow news on Gran Turismo 4. It has since blossomed to me making GTPlanet my favorite message board of any kind. It was my online message board home after having so many problems trying to get along with people on a long-defunct message board called Speedsims (where I've felt like crap and unwelcome to a number of people). I have seen and encountered many people of many walks of life post on this message board. Among the people of GTP, I have felt like family there. GTPlanet is literally its own planet with millions of people whom have joined the message boards and many more who read the latest Gran Turismo news. I have been more than pleased to encounter so many people.

Perhaps a strength of how strong the Gran Turismo community is was when I posted about the kiosk demo of Gran Turismo 5 back in 2010. I received SO MANY BLOG HITS from GTPlanet's news tidbit that I earned loads of readers in such short time. The hits came from all over the world and back. Even other message boards linked to my blog post on John's Blog Space. The hits came from almost everywhere- United States, Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, most of continental Europe, Mauritus (an African island nation east-northeast of Madagascar), Australia, and New Zealand among many other places. I even try to get some casual readers from GTPlanet to visit "John's Gran Turismo Space."

I had already done one of these blog posts saluting GTPlanet back on "John's Blog Space." However, I want to salute GTPlanet here since JGTS is a more proper Gran Turismo environment than my "anything and everything" environment on John's Blog Space. The person I'd most like to thank is Jordan. Jordan is the founder and administrator of GTPlanet. I also salute the many Moderators for maintaining GTPlanet, keeping it fun and active. I am thankful for all of the many wonderful people worldwide whom I've gotten to meet on this site.





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Gran Turismo 5 License Tests - International

GT5's International License tests are up in this post. All you've tackled in the National License tests will be enhanced as you progress towards the International Licenses. You will race more kinds of cars ranging from sports cars to race cars. More importantly, you must demonstrate your ability to take on these more intense tests and pass them to the best of your ability.

This blog post only concerns the International license tests for GT5. Remember- licenses are NOT required to compete in any race in Gran Turismo 5. You are purely racing these tests to enhance your racing skill. Welcome to "John's Gran Turismo Space" and another set of License Test-themed posts!





--- License Tests ---

Gran Turismo 5 International License Tests
^ You will need to enhance your National License skills to make your International License skills impressive.

As any GT veteran would know, the International License tests require you to further enhance your skills by racing more powerful cars and taking on more intense challenges. All of the basic skills you've learned previously will all be enhanced heading into this series of tests. You must practice hard enough to eventually clear each of the License Tests handed to you in this series of tests. What you will read about here are the International License tests and how to pass them. I will NOT be teaching you how to get Gold. Basically, you must first learn how to clear each test. It will be up to you to get Silver or Gold. Learn to pass the tests for Bronze, then do what you did for Bronze more efficiently to get Silver or even Gold. Be sure to be at the proper level to take on each of the license tests. When you reach the final events of each International license test, you will be taking part in two-lap races rather than the regular one-lap races of the National License tests.

Simply completing each test earns you experience points. To make the most experience points, try to go for the best possible time you can muster in each test. Experience points mean everything because you will be unable to access later licenses. If you are just getting experience points on License Tests alone, then it is safe to say that "just getting by" no longer results in your continued progress up the ranks. You now have to exemplify yourself by getting at least silver in tests just to move forward. There's nothing wrong with Bronze, but you have to try for Silver or Gold to progress better in the License Test zone.

This is a Gran Turismo where going right into racing may not be a bad idea, if just to help your chances of getting more experience. You are mostly doing these license tests basically to enhance your driving skill. No single race in Gran Turismo requires you to have a license. In a way, this is a good thing because the License Tests feel more like a school rather than a requirement for racing. Even if just for money and experience, make the most of your time in the License Test department.



--- International C License Tests ---

(REMEMBER: Your A-Spec or B-Spec level must be at Level 6 to qualify for taking International C-License tests.)

The International C license tests will introduce you to some very fast cars. In addition, you will be taking these more advanced machines through a series of tests that are every bit as advanced as the cars you will be driving.


IC-1: 1000m Stopping Challenge.

Car: 2009 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
Course: Top Gear Test Course
Start: Standing Start

Get ready to fly, and that's what your Aston Martin can do (not literally, of course). Accelerate hard in this heavy car as you will be sending this car for a 1000-meter run. It is a heavy car in weight and in horsepower. Make good use of both its weight and power, but more importantly- stop this car in the Finish zone without taking out any cones in the process. If you even nudge a cone, your run will be foul.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 26.700
• SILVER: 27.000
• BRONZE: 28.500


IC-2: Hard Braking and Exiting a Corner After a Downhill Straight.

Car: 2008 BMW M5
Course: Trial Mountain Circuit
Start: Rolling Start at 91 mph

Trial Mountain will hear the roar of your 2008 BMW M5 reverberate through the forest of Trial Mountain. You must pilot your beastly BMW out of the second tunnel, down the backstretch of Trial Mountain, and then take on the corner after the backstretch. Dig deep inside (using the yellow painted area) within the corner to get a little extra edge.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 16.200
• SILVER: 16.700
• BRONZE: 19.000


IC-3: Taking a Tight Double Hairpin.

Car: 2008 Nissan Fairlady Z (Z34)
Course: Road Course - Indy
Start: Rolling Start at 63 mph

This is the first-ever Gran Turismo test on a "roval." A roval is an oval with a road course, usually a road course that physically uses the oval. Gran Turismo 4 had you race Twin Ring Motegi, which has an oval but doesn't physically use the oval at any point. Here, you will be using the same road course around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as raced by Formula 1. The section used will be the backstretch of the Indy road course. This backstretch is followed by a hard left corner and two hairpins. It will be tough to generate enough speed to power through this section because both hairpin corners are deceptively tight. Try to find a line that will help you clear the corners fast while also having enough speed and power to clear both hairpins to deliver a solid time. This one is a gut-wrencher.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 26.300
• SILVER: 26.500
• BRONZE: 28.500


IC-4: Early Braking When Driving Downhill on Dirt.

Car: 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR
Course: Eiger Nordwand G Trail
Start: Standing Start

When going downhill at speed, you will be pushing some serious speed as you decline. You will experience all of this (and then some) in your Lancer Evolution IX. The key to passing this test is in keeping control of your car as it goes downhill. You need to brake properly to avoid going head-on into the outside wall in either sharp corner to this course. Gold should not be too difficult here.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 27.000
• SILVER: 28.000
• BRONZE: 32.000


IC-5: High-Speed Cornering on the Rome City Course.

Car: 2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe
Course: Rome Circuit
Start: Rolling Start at 79 mph

The streets of Rome are calling. You will be driving the 2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe around the backstretch of Rome Circuit. You must negotiate a quick chicane (that looks like a simple kink from the track map) that will determine whether or not you receive passing credit. In addition, this backstretch gradually bends to the right, so you will need to keep a steady line while braking hard enough to take on the chicane. Be brave, but also smart.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 18.500
• SILVER: 19.000
• BRONZE: 21.000


IC-6: Blind Corners in the Woodlands.

Car: 2002 Nissan Silvia Spec-R Aero (S15)
Course: Deep Forest Raceway
Start: Rolling Start at 56 mph

One of the most beautiful Japanese cars of all time (at least to me) is what you will be racing in this test- the Nissan Silvia Spec-R Aero. The course for this test utilizes the first two tunnels of Deep Forest. Along the way, you must weave your way around a set of corners. They will be blind with the undulating roads, so you will need to properly judge your distance and keep a consistent line to deliver the best time.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 11.200
• SILVER: 11.500
• BRONZE: 13.500


IC-7: Consecutive Corners With Different Bank Angles on Dirt.

Car: 2010 Subaru Impreza Sedan WRX STi
Course: Toscana
Start: Rolling Start at 74 mph

For the first time in the license tests, you will be racing on the Toscana rally course. It was the course featured in demos with time changing. The demo consisted of afternoon eventually becoming sunset, and from sunset to night. It will be broad daylight for this test with the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STi. You will be gathering a good amount of speed before winding your way into the W-like series of corners. Don't try to drive with too much finesse here. You want to slide the car out in the corners while not being too overaggressive. You also want to keep the car stable while sideways. Precise control will give you passing credit.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 20.000
• SILVER: 21.000
• BRONZE: 25.000


IC-8: Traversing Monza Circuit's Notorious Lesmo Corner.

Car: 2006 Alfa Romeo Brera Sky Window 3.2 jTS Q4
Course: Autodromo Nazionale Monza
Start: Rolling Start at 57 mph

Italian track with Italian power. This challenge tests your ability to negotiate Lesmo Corner. You really need to be careful here because it can be too easy to overshoot either corner and go off into the gravel. The first corner dips downward when you take on that corner. Use the inside curbing if you have to. Both corners require hard braking. Keep your front-wheel drive Alfa Romeo stable throughout the duration of the test while also cautiously attacking both corners.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 21.300
• SILVER: 22.000
• BRONZE: 25.000


IC-9: Using Late Braking to Overtake.

Car: 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C6)
Course: Fuji Speedway F
Start: Rolling Start at 84 mph

Late braking into a corner is an aggressive tactic to pull off passes. You will need to rely on this technique to succeed with great results. Your car is a Corvette C6 (the game says a C5), and it is another test around Fuji Speedway F. Rather than the front stretch, you will be racing down the backstretch of Fuji Speedway F. You should be able to pass the first two cars easily. The real key is in passing the leading car. Pulling a late braking move here should be easy. However, care is required in trying to exit this brutally sharp chicane. You could say that this test is easy to pull late braking, but difficult to get out of the chicane with the lead. You may as well try the test again for Gold if you fail to escape the chicane cleanly.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 1st
• SILVER: 2nd
• BRONZE: 3rd


IC-10: Rome City Course 2-Lap Challenge.

Car: 1976 Ferrari 512BB
Course: Rome Circuit

One lap isn't enough. You will be given two laps to pass 11 other cars in your 1976 Ferrari 512BB. Your beautiful '70s Berlinetta Boxer is a handful to drive. An old car on a track like Rome Circuit should be very challenging. If you're an skillful driver, you will have already made it to (or eventually will) get 3rd Place by the time you reach the backstretch on Lap 1. The remaining two cars will be at the chicane after the backstretch. Try to keep pace with the leading cars and attack carefully to get Gold. Remember to avoid heavy contact with either walls or other cars. Otherwise, your run will be foul.

LICENSE POSITIONS:
• GOLD: 1st
• SILVER: 3rd
• BRONZE: 7th




The next batch of tests are coming up. Get your Level up to Level 9 to take in the Level IB tests. Click "Read More" if you are not reading the full post and would like to continue reading.




--- International B License Tests ---

(REMEMBER: Your A-Spec or B-Spec level must be at Level 9 to qualify for taking International-B License tests.)

The IC tests pushed your skills further. Up next are the International-B license tests. These tests involve some more advanced skill sets. Always look to enhance and enrich your skills all the further to score big in each given test.


IB-1: Wet Road Stopping Challenge.

Car: 2009 Nissan GT-R Spec V
Course: Top Gear Test Track
Start: Standing Start

On a rain-soaked course, you are credited with the task of trying to stop on wet roads. Roads dampened by rain or snow lack traction. So your job here is to try to stop a car on a wet road precisely. Doing so requires you to take your four-wheel drive Nissan GT-R from the starting line to the finish line 400m away.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 14.900
• SILVER: 15.400
• BRONZE: 16.800


IB-2: Tackling the First Corner of Circuito de Madrid.

Car: 2009 Audi R8 5.2 FSi Quattro
Course: Circuito de Madrid
Start: Rolling Start at 81 mph

The beautiful Audi R8 road car is yours to take around the streets of Spain's beautiful capital city, Madrid. It isn't so beautiful trying to take on the first corner of Circuito de Madrid, unfortunately. This first corner is reminiscent of Seoul Central, only that this isn't a roundabout. It is instead a super-sharp hairpin attached to a moderate-speed kink. Your Audi R8 has a mid-engine layout and four-wheel drive. You'll need to utilize all of that mid/4WD power to properly navigate these streets. Get ready for a sharp bend to the right followed by a swift shift to the left. It is going to be a tight fit trying to attack the inside of this corner. However, don't give up. Hard braking is a must for both parts of this section. Try to develop enough speed to get out of the section with a good enough lap time.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 16.000
• SILVER: 16.500
• BRONZE: 18.600


IB-3: FR Cone Slalom Challenge.

Car: 2009 Toyota FT-86 Concept
Course: Top Gear Test Track
Start: Standing Start

You did a slalom earlier in the license tests, but that was a front-wheel drive car. You must now try out a rear-wheel drive car in a slalom test. Rear-wheel drive will give you more athletic ability to take on the cones in the slalom. Be careful- rear-wheel drive cars can oversteer; and if you get too aggressive behind the wheel, a RWD car will snap on you into a spin. So cautiously use this car's power as you weave your way around the cones.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 18.500
• SILVER: 19.300
• BRONZE: 22.500


IB-4: Snow Driving Challenge.

Car: 2008 Suzuki SX4 WRC
Course: Chamonix Main
Start: Standing Start

This is NOT the Chamonix of Gran Turismo 4. This is your first license test in GT5 involving any race car. You are given the 2008 Suzuki SX4 WRC to try to take on a smooth set of corners around Chamonix Main. Snow and ice handle much differently than most other surfaces. Snow and ice have much less traction than dirt, gravel, mud, or anything like that. Snow tires are even suited specifically for snowy and icy conditions. In this license test, you must try to keep your car stable as you take on a set of smooth corners.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 19.900
• SILVER: 20.300
• BRONZE: 23.500


IB-5: High Speed Blind Corners on Tokyo Route 246.

Car: 2002 Honda NSX Type-R
Course: Tokyo R246
Start: Rolling Start at 78 mph

Your license test around Tokyo R246 begins after the brutally sharp first corner and utilizes Turns 2 and 3. Turn 2 is an off-balance left corner that leads to the oval-like portion of Tokyo R246. As you see the Diet Building in the distance heading into Turn 2, take your Honda NSX from the left side to the right side to set yourself up for Turn 2. The most important part of this section is your exit. Don't get overaggressive attacking the inside curbing. Otherwise, you might induce a spin or whack the outside wall hard exiting Turn 3. Find the right balance of power and precision to clear this test with a solid time.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 14.200
• SILVER: 14.500
• BRONZE: 17.000


IB-6: Tackling the Final Corner at Tsukuba.

Car: 1988 Toyota Supra 3.0GT Turbo A
Course: Tsukuba Circuit
Start: Rolling Start at 76 mph

If Tsukuba Circuit isn't challenging enough with its short length, the final corner is just as tricky as any of its three hairpin corners. It looks easy because the sweeping final corner rides like an oval. However, it takes a certain amount of throttle control to properly clear this corner without losing too much speed or going off into the gravel. Trust me- this corner will test your patience like you won't believe. Power your way down the backstretch and think about your attack. You need to brake hard enough so you don't overshoot the corner. Then as you drive through the area, you will need to let off the throttle momentarily while keeping a decent speed up. Try to follow the Racing Line as best as you can.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 18.700
• SILVER: 19.000
• BRONZE: 22.000


IB-7: Undulating Consecutive High-Speed Corners on Dirt.

Car: 2008 Ford Focus RS WRC
Course: Toscana
Start: Rolling Start at 45 mph

In what seems like one very long sweeping turn, you are given a 2008 Ford Focus RS WRC to take on what is really a sweeping right-hand corner that goes uphill, downhill, uphill again, and downhill again. Not as easy as it looks, right? A consistent line and consistent speed will do the trick here. Be careful in your attack of this course.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 32.000
• SILVER: 33.000
• BRONZE: 34.000


IB-8: The Carousel at the Nürburgring.

Car: 1992 Ferrari F40
Course: Nürburgring Nordschleife
Start: Rolling Start at 68 mph

It's called "Green Hell" for a reason. The Nürburgring Nordschleife is introduced for the first time in these series of tests. I personally hate racing this course. While I hate racing it, I absolutely respect it. Your mount is a Ferrari F40. Use this Ferrari's power and handling properly to get a solid run through this section. That means heavy braking along with going as deep inside as you can while powering out properly. Most of the track comes in blindly, so learn to use proper judgment in taking on the Carousel. If you need to better familiarize yourself with the Nordschleife, try the AMG Driving School exercises in the Special Events menu.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 17.200
• SILVER: 17.600
• BRONZE: 19.000


IB-9: Strategic Driving on the Final Section of Tokyo Route 246.

Car: 2009 Honda Insight LS
Course: Tokyo R246
Start: Rolling Start at 67 mph

Tokyo Route 246 ends with a sharp and wide left-hand corner. Leading up to that corner is a series of lefts and rights that can be taken at full speed or in brief intervals of throttle. None of the cars (including your Insight) is super-fast, so you won't need to do any serious braking from seriously high speeds. Take this course like IC-9. Use late braking while also diving as far inside of the final corner as possible. Or you may have to try to win a drag race down the front stretch if you fail to get the lead coming out of the final corner. Don't give up!

LICENSE POSITIONS:
• GOLD: 1st
• SILVER: 2nd
• BRONZE: 3rd


IB-10: Deep Forest Raceway 2-Lap Battle.

Car: 2008 BMW Z4 M Coupe
Course: Deep Forest Raceway
Start: Rolling Start at 80 mph

A beautiful blue BMW is given to you as part of a two-lap race around Deep Forest Raceway and 11 red-colored European cars. Deep Forest is a gut-wrenching, technical racing track with three tunnels and a handful of blind corners. Make good use of your BMW's power and performance to properly navigate your way around this technical course.

LICENSE POSITIONS:
• GOLD: 1st
• SILVER: 3rd
• BRONZE: 7th


Congratulations! You got your IB-License! Now get ready for the IA-License tests when you get to Level 12.




--- International A License Tests ---

(REMEMBER: Your A-Spec or B-Spec level must be at Level 12 to qualify for taking International-A License tests.)

Consider yourself accomplished if you manage to clear the International A License tests. Some of the fastest cars and most grueling tests await you in the IA series of tests.


IA-1: Mastering Circuit de la Sarthe's "Indianapolis" Section.

Car: 2007 Nissan Skyline Coupe 370GT Type SP
Course: Circuit de la Sarthe 2009
Start: Rolling Start at 100 mph

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is contested on an 8.5-mile (or about 13.6 kilometer) race track that mostly consists of public roads. You will be racing a certain part of Circuit de la Sarthe for this test in your Nissan. You must take on a corner called Indianapolis. The reason why the corner is called Indianapolis is because it is a banked left-hand corner, just like the turns on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. Your approach will be very fast as you build up loads of speed heading into Indianapolis. Hard braking is required to set yourself up for Indianapolis and going through Indianapolis. But after this corner, you will face a much tougher corner (and what I think is the toughest of all corners on this track)- Arnage. Dig deep into both Indianapolis and Arnage with a combination of heavy braking and proper steering.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 38.200
• SILVER: 38.800
• BRONZE: 42.000


IA-2: Braking from Hunaudieres into Mulsanne.

Car: 2007 Lexus IS-F
Course: Circuit de la Sarthe 2009
Start: Rolling Start at 78 mph

After the second chicane of the Hunaudieres (often called the Mulsanne Straight), you head into a road that banks to the right a bit followed by an intensely sharp right-hand corner. That is what you need to do in this test with the Lexus IS-F given to you. Don't even think about braking or letting off the throttle until you actually reach the part where the road quickly and sharply goes to the right. No excuses- heavy braking and a strong exit are both required for you to clear this test with passing credit.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 30.300
• SILVER: 31.000
• BRONZE: 33.000


IA-3: The Corkscrew at Laguna Seca Raceway.

Car: 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (C3)
Course: Laguna Seca Raceway
Start: Rolling Start at 73 mph

The most famous corner at Laguna Seca Raceway is the Corkscrew- a blind downhill chicane that trips up even the best racers. The Corkscrew also makes for some great photo opportunities as racing progresses on this track. This corner takes lots of practice to master. It can be fairly simple on most courses to properly go through a chicane. Here, however, it is blind and downhill. If you raced Laguna Seca in past GT titles, then you know what to do here. This course only utilizes the Corkscrew and not the following Rainey Curve. Don't start braking hard until you get to almost atop the hill where the Corkscrew awaits. Afterwards, you want to be able to carve a line that smoothly takes you downhill while not losing a lot of time. The Corkscrew can be very crucial to where as much of a full second can be earned or lost in this corner alone. If you have to, keep racing this test to help enhance your skill of tackling the Corkscrew.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 18.500
• SILVER: 19.000
• BRONZE: 21.000


IA-4: Braking Into Consecutive Corners on Snow.

Car: 1995 Toyota Celica GT-Four Rally Car (ST205)
Course: Chamonix Main
Start: Rolling Start at 70 mph

Toyota made one of the finest rally cars of the 1990s with their Celica GT-Four. Now, you are given the honor of racing one of these capable cars around a portion of Chamonix Main. This section is reminiscent of both Swiss Alps and Tahiti Maze... only that this is on snow as opposed to those two dirt tracks. Try to keep the Toyota as far inside of the corners as possible without jumping the snow banks. Be also mindful of how blind your approach will be heading into each corner.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 40.000
• SILVER: 41.000
• BRONZE: 47.000


IA-5: Driving Around Madrid's Puerta de Alcalá.

Car: 2009 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce
Course: Circuito de Madrid
Start: Rolling Start at 93 mph

You are back at Circuito de Madrid for this test. This time, you are given the powerful Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce around the Puerta de Alcalá part of the track. This is a section that is essentially a roundabout. It is obvious that this Lamborghini you are using is immensely powerful and fast. To stand any chance of pulling a decent time, you need to properly control this beast by getting a proper setup into the corner followed by precise steering. The shift to the right followed by a sudden shift to the left will quickly unnerve your car. If you can keep the car within the inside at a decent speed, you will be able to complete this test with a great time.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 15.500
• SILVER: 16.000
• BRONZE: 18.500


IA-6: Visualizing a Driving Line Through Blind Corners.

Car: 2000 TVR Tuscan Speed 6
Course: Nürburgring GP/F
Start: Rolling Start at 106 mph

When racing on any circuit, you always want to envision and imagine the proper racing line, and you want to use that racing line to properly carve a path through the track. Here, you will be racing the wild TVR Tuscan Speed 6 around the first few corners of the difficult Nürburgring Grand Prix course. This section consists of a kink, a very sharp hairpin, and a couple of sweeping (yet blind) corners. Keep in mind that blind doesn't always mean turns with apexes blocked off by barriers. Blind can also relate to tough corners based on elevation changes. This test will be a gut-wrencher. It will not be easy to clear this test with a fast time. Take your time on this one.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 30.700
• SILVER: 31.200
• BRONZE: 34.500


IA-7: Toscana's Tricky High-Speed Consecutive Corners.

Car: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRC
Course: Toscana
Start: Rolling Start at 45 mph

The track is Toscana, and your mount is the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRC. What you need to do here is take your Impreza around a high-speed part of Toscana. Two jumps come up early. As you approach the first corner, you'll need to dig inside followed by keeping the car stable as you head into the sweeping right. Be proficient in your attack of this test.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 31.400
• SILVER: 32.000
• BRONZE: 35.000


IA-8: Cape Ring - Spiral Bridge.

Car: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG
Course: Cape Ring
Start: Rolling Start at 75 mph

Cape Ring is the first truly original course in a long while from the Polyphony Digital team. Its most distinctive feature is its spiral bridge. You will be racing this spiral bridge in your Mercedes-Benz. I would probably tell you to dig far inside to take on this corner. But if you go too deep into the red parts of this spiral bridge, you'll be considered out of bounds, and your run will be foul.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 27.000
• SILVER: 28.000
• BRONZE: 33.000


IA-9: Strategic Driving on the First Corner of the Grand Valley Speedway.

Car: 2009 Volvo C30 R-Design
Course: Grand Valley Speedway
Start: Rolling Start at 91 mph

You are given the keys to the stylish Volvo C30 R-Design for this test. What you must do is go from the final corner of Grand Valley to the first corner while passing three other cars. Try to enter the slipstream of the 3rd Place car. Once you've built up enough speed, think about making some bold late braking moves to pass the 1st and 2nd place cars. You may end up taking a whack from one of the two cars, but make sure you have enough speed to hold off the other cars.

LICENSE POSITIONS:
• GOLD: 1st
• SILVER: 2nd
• BRONZE: 3rd


IA-10: Grand Valley Speedway 2-Lap Battle.

Car: 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4
Course: Grand Valley Speedway
Start: Rolling Start at 98 mph

If you want your International-A License so badly, complete two laps around Grand Valley Speedway in a Lamborghini Gallardo while passing 15 other cars. Sounds easy, right? Well... it isn't. A big reason why is because the Gallardo can be very unstable in the corners. I remember how much I struggled trying to keep the Gallardo stable despite its mid-engined 4WD layout. Getting gold will require you to tame this Italian beast while also driving fast enough to pass as many cars as possible. Enjoy the Gold prize if you manage to pass all the cars within this two-lap seqence.

LICENSE POSITIONS:
• GOLD: 1st
• SILVER: 3rd
• BRONZE: 7th


It was long and hard, but you pulled through. Go show the world your International-A License!





That's all, right? Of course not! You can complete your license collection by winning yourself a Super License. Stay tuned to John's Gran Turismo Space for more on that. Thank you for reading!

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Gran Turismo 5 License Tests - National

Licenses are not required to compete in any race for Gran Turismo 5. However, you can learn to enhance your racing skill by taking part in these tests. This blog post features advice on how to pass each one (you're on your own for Gold). This post only concerns the National License tests. Experience the world of Gran Turismo 5 while taking on some interesting challenges.

Welcome to "John's Gran Turismo Space" and another set of License Test-themed posts!





--- License Tests ---

GT5 National License Test
^ Basic operation of a car and basic racing skills are both demonstrated in the first set of License Tests.

The National-level license tests have always been simple driving tasks designed to challenge and enhance your driving skills. This is no different in GT5. The new level system requires you to be of a certain level to take on certain tests. Don't worry about this until you reach the National-A tests, which require you to be at Level 3. Every other license test will be available at every three levels.

Simply completing each test earns you experience points. To make the most experience points, try to go for the best possible time you can muster in each test. Experience points mean everything because you will be unable to access later licenses. If you are just getting experience points on License Tests alone, then it is safe to say that "just getting by" no longer results in your continued progress up the ranks. You now have to exemplify yourself by getting at least silver in tests just to move forward. There's nothing wrong with Bronze, but you have to try for Silver or Gold to progress better in the License Test zone.

This is a Gran Turismo where going right into racing may not be a bad idea, if just to help your chances of getting more experience. You are mostly doing these license tests basically to enhance your driving skill. No single race in Gran Turismo requires you to have a license. In a way, this is a good thing because the License Tests feel more like a school rather than a requirement for racing. Even if just for money and experience, make the most of your time in the License Test department.



--- National B License Tests ---

Start your Gran Turismo experience by taking on the B-License tests. These are simple tests that educate you on the basics of operating and driving a car in Gran Turismo 5.


B-1: 200m Stopping Challenge.

Car: 2007 Toyota Vitz RS 1.5
Course: Top Gear Test Course
Start: Standing Start

Remember on Test Course that you had markers on the track and on signs telling you how many meters ahead you are? Well, welcome to the Top Gear Test Track- an airfield course! You now have to judge your distance and make a choice on the fly on when to brake. This will be tough for Gran Turismo veterans (like myself). But as us veterans know, you have to take baby steps. You will eventually learn when to brake when you take control of the Toyota Vitz you are given for this test.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 13.300
• SILVER: 13.600
• BRONZE: 15.000


B-2: Steering.

Car: 2006 Alfa Romeo 147 Ti 2.0 TWIN SPARK
Course: Tokyo Route 246
Start: Standing Start

Practice your ability to steer through a corner by taking on the carousel at Tokyo R246 (the northwestern part of the track). Because this is a front-wheel drive car, you will need to delicately balance turning while accelerating. The car will more than likely be tough to turn since the car is doing two duties at the same time using the front wheels. This should be an easy test to get even a Bronze. Practice a little harder to get Silver or better.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 22.200
• SILVER: 22.600
• BRONZE: 25.000


B-3: "Out-in-Out" - The Most Basic Cornering Line.

Car: 2007 Suzuki Swift Sport
Course: Deep Forest Raceway
Start: Standing Start

By now, if you've played a number of Gran Turismo games, this one should be no stranger to you. You are given the first corner of Deep Forest Raceway, and your car is the Suzuki Swift Sport. Be sure to use the Driving Line to help you navigate the car while also help you plan your attack on the course.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 26.300
• SILVER: 26.500
• BRONZE: 28.500


B-4: Braking Into a Corner.

Car: 2008 Honda Civic Type R
Course: Autumn Ring
Start: Rolling Start at 60 mph

Autumn Ring is one of my least favorite tracks in Gran Turismo. You're racing one of my reasons why in this test. Your Civic Type-R must clear the first corner of Autumn Ring effectively. Be careful negotiating this hairpin corner. Clear this corner and power out with efficiency to deliver a solid time. You are driving a front-wheel drive car, so be mindful of FWD characteristics as you take on this corner.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 13.800
• SILVER: 14.000
• BRONZE: 16.000


B-5: Basic Cornering Theory - Slow In, Fast Out.

Car: 2007 Peugeot 207 GTi
Course: Tsukuba Circuit
Start: Rolling Start at 50 mph

Demonstrate your ability to navigate the super-slow hairpin at Tsukuba. To do this, you will need to use the Peugeot 207 GTi effectively to clear this test. You will begin passing under the Dunlop Bridge and must weave your car to the left followed by another left. As you approach the hairpin, the radius sharpens and then loosens. Try to find the best possible line to attack the corner while delivering a strong exit.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 18.900
• SILVER: 19.500
• BRONZE: 21.000


B-6: Exiting From a Looping Corner.

Car: 2008 Renault RenaultSport Megane Renault Sport
Course: Nürburgring GP/F
Start: Rolling Start at 70 mph

The Nürburgring will be a course you will have to race a number of times in this game. I am not just talking about any course that utilizes the Nordschleife, you know. You will be asked to take on the second hairpin of the Grand Prix course. Thankfully, this one is less brutal than the first hairpin. This corner still needs a sufficient amount of care in navigating properly.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 14.600
• SILVER: 15.200
• BRONZE: 17.500


B-7: High-Speed Driving Lines and Throttle Control.

Car: 2005 Volkswagen Golf V GTi
Course: Autumn Ring
Start: Rolling Start at 48 mph

Take on the more complicated portions of Autumn Ring in a 2005 Volkswagen Golf GTi. You will be asked to take on the roads between the Autumn Ring hairpin and around the Start/Finish line of the Autumn Ring Mini course. The course you are running is almost like a street course the way the roads look. Of course, this is not like most typical city courses where almost all corners are blind and blocked off by barriers. Find the proper line for each section and attack accordingly.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 19.000
• SILVER: 20.000
• BRONZE: 23.500


B-8: Finding a Line Through an S Bend.

Car: 2006 Honda S2000
Course: High Speed Ring
Start: Rolling Start at 77 mph

When racing a track that has an S-bend to it, you will have to try to carve the best line through the S-bend to effectively clear it. That is your task with this test. The Honda S2000 has always been a joyous car to use in almost any game it is featured in, and it is no different a joy in this game. Don't enjoy the sights of High-Speed Ring for too long- you have some corners to tackle! Don't swing the car out too wide to where it is tough to recover. Just take it easy and try to power your way through the corners with a great racing line.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 21.000
• SILVER: 21.600
• BRONZE: 25.000


B-9: Overtaking Using Slipstreams.

Car: 2007 Mazda RX-8 Type S
Course: Fuji Speedway F
Start: Rolling Start at 71 mph

For the first time ever in Gran Turismo history, you are involved in a license test that involves other cars being on the track in competition. You are using the front stretch of Fuji for this license test. Three cars are in your way. Your job is to overtake all of them using drafting techniques. Do not try to whack into the cars too hard or anything. Make as many clean overtakes as possible to get the best possible result.

LICENSE POSITIONS:
• GOLD: 1st
• SILVER: 2nd
• BRONZE: 3rd


B-10: Indianapolis Motor Speedway 1-Lap Battle.

Car: 2010 Honda CR-Z
Course: Superspeedway - Indianapolis

This is the first time in Gran Turismo history that a license test involves a race. You are engaged in a one-lap battle around the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A Honda CR-Z is obviously the last car you'd want to take around a high-speed course like Indy. Then again, neither is your competition. You must finish in a qualifying position to receive credit. Use slipstream techniques and carefully navigate through traffic to get the highest-possible result.

LICENSE POSITIONS:
• GOLD: 1st
• SILVER: 3rd
• BRONZE: 9th




That's all for the B-License. up next, the National A! Click "Read More" if you are not reading the full post.






--- National A License Tests ---

(REMEMBER: Your A-Spec or B-Spec level must be at Level 3 to qualify for taking National A-License tests.)

Your itinerary for the National A License consists of a number of advanced driving tests. You will be doing tougher tests in faster cars. Nothing is impossible or out of the ordinary here.


A-1: 400m Stopping Challenge.

Car: 2009 Audi TTS Coupe
Course: Top Gear Test Track
Start: Standing Start

The first of the National A tests involves you in a faster car and a track 200m longer than the test in B-1. A more powerful car obviously means you have to judge your braking points quicker to properly pass the test. It also helps this car has four-wheel drive, which aids its acceleration by providing the traction of front-wheel drive along with the accelerating prowess of rear-wheel drive in one package. So make the most of this car's capabilities to pass this test. Just remember to find the proper braking point to help you pass this test. Your car must come to a complete stop in the finish zone. If you overshoot the finish zone and hit the cones, you will be disqualified.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 16.300
• SILVER: 17.000
• BRONZE: 19.000


A-2: Approaching a Blind Corner.

Car: 2007 Mazda Atenza Sport 25Z
Course: Rome Circuit
Start: Rolling Start at 87 mph

The Mazda 6 (Mazda Atenza in Japan) is your car, and Rome Circuit is your course. One of the challenges of racing city courses is the challenge of properly navigating a car around a race course with such confined space and with bumpy streets. Your order is to navigate the peppy 6/Atenza around the streets of Rome effectively. Turns 1 through 3 are used in this test. The course features a left-hand kink with a little undulation in the road. The determining factor to this one is how you take the long Turn 2 followed by the sweeping Turn 3. Remember that your Mazda in this test is a front-wheel drive car, so don't expect butter-smooth handling through these corners.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 27.000
• SILVER: 27.400
• BRONZE: 30.000


A-3: Cone Slalom.

Car: 2007 Mini Cooper S
Course: Top Gear Test Track
Start: Standing Start

A slalom is a test of efficiency and control. You may know what slaloms are like if you watch skiing. You are asked to take the 2007 Mini Cooper S around a set course. The key is to adjust your throttle and steering effectively while properly weaving your way around the cones. If you so much as to even nudge a cone, that is a foul, and you will be disqualified. Thankfully, the Mini is no speed demon. You have some leeway here speed-wise. Still, you must be proficient in your steering as well as in carrying a consistent speed.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 20.000
• SILVER: 21.000
• BRONZE: 25.000


A-4: Tackling the Monza Chicane.

Car: 2007 BMW 135i Coupe
Course: Autodromo Nazionale Monza
Start: Rolling Start at 95 mph

BMW provides you their 135i Coupe to take on the chicane on the Start/Finish straight. Properly judging your distance and adjusting properly will determine whether you pass or fail. Brake hard heading into the chicane. As you go through the chicane, try to find a decent line to not only clear both corners, but to power out effectively towards the Finish line. Silver shouldn't be impossible for this test. Be careful not to leave the course at any time. Otherwise, your run will be foul.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 18.900
• SILVER: 20.000
• BRONZE: 22.000


A-5: Tackling Continuous Urban Right-Angled Corners.

Car: 2009 Lotus Evora
Course: London
Start: Rolling Start at 50 mph

The streets of London are pretty narrow. The course in GT5 is quite short. You will be asked to treat a series of successive 90 corners with a 2009 Lotus Evora. This is a GREAT handling car! Make the most of its handling to clear these corners. You can powerslide the car a bit for some fun drifting. Believe me, this car is a joy to drive. Just pay attention to the road and attack the corners bravely.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 14.500
• SILVER: 15.000
• BRONZE: 17.000


A-6: Mastering a Set of Undulating Corners..

Car: 1989 Mazda Eunos Roadster (NA Special Package)
Course: Trial Mountain
Start: Rolling Start at 62 mph

A track with substantial elevation changes can make even the simplest of roads a multitude more challenging to navigate. While your car is nowhere near the performer the Evora's performance from the previous test, the Miata (Eunos Roadster in Japan) is still a handful to drive. You'll need to prove this point by taking on the first few corners of Trial Mountain. This is the first test involving a car from the 20th Century. It's the oldest car you will have raced so far in a license test. The key to great times here is to drive a consistent line. No braking or letting off the throttle is needed as long as you have a great line going. This is essentially a racing line test. Just floor the gas and use great steering technique to clear this test for a somewhat simple Silver. Be more efficient to gain Gold.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 19.000
• SILVER: 19.300
• BRONZE: 21.000


A-7: Driving a Mountainous Dirt Track.

Car: 2006 Ford Focus ST
Course: Eiger Nordwand K Trail
Start: Standing Start

Welcome to your first off-road test! Laps around this course can take over four minutes in the fastest rally cars. You will only be navigating a very quick kink followed by a knife-sharp hairpin. My first time doing this test- 31.472 time. I can tell you that if you drive the Focus just right, it will seem like you're lagging behind very much, but you'll still nail an impressive time. The game's low-speed physics on off-road courses is brutal to me.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 32.000
• SILVER: 33.000
• BRONZE: 34.000


A-8: Tackling the High-Speed "Schumacher S."

Car: 2007 BMW Concept 1 Series tii
Course: Nürburgring GP/F
Start: Rolling Start at 68 mph

After the second hairpin of the Nürburgring Grand Prix course, you wind your way towards the "Schumacher S." The road goes a bit downhill before progressing a bit uphill. It is a two-corner series that progresses uphill. If you clear the first half of this section, you will be set up properly to take on the second half of this section. Use up all of your BMW Concept 1 Series tii's ability to clear this section with passing credit.

LICENSE TIMES:
• GOLD: 13.800
• SILVER: 14.200
• BRONZE: 16.000


A-9: Using Braking to Overtake on the Inside of a Corner.

Car: 2005 Citroen C4 2.0VTS
Course: Fuji Speedway F
Start: Rolling Start at 68 mph

Like in B-9, you are using one specific part of the track and are asked to pass three other cars. You are using the road-going Citroen C4 for this test. This car is the street version of the C4 rally car. You will start from the final corner of Fuji Speedway F. What you need to do is pass as many cars as possible to get the highest score possible heading into the brutally sharp Turn 1 of this course.

LICENSE POSITIONS:
• GOLD: 1st
• SILVER: 2nd
• BRONZE: 3rd


A-10: High-Speed Ring 1-Lap Battle.

Car: 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR P.P.
Course: High-Speed Ring
Start: Rolling Start at 100 mph

You will earn your A-License only as long as you place high enough in a one lap run around High-Speed Ring. Your Lancer is a powerful rally-bred monster taking on an asphalt course like High-Speed Ring. All you have is one lap to pass as many cars (15 total) as possible. Effective slipstream battle strategy will determine whether or not you clear this challenge. You may have a capable car, but this race is NOT easy. It is best to draft the first car ahead of you, then pass that car to the right to trail the leading RX-8 heading into Turn 1. If there is one thing I can recommend, do all of your passing on the outside before the bridge. Most of your passing after the bridge should be done inside of corners. What awaits you from getting your National A License are 15 cars ahead of you. How many can you pass?

LICENSE POSITIONS:
• GOLD: 1st
• SILVER: 3rd
• BRONZE: 7th


Congratulations! You got your A-License!





There's more License Test insanity to work towards. More posts to come! Get your Level up to Level 6 to take on the International C tests. Thank you for reading!

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Races of Gran Turismo 2

The Simulation Disc of Gran Turismo 2 showcases a host of races for you to take part in. For some of the early races in GT2, a license is not required. However, to complete the game, you need to make sure you have all of your licenses ready in taking on the rigors GT2 has to offer for you on the Simulation Disc. So make sure to get more licenses. If you need a little advice on clearing license tests, visit my blog post featuring GT2's license tests.

(NOTE: This blog post only concerns the official races, not the One-Make races.)





--- Races of Gran Turismo 2 at a Glance ---
Gran Turismo 2 GTF
^ Gran Turismo 2's Gran Turismo Foundation features four great classes to challenge your racing abilities.

The Gran Turismo League, Special Events, Rally Events, and Endurance races all feature many ways to go racing in GT2. The majority of your racing is in this lineup of events. You will need to remember to keep your horsepower within regulation of the required horsepower limits to enter.


Gran Turismo League.

The GT League features three tiers of racing. It begins with six different Nationals you must clear. These are basic races featuring mostly cars from certain nationalities. The next tier is the Euro-Pacific League. Here, you battle against cars from European makes in the Euro League, and against Japanese and American cars in the Pacific League. The chosen few compete in the greatest of all races- the Gran Turismo World League. It is a five-race series featuring some of the finest race cars in Gran Turismo 2. This is where you will get your kicks racing on a proper stage of racing.

Special Events.

Special Events are limited to certain types of vehicles. In it, you will face a great variety of cars and tracks to push your racing skills further. This is where you will do a vast majority of your racing in GT2. Many races have horsepower restrictions, but some others have restrictions on drivetrain and aspiration. Therefore, it is not required for you to have a certain kind of car to meet most regulations. So for example, you could race the Station Wagon Cup in a 1997 Acura NSX (as long as it is within the horsepower regulations). You can race a car from the 1970s or the 1990s in the '80s Sports Car Cup. There are no legit limitations for any series unless a series specifically calls for a certain restriction.

Rally Events.

All Rally Events require you to complete a one-lap time trial against a ghost. If you beat the ghost's time, you win the event. Each of the nine events feature three races against a certain opponent car. An A-License is the bare minimum to compete in these races.

Endurances.

While GT1 had three endurances, Gran Turismo 2 challenges you to seven endurance races. The same ability to endure will be tested substantially in this series of endurance races. Take note of the various horsepower restrictions for those who have horsepower restrictions. At the least, an International B license is required.


These are the four classes of racing in Gran Turismo 2. It is now time to delve further into these races.



--- Races of Gran Turismo 2: Gran Turismo League ---
Official racing events of Gran Turismo 2.

Nationals.

On your way to reaching the pinnacle of Gran Turismo racing, you must start out in the Nationals. A dark hint... you do not need to have a car of a certain nationality for each National. So in other words, you can bring a Japanese car to the U.S. Nationals and still win. Each race is two laps long. No cars are rewarded for winning each race. In brackets are the license requirements. In braces {} are the money prizes for each position from 1st to 6th.

--- Japan Nationals (at Midfield Raceway) ---
* [B] 197hp limit - {4000, 1000, 500, 400, 300, 200}
* [A] 295hp limit - {5000, 2000, 1500, 1000, 500, 300}
* [A] 345hp limit - {7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}

--- U.S. Nationals (at Laguna Seca) ---
* [B] 246hp limit - {4000, 1000, 500, 400, 300, 200}
* [A] 295hp limit - {5000, 2000, 1500, 1000, 500, 300}
* [A] 394hp limit - {7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}

--- French Nationals (at Tahiti Road) ---
* [B] 246hp limit - {4000, 1000, 500, 400, 300, 200}
* [A] 295hp limit - {5000, 2000, 1500, 1000, 500, 300}

--- U.K. Nationals (at Trial Mountain) ---
* [B] 197hp limit - {4000, 1000, 500, 400, 300, 200}
* [A] 345hp limit - {5000, 2000, 1500, 1000, 500, 300}
* [A] 394hp limit - {7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}

--- Italian Nationals (at Rome Short Circuit (B) and Rome Circuit (A)) ---
* [B] (at Rome Short) 197hp limit - {4000, 1000, 500, 400, 300, 200}
* [A] (at Rome Circuit) 295hp limit - {5000, 2000, 1500, 1000, 500, 300}

--- German Nationals (at Deep Forest Raceway) ---
* [B] 216hp limit - {4000, 1000, 500, 400, 300, 200}
* [A] 295hp limit - {5000, 2000, 1500, 1000, 500, 300}
* [A] 443hp limit - {7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}


Euro-Pacific.

The next step in the GT League is to go through the Nationals. Here, you race against cars of certain nationalities across various courses. Remember that there are no restrictions towards what nationality of car you have. Bonus cars are awarded for victory in each stage. Each race is three laps long. An International B license is required to compete on this level.

--- Euro League (German, Italian, British, and French cars) ---
* Apricot Hill - 591hp limit - {10000, 7000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500}
* Grand Valley - 591hp limit - {10000, 7000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500}
* Rome Circuit - 591hp limit - {10000, 7000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500}

--- Pacific League (Japanese and American cars) ---
* Midfield Raceway - 542hp limit - {10000, 7000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500}
* Seattle Circuit - 542hp limit - {10000, 7000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500}
* Laguna Seca - 542hp limit - {10000, 7000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500}


Gran Turismo World League.

The final challenge for you to conquer is in the Gran Turismo World League. This is a five-race championship featuring some of the fastest cars in the game. Do you have what it takes to conquer Gran Turismo racing and become World Champion? Prepare to earn your stripes here. Each race is five laps long. There are no horsepower restictions. An International A license is required to compete.

RACES:
* Trial Mountain
* Laguna Seca Raceway
* Apricot Hill
* Rome Circuit
* Midfield Raceway

Prize Money in Races: 25000, 10000, 5000, 3000, 2000, 1000
Prize Money to Champion: 150000





More reading to come, so make sure you're reading the full blog post to see everything! If not, click on "Read More" to see the remainder of this blog post!







--- Races of Gran Turismo 2: Special Events ---
Most of your racing is done in the Special Events section. These are races divided up among kinds of automobiles. There are a minimum of three races and a maximum of five. To win in these races, you must demonstrate your ability to win in any of the given races featured here.

--- Page 1 of 4 ---

Sunday Cup.

To begin your racing journey through Gran Turismo 2, start off in the Sunday Cup. The races last for only two laps. No license is required.
* Tahiti Road - {3000, 1000, 500, 400, 300, 200}
* High Speed Ring - {4000, 1500, 1000, 700, 400, 200}
* Red Rock Valley - {5000, 2000, 1500, 1000, 500, 300}

Clubman Cup.

The next series of races feature some tougher races with some higher payouts on the line. Take on some tougher competition on three European city courses. Each race is two laps long.
* Rome Short - {5000, 2000, 1500, 1000, 500, 300}
* Grindelwald - {6000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500, 300}
* [B] Rome Circuit - {7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}

FF Challenge.

Test your ability to race and use front-wheel drive cars. These cars offer great traction, but do not allow you to get very aggressive racing them. You will therefore have to learn the limits that front-wheel drive (or as haters call them, wrong-wheel drive) cars provide. The races last only two lap races. Only front-wheel drive cars can race in this event.
* [B] Tahiti Road - 295hp limit - {5000, 2000, 1500, 1000, 500, 300}
* [A] Midfield Raceway - 345hp limit - {6000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500, 300}
* [IC] Trial Mountain - 394hp limit - {7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}

FR Challenge.

Perhaps the best drivetrain for racing is a front-engine car with rear-wheel drive. The advantage of this drivetrain is that you get great weight balance and great control. The front gives you pull in a FR car while the rear gives you that push. However, rear-wheel drive cars can snap on you if you spin out. The races last only two laps. Only front-engine/RWD cars can enter.
* [A] Clubman Stage Route 5 - 295hp limit - {5000, 2000, 1500, 1000, 500, 300}
* [IC] Special Stage Route 5 - 443hp limit - {6000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500, 300}
* [IB] Midfield Raceway - 493hp limit - {7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}

Mid-Engine Challenge.

Mid-engined cars take great precision to handle. They can be absolutely fragile and disasterous if handled poorly. Make sure to pick out a good car to go race with. Think of tuning up your Toyota MR2 or your Acura NSX before competing here. The races last only two laps. Only mid-engined cars with RWD can compete.
* [IC] Grand Valley East - 345hp limit - {5000, 2000, 1500, 1000, 500, 300}
* [IB] High Speed Ring - 493hp limit - {6000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500, 300}
* [IA] Red Rock Valley - 591hp limit - {15000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 300}

4WD Challenge.

While not considered great drivetrains for road racing, 4WD cars offer both the traction of front-wheel drive with the accleration and push of RWD cars. Take advantage of this best-of-both-worlds drivetrain in three different races to test your 4WD racing ability. You will be racing three American courses here in two-lap races. Only four-wheel drive cars can race in this series.
* [A] Seattle Short - 345hp limit - {5000, 2000, 1500, 1000, 500, 300}
* [IC] Seattle Circuit - 394hp limit - {6000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500, 300}
* [IA] Laguna Seca - 690hp limit - {15000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}


--- Page 2 of 4 ---

Light-weight "K" Cup.

Call them anything but toys- Kei cars are for you to race in this series. Your ability to race these underpowered and small cars will be put to the test in this series of races taking you to three different parts of the world. Only one race does not require a license.
* Rome Short - 147hp limit - {5000, 2000, 1500, 1000, 500, 300}
* [B] Seattle Short - 98hp limit - {6000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500, 300}
* [A] Tahiti Road - 98hp limit - {7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}

Compact Car World Cup.

Racing some of the best compact cars in the world, you will be racing three different courses in two-lap races. Make the most of the handling and performance capabilities of compact cars with this three-race series.
* [B] Rome Short - 246hp limit - {4000, 1500, 1000, 700, 400, 200}
* [B] Seattle Short - 246hp limit - {4000, 1500, 1000, 700, 400, 200}
* [B] Autumn Ring - 246hp limit - {4000, 1500, 1000, 700, 400, 200}

Luxury Sedan Cup.

The Luxury Sedan Cup features premium luxury cars in a three-race series. You will need to understand that while these cars may be powerful, they are very heavy, and therefore require some great finesse to properly race. Make good use of these cars' horsepower and their handling abilities to win.
* [A] Rome Circuit - 394hp limit - {5000, 2000, 1500, 1000, 500, 300}
* [IC] Special Stage Route 5 - 493hp limit - {6000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500, 300}
* [IB] High Speed Ring - 591hp limit - {10000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}

Muscle Car Cup.

Go old school wtih old school American muscle. The opposition are all ground-shaking, growling beasts. Get ready for some great muscle car racing in this all-American series! Each race is in the United States and are two laps long.
* [IA] Seattle Short - {7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}
* [IA] Seattle Circuit - {8000, 6000, 2500, 1500, 800, 500}
* [IA] Laguna Seca - {10000, 7000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500}

Convertible Car World.

Convertibles can be more than just fun machines on a warm day- they can even be great racing cars. At least, you will be doing some racing against convertibles here. The tops may not come down on these convertibles and roadsters, but you can still go race these machines as hard as you can across three different tracks. Two-lap races comprise this three-race series.
* [A] Tahiti Road - 246hp limit - {7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}
* [IB] Grindelwald - 345hp limit - {8000, 6000, 2500, 1500, 800, 500}
* [IA] Trial Mountain - 591hp limit - {15000, 7000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500}

Historic Car Cup.

Take some backroads through automobile history with this championship. You will be racing against some vintage automobiles all ready for racing. Find some historic cars to go race in and enjoy vintage racing to the max! Three races at two laps each await you here.
* [A] Tahiti Road - 246hp limit - {7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}
* [A] Rome Circuit - 295hp limit - {7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}
* [IC] Grindelwald - 394hp limit - {8000, 6000, 2500, 1500, 800, 500}


--- Page 3 of 4 ---

Station Wagon Cup.

In the Station Wagon (or Estate Car) Cup, you will be racing against station wagons in this series. Three two-lap races await you along with some station wagons set to do battle. Who said station wagons are exclusively grocery getters?
* [B] Rome Short - 394hp limit - {5000, 2000, 1500, 1000, 500, 300}
* [A] Super Speedway - 394hp limit - {6000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500, 300}
* [IC] Special Stage Route 5 - 394hp limit - {7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}

'80s Sports Car Cup.

Take a tour through the '80s by racing against some '80s muscle. Prove your worth racing '80s sports cars in five races. They all last for three laps.
* [A] Trial Mountain - 197hp limit - {7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}
* [IC] Special Stage Route 5 - 345hp limit - {7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}
* [IB] Deep Forest - 345hp limit - {8000, 6000, 2500, 1500, 800, 500}
* [IB] Seattle Circuit - 394hp limit - {8000, 6000, 2500, 1500, 800, 500}
* [IB] Tahiti Road - 394hp limit - {10000m 7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500}

Grand Touring Car Trophy.

Welcome to the first of two high-level racing series in the Special Events lineup. Grand Touring cars are some of the fastest and most capable sports cars. You will try to prove your racing worth in three races all lasting for three laps each. Not to spoil anything, but you can get some great race cars here with victory in each of these races.
* [IC] Red Rock Valley - 394hp limit - {10000, 7000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500}
* [IB] Grand Valley - 493hp limit - {20000, 12000, 8000, 5000, 3000, 800}
* [IA] Midfield Raceway - 591hp limit - {30000, 20000, 10000, 7000, 5000, 1000}

Pure Sports Car Cup.

Sports cars and only sports cars are the racing machines of choice here. If you invested enough money to purchase a great sports car, bring it here and take on five other sports cars in a real shootout of speed. Three races at two laps each will test your abilities in epic fashion.
* [A] Laguna Seca - 394hp limit - {7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 700, 500}
* [IC] Deep Forest - 443hp limit - {8000, 6000, 2500, 1500, 800, 500}
* [IB] Trial Mountain - 591hp limit - {10000, 7000, 3000, 2000, 1000, 500}


--- Page 4 of 4 ---

Tuned NA Car No.1 Cup.

The world's best normally-aspirated car is... well, that's for you to decide. Big money is on the line for this three-race series. There are no horsepower restrictions. Each race lasts three laps and only naturally-aspirated cars can enter.
* [IA] Autumn Ring - {50000, 7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500}
* [IA] Grindelwald - {50000, 7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500}
* [IA] Laguna Seca - {50000, 7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500}

Tuned Turbo Car No. 1 Cup.

If you prefer turbo power, this is your race. The best turbo-powered and supercharged cars in the game will compete in this series. There are three races, each three laps long. The only horsepower limit is infinity. Only turbocharged and supercharged cars can compete in this series.
* [IA] Special Stage Route 5 - {50000, 10000, 5000, 3000, 2000, 1000}
* [IA] Test Course - {50000, 10000, 5000, 3000, 2000, 1000}
* [IA] Deep Forest - {50000, 10000, 5000, 3000, 2000, 1000}

Gran Turismo All-Stars.

Gran Turismo 2's best cars spanning a broad range of autos (mostly race cars) will contest among themselves in an intense five-race series. Each of the five races are five laps long. Bring a fast and capable car to this one. Otherwise, you'll have a tough time trying to get past these guys (and gals) in some lackluster car.
* [IA] Super Speedway - {50000, 30000, 20000, 10000, 5000, 1000}
* [IA] Special Stage Route 5 - {50000, 30000, 20000, 10000, 5000, 1000}
* [IA] Red Rock Valley - {50000, 30000, 20000, 10000, 5000, 1000}
* [IA] Rome Circuit - {50000, 30000, 20000, 10000, 5000, 1000}
* [IA] Laguna Seca - {50000, 30000, 20000, 10000, 5000, 1000}

Super Touring Car Trophy.

A basic economy car or a basic-looking road car can only be capable of so much. But when you make a racing example out of that car, the racing action can be just as fun as any other form of racing. Touring cars represents a style of racing where the cars are very close to their road-going counterparts in both performance and handling. Only difference is, these are pure racing machines through and through. Enter the exciting world of touring car racing with this series. There are five races, each lasting three laps.
* [IB] Apricot Hill - 493hp limit {15000, 7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500}
* [IB] Trial Mountain - 493hp limit {15000, 7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500}
* [IB] Laguna Seca - 493hp limit {15000, 7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500}
* [IB] Deep Forest - 493hp limit {15000, 7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500}
* [IB] Rome Circuit - 493hp limit {15000, 7000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500}

GT 300 Championship.

One of only two championships in the Special Events series, the GT 300 championship features racing machines in the GT300 class of Super GT (formerly the JGTC). The GT300 cars are lesser-powered cars that are still a great joy to race. An exciting championship featuring five races at five laps each will test your abilities to survive in this frenzied racing series. Races begin on a rolling start. There is a 591 horsepower limit to this series.

RACES:
* Grand Valley East
* Laguna Seca
* Deep Forest
* Midfield Raceway
* Apricot Hill

Prize Money in Races: 15000, 8000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500
Prize Money to Champion: 100000


GT 500 Championship.

You will be racing against the GT500 class of cars from Super GT (formerly the JGTC). There are no horsepower restrictions unlike the GT300 Championship. These cars are all powerful and a blast to drive and race. You will compete in five races all lasting five laps.

RACES:
* Laguna Seca
* Super Speedway
* Rome Circuit
* Trial Mountain
* Apricot Hill

Prize Money in Races: 50000, 15000, 5000, 4000, 3000, 1500
Prize Money to Champion: 200000



--- Rally Events ---
Rally racing in Gran Turismo 2 requires you to beat a Ghost Car in a time trial. There are either two kinds of drivers- winners and losers. You will need to beat the Ghost Car's time to win the event. There are no horsepower restrictions for any of the races. Your only concern is to beat the other racer's time in one lap. The winning money is shown in braces. Each race is listed based on the car you are racing against. So they listed in the format of (your car) vs. (the opponent's car). All of the cars you go up against are Racing Modified. Notes on what specific car you will be racing against will be in parentheses.

Green Forest.

* [A] vs. Astra SRi 2.0i 16V {5000}
* [IC] vs. Escort Rally Car {8000}
* [IB] vs. Focus Rally Car {10000}

Smokey Mountain South.

While not as exciting as Smokey Mountain North, this course still requires a great deal of concentration and focus to win.
* [A] vs. Storia {5000}
* [IC] vs. Delta Integrale {8000}
* [IB] vs. Delta {10000}

Tahiti Maze.

Get ready for the formidable challenge known only as Tahiti Maze. The beauty of French Polynesia boasts an imposing rally challenge in the form of Tahiti Maze. Prepare to earn your victory here!
* [A] vs. Celica (ST165 GT-Four model) {5000}
* [IB] vs. 206 Rally Car {10000}
* [IB] vs. Lancer Rally Car (Evo. V rally car, 1998) {10000}

Smokey Mountain North.

High speeds and epic jumps await you racing Smokey Mountain North. Get your frequent flyer miles racing this exciting course!
* [A] vs. Saxo {5000}
* [IC] vs. Megane Coupe {8000}
* [IB] vs. Impreza Rally Car (the 1999 Impreza rally car) {10000}

Tahiti Dirt Route 3.

To be named Tahiti Circuit in Gran Turismo 3, Tahiti Dirt Route 3 is all about a smooth-flowing off-road course that is not seriously challenging at all. It is a very fast course with not much in the way of difficult corners.
* [A] vs. Pulsar {5000}
* [IC] vs. Stratos {8000}
* [IB] vs. Corolla Rally Car {10000}

Pikes Peak Downhill.

The only true point-to-point rally course in Gran Turismo history, you will be racing Pikes Peak in the downhill direction. Pikes Peak is abbreviated in this game. So rather than a 10-minute climb up the mountain, you'll be racing for about maybe two or three minutes. You start from the top of the mountain down to the base in this series of races.
* [A] vs. 306 S16 {5000}
* [IC] vs. Stratos {8000}
* [IB] vs. Lancer Evo IV GSR {10000}

Pikes Peak Hill Climb.

Here's a dirty trick- just drive well with (a certain car), and you can win just about all the rally races with authority. Well, here is where your skills will REALLY be tested. Go up the mountain with some powerful cars. Pikes Peak is not going to be easy going uphill. See if you can beat THESE cars going up the mountain:
* [A] vs. RS200 Rally Car {5000}
* [IB] vs. Cultus Pikes Peak {25000}
* [IV] vs. Escudo Pikes Peak {25000}

Smokey Mountain North (Reverse).

You will be racing in the reverse configuration of Smokey Mountain North. Therefore, you will not get to enjoy the high-speed thrills in reverse as you have the original course.
* [A] vs. Pulsar (GTI-R 1991 model) {5000}
* [IC] vs. Celica (ST185 GT-Four RC model) {8000}
* [IB] vs. Lancer Rally Car (Evo. VI rally car, 1999) {10000}

Tahiti Dirt Route 3 (Reverse).

The last of the rally events takes back to Tahiti Dirt Route 3, in the Reverse direction. Quite competitive cars face you here, making this rally race in paradise more like trouble in paradise.
* [A] vs. Familia (Mazda BG Familia GT-R, 1992 model) {5000}
* [A] vs. Impreza Rally Car (Impreza WRX STi Version III, 1996) {5000}
* [IB] vs. Tigra Ice Race Car {10000}



--- Endurance Events ---
The ability to endure will be tested in this series of races. Gran Turismo 2 features seven endurance races on some of the game's toughest circuits. You need to set aside about 90 minutes or two hours to complete all of these races. You will need to pit for new tires in addition to trying to outlast the competition. Therefore, you may want to reconsider racing on Super Soft tires. Instead, go for a tire setup that will help you to last for the duration of the race. Make sure you have the right tire combination prior to starting each endurance because if you pick the wrong tire setup, you will have to live with that tire combination through the entirety of the race. Learn what setup is best for your car in a long-distance race by practicing and testing certain setups. An International B license is the minimum for these events. Bonus cars are awarded for victory in each of the seven endurances. Lots of money is on the line for victory in each race.

A brief description for each event will be provided. Horsepower restrictions (if any) will be provided in the description.


Laguna Seca 200 Miles.

Experience 200 miles around Laguna Seca (now known as Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca). Your opposition will mostly be JGTC GT500 class cars. This race lasts for 90 laps. The most important thing to remember when racing this track is to properly take the Corkscrew. It can be very easy to screw up here, and it will make you pay dearly for being careless. An International A license is required to compete in this race.

Prize Money: {350000, 200000, 150000, 100000, 50000, 10000}


Grand Valley 300km.

The signature endurance of Gran Turismo is the Grand Valley 300km. This race tests your ability to endure for 60 laps around the outstanding Grand Valley Speedway. The opposition you will face in this race are all pure sports cars. This endurance requires an International A license and is restricted to 690 horsepower. This race lasts about two hours.

Prize Money: {500000, 150000, 100000, 50000, 30000, 10000}


Rome Circuit 2 Hours.

The Millenium in Rome 2-Hour Endurance takes you around the streets of Rome in an outstanding endurance race. Here, you will be faced with all the nuances that make Rome Circuit so fearful from its blind corners and intense racing. Prepare to go for a wild ride on these streets. This is a 99-lap endurance featuring some of the fastest race cars in Gran Turismo 2. An International A license is required to race here.

Prize Money: {300000, 200000, 150000, 100000, 50000, 10000}


Apricot Hill 200km.

Here, you will be faced with the tricky Grand Prix-style racing facility known as Apricot Hill. Your opposition will mostly be high-powered sports cars and a bevy of powerful Japanese cars. This is an endurance race lasting 50 laps. An International B license is required, and all cars racing here must have no more than 591 horsepower.

Prize Money: {500000, 150000, 100000, 50000, 30000, 10000}


Trial Mountain.

A road runs over this mountain. Trial Mountain is open for business with an intense endurance around this tough course. Remember that Trial Mountain is intense and hilly with any number of surprises waiting for you. It will not be a cakewalk taking on this course. An International B license is required to race this endurance, and cars are limited to 295hp. The good news is that you don't need a super-powerful car to compete in this endurance. Considering what kind of character Trial Mountain brings, that's a GOOD thing.

Prize Money: {150000, 100000, 50000, 30000, 20000, 10000}


Seattle Circuit 100 Miles.

Seattle's undulating roads and intense corners will drive you crazy for 100 miles. You will be racing around this track for 40 laps against American muscle cars and other high-powered American sports cars. Victory will be tough to come by on the streets of Seattle. An International A license is required, and cars are limited to 591 horsepower.

Prize Money: {150000, 100000, 50000, 30000, 20000, 10000}


Special Stage Route 5 All-Night.

Gran Turismo's all-night festival is at Special Stage Route 5. This is the only night race among GT2's endurances. You must race on these streets and highways for 50 laps against some fast race cars. It is the longest night in Gran Turismo racing, and you'd better not sleep on the opportunity to make a huge splash with a victory. An International A license is required to race here.

Prize Money: {350000, 150000, 100000, 50000, 30000, 10000}


That concludes the lineup of Endurance races. Go race hard and remember to ENDURE!





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Tuesday, 29 December 2015

Formula Racer 2012

Formula Racer 2012 runs on the same engine as Formula Racer, but FR2012 offers a little different experience from its Formula Racer counterpart. The sequel offers a different experience in the sense of how you get through the game. Kongregate and Turbo Nuke are back at it again with this game. The biggest difference between the two titles is that this one involves three different car classes as opposed to the one formula car you use. I will be sure to fill you in on the various details to help discuss this racing game to you all.





--- Formula Racer 2012 ---

This is your first look at the sequel of Formula Racer, "Formula Racer 2012":

Formula Racer 2012
^ from: sticklebackgames.com (best I could find) - Formula Racer 2012 offers three classes of racing, 12 tracks, and one high-speed thrill ride.


Formula Racer 2012 is the sequel to "Formula Racer." As such, it runs on the same engine as Formula Racer. The experience here is different because you race with and against three different classes of car in this game. You can upgrade your car to any number of offered levels. Also, you can set up each car to any number of attributes. Take advantage of these things to help make yourself the most unstoppable force on the track. Unlike "Formula Racer," "Formula Racer 2012" only has certain tracks exclusive to each class. So you will be racing certain tracks using certain cars. Each race lasts two laps and features 32 cars to a track, including your car. You can pick a certain color scheme for your car unlike in Formula Racer. Also different about this game is the fact that you can choose between dry tires and wet tires. The game will specify what whether conditions will have. Picking the wrong tires doesn't necessarily mean you are going to struggle for grip and speed. It just means you'll have to work that much harder to try to win.

Here is a brief look at each of the classes, cars, and tracks.


Formula Racer 2012: Race Class 1.

The Race Class 1 car you will race with resembles the various Caterham models. Or if you know your older cars, they resemble something like the Lotus Super 7 cars (which most Caterhams are based on to begin with). Five upgrade levels are offered for this car. Here are the three races you will be involved in:

• USA - a high-speed romp in a city environment.
• Malaysia - A very quick course in a tropical jungle setting.
• Brazil - a very fast, yet technical course.


Formula Racer 2012: Race Class 2.

Once you unlock Race Class 2, you will be racing faster cars and more difficult tracks than in Race Class 1. The Race Class 2 car, unlike the Race Class 1 car, is a more proper race car. It sort of resembles a vintage F1 car from the 1980s or so. These cars are still quite powerful and fast. There are eight upgrade levels for the Race Class 2 car. You will need those upgrades taking on the more furious competition. Prepare yourself for these four races:

• Australia - here is a tricky course in a desert-like environment.
• Canada - a lot of the corners are fairly sharp here.
• China - tough corners and little straightaways make up this course.
• France - a fairly small course in a tropical urban setting.


Formula Racer 2012: Race Class 3.

This class boasts the fastest and most capable car. It also boasts the most difficult courses. Your car in Race Class 3 can be upgraded to 12 levels. It wasn't easy getting your way from the Class 1 events to this level. With that said, you know you're going to have to really show your strength if you figure into being a champion of racing by taking on these five courses:

• Great Britain - a twisty course with a handful of left-right switchbacks.
• Germany - a few difficult corners, but otherwise quite fast.
• Spain - smooth corners transition quickly to sharp corners. Be careful!
• Turkey - many sweeping corners and switchbacks make up this course, including one VERY long sweeping corner.
• India - tricky switchbacks and undulating roads will rack your brain here.


Most of the advice I've provided in "Formula Racer" also apply to "Formula Racer 2012." The only thing I recommend is that you finish every race, even if you finish dead last. The key to success in this game is in making the money. You need every bit of coin to upgrade your car and unlock tracks and cars. Don't forget also to upgrade. If your car is fully upgraded, everything relies on racing ability. I hope you have enough so you can become champion.

It is now time I offer a review on this game.



--- Formula Racer 2012: Review ---

"Formula Racer 2012" is not much different from "Formula Racer," but it is just as fun and fast-paced as the previous game. The level of challenge is just right. This game will not frustrate you or make you feel it is impossible to beat. Decent, skillful driving should yield you great results. This is another great job by the combination of Kongregate and Turbo Nuke.


Want to Play?

If you have LOADS of time to waste, here is a sample video featuring "Formula Racer 2012":


^ "Formula Racer 2012 - Flash Game"

You can play "Formula Racer 2012" right now by following this link: Formula Racer 2012 on Kongregate. For more online games from Kongregate and Turbo Nuke visit their respective websites: www.kongregate.com and www.turbonuke.com.





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Formula Racer

Formula Racer is a Flash-based racing game published by Kongregate and developed by Turbo Nuke. You will be racing with and against the most elite of race cars in high-speed formula car battle. You will never know what kind of madness awaits you once the race starts. All you know is that you're strapped into a sophisticated and fast racing car devoid of fenders, head lights, and compromises. When the lights turn green, get ready for a race sure to get your blood pumping and your heart racing as hard as the actual racing you'll be doing. This post is a review of the Flash-based racing game "Formula Racer."





--- Formula Racer ---

Here is a little picture of the game I am set to discuss:

Formula Racer
^ from: www.youtube.com - Formula Racer is a Flash-based racing game by Kongregate and Turbo Nuke.

Formula Racer puts you in a Formula 1-style race car and compete on eight different tracks from around the world. You need to be atop your game and race with purpose if you expect to win. "Formula Racer" also features various Achievements you can complete. The game features eight race tracks spanning the globe. There are no licensed tracks, but each venue resembles a real-world track, and not all of them are actual tracks found in that nation. For example, you start in the USA, and the USA track resembles Circuit de Catalunya in Spain. Each race is two laps long and consists of 24 drivers (including yourself) to a track. Simply finishing a race will earn you sufficient money which you can use towards unlocking more tracks and upgrading your car. You can upgrade your car to enhance its performance up to 16 levels. Your boost is with you and refills over time. Press the Space key to activate your boost. It doesn't need to be at full to be used.

Here are a few things to take note of when playing "Formula Racer." Direct contact with other cars will not destroy your car, but crashing into outside barriers and other off-track objects will explode your car. Once you crash, victory is near impossible. There is an Achievement you can get for winning a race after crashing. If you crash, all of the boost you have stocked will be dumped. There is no on-screen map of your progress. The only way to know how far you've raced is when you look at the progress bar at the top of the main window. Try to place as high as possible (3rd or better) on all of the tracks so you can unlock the "Special Car." Do not expect to win right away. Even I was a bit lucky to win the first race with a bone stock car before preparing this review.



--- Formula Racer Review ---

Here is my own review of the game you've just read about.

"Formula Racer" is a fast-paced Flash-based racing game that delivers some great action. The controls for this game are fairly sharp, and the action remains intense. The AI can be a bit twitchy and acting as if they rule the road. The game runs very smoothly and remains fast-paced all the time. It is a very cool game for you racing game fans. Go play it online if you're wanting to pass the time online playing Flash games.


Want to Play?

Here is a video preview of this game:


^ "Formula Racer - Kongregate Gameplay by Magicolo46"

If you want to play "Formula Racer," follow this link: Formula Racer on Kongregate. For more online games from Kongregate and Turbo Nuke visit their respective websites: www.kongregate.com and www.turbonuke.com.





I will be reviewing more games and talking more racing games in future posts here on "John's Race Space"- even including Flash games. I want to expand upon and live up to the mantra of "anything and everything" in all that I discuss. Make sure you're Subscribed/Followed if you love my work. I hope you enjoyed your time here. Thank you for reading!

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Saturday, 26 December 2015

Deep Forest Raceway

The challenge of Deep Forest is to "experience racing through a forest" (to quote Gran Turismo 1). Deep Forest has long been a formidable course combining both rhythm-based sections with a lovely forest setting. It has been featured in every Gran Turismo game including Tourist Trophy. This is one of many true original courses in Gran Turismo history. This blog post is about the unique racing challenge known as Deep Forest.




--- Deep Forest Raceway ---
Deep Forest
^ (picture from Gran Turismo 2)
"Experience racing through a forest." -Gran Turismo 1

Deep Forest Raceway had always been under sunset conditions. It used to be that Deep Forest was a romp through a forest. The track is not exactly about a thick and dense forest, but it certainly lives up to its billing as being a race track through a forest. High trees and a very natural landscape make this course quite the task to race. The undulations in the road will easily unnerve your car if set up poorly. The backstretch features a tunnel along with a nice little look at the My favorite part of Deep Forest is the final corner, which you could aggressively take at full speed if you got a good line set up. This track can be quite difficult to race on in a mid-engine car, so take this into consideration if racing this course in a mid-engine car.

You briefly head up a hill and come back down as you enter Turn 1. The first corner comes up quickly, but smoothens out as you go further into this left-hand corner. As you head up the hill, the many switchbacks and chicanes heading into the first tunnel will unnerve you and your car. A smooth right takes you into the second tunnel. Coming out of that second tunnel, you'll go downhill and face a left-hand corner followed by a smooth uphill right followed by a seemingly long left-hand corner. Then, another left follows that leads onto the backstretch. The backstretch features a gradual climb in elevation that goes back down as you enter the third tunnel, then slightly uphill heading into the fourth tunnel. After the fourth tunnel, light to moderate braking is needed. You don't need to do any more hard braking unless you have to. Go full speed down the following straight. Depending on your line and how well your car can take high-speed corners, you can let off the throttle a bit and take the final corner at high speed. Climb up the hill and back down, and you've completed a lap of Deep Forest!


Deep Forest: Gran Turismos 1 and 2.

If you go on Gran Turismo 2, Deep Forest is somehow a German race track. Both GT1 and GT2 have this track as a track at sunset with plenty of high trees.




Deep Forest: Gran Turismo 3.

Gran Turismo 3 still has a sunset race around Deep Forest, but only in the Reverse direction. GT3 signaled the current daytime races around Deep Forest. Part of me tends to miss racing this course at sunset. Also, the sunset is more like early evening than a true sunset race. The capabilities of the PS2 allows for some more dramatic elements. A nice touch is how the sun rays illuminate through the trees. You can see a lot more high hills and mountains with many trees on them in the distance. The third tunnel has some openings on the left side so you can have a small glimpse at the trees on the other side of the river or stream. The experience of Deep Forest is more natural and more beautiful than in GT1 or GT2.



Deep Forest: Gran Turismo 4.

Gran Turismo 4 was a huge makeover of Deep Forest. The bad news, however, is that a lot of the trees that gave Deep Forest its character were gone. A good deal of deforestation took form. In essence, the track was slowly starting to feel more like a proper racing facility rather than a fantasy masterpiece. GT3 was the last GT game to feature sunset settings around Deep Forest. In addition to a lot of missing trees, the lines on the road have mostly been removed, making Deep Forest look and feel even more like a proper road racing circuit. The same configuration could be raced in Gran Turismo PSP and Tourist Trophy.



Deep Forest: Gran Turismo 5 (on impressions).

I don't have a PS3 as of this blog post. It seems like Deep Forest in GT5 is mostly unchanged since GT4, only there seems to be even fewer trees at certain points. Is this a sign of the times that even the video game world has problems with the environment?






I think there are a lot of people who hate fantasy courses just because they seem too unreal or because a race track is too incredulous to be believable. Deep Forest is surely a race track that tests you, whether it's a real course or not. It is as much of a staple to Gran Turismo than almost any other course. Have to wonder what the future would hold for a future Gran Turismo with this track. There has NEVER been a Deep Forest endurance. Could it be possible to have maybe a six-hour race going from afternoon to the late evening around Deep Forest? Would Deep Forest actually retain its forest atmosphere, or is this track somehow losing its natural character to where there are more grandstands and fancy buildings than an actual forest? Could it be possible to race this course in wet conditions, or would wet racing be too much a nightmare around Deep Forest? Maybe could some night racing happen around this place (granted you will need a bunch of flood lights)? Either way, Deep Forest will surely challenge you. It has always challenged Gran Turismo racers and Tourist Trophy riders since the late 1990s.

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