Got this old game working on my modern PC. Why go through the trouble when it is available on PS1? Because each version is literally aGot this old game working on my modern PC. Why go through the trouble when it is available on PS1? Because each version is literally a completely different game, developed separately by different teams of developers, with EA clearly intending the PC version to the be superior of the two. Electronic Arts openly stated that they wanted to leverage the added power of high-end PC hardware to create a more immersive experience for PC gamers. They succeeded.
The PC version has a more realistic four-point physics model, nuanced damage deformation, is more feature rich, has a less compressed (and largely different) soundtrack, and has graphics that rival many later GameCube/PS2/Xbox era console racers. The following are a list of differences between the PC version from the PS1 version, that serve to highlight the ways in which the PC version is still a great game even after the passage of over two decades...
- The four-point physics model makes the in-game physics more simulator-like, and ultimately more difficult to master than its PS1 counterpart. But this also means that the PC version's four-point physics model is more logically consistent, and therefore, more rewarding when finally mastered. You didn't get lucky, you didn't exploit a glitch, you simply got better. And you know it.
- The PC version has a cockpit camera with head movement simulation. Combine this with rumble support that mimics the rumbling of your particular engine, and you have a more immersive and ultimately more challenging experience. And all you have to do is switch your camera view for it ;)
- The PS1 version offers fine tuning car performance and a paint job... however... in the PC version, you can swap rims, body parts, decals, tires, and engines. You can also change the interior and exterior color of cars, and perform some fine tuning. The level of customization coupled with the more realistic physics model, gives the player a sense of control and freedom that more than holds up to most modern racers.
- While Factory Driver mode (a story driven series of missions centered on the player becoming a Porsche Test Driver) is available in both versions of the games, the PS1 version only offers time trial and deliveries. The PC version is all that and a bag of chips...
The PC version's Factory Driver pits you against other Porsche test drivers while also testing your ability to master specific maneuvers. All this while giving you more time trials and deliveries in more varied locations. When experienced through the consistent physics model, the PC version's Factory Driver actually feels like a story mode comprised of difficult, but fair, challenges. It also gives a chance to win three cars with livery (racetrack-style) paint jobs, so there is that.
- While Evolution Mode is available in both PS1 and PC versions, the PS1 version is decidedly easier, more lackluster in it's presentation, and gives you less control over your vehicle. Specifically, all vehicles for a given era are available as soon as an era begins in the PS1 version, you don't have to worry as much about damaging your car because you can't replace or improve it's parts, and the showcases of each cars history and abilities... don't exist in the PS1 version. THe PC version's more realistic physics model and parts damage, forces the player to overcome technological hurdles of yester-year to enjoy the technological leaps of tomorrow. By the time you hop in your '00 Porsche 911 Turbo (996), you know you've earned it. Which leads me to my final point - the reason this game holds up as a great game even today...
The PC version's greater presentation, customization, and challenge, combine with the difficult to master - but realistic and consistent - physics model to give it the best quality any game can have...
REWARDING PROGRESSION. Every major achievement in the game feels hard won as a result of genuine effort - and it looks as slick as a racer made a whole console generation later while doing it (especially if you are screening it on a modern display, with modern hardware, on highest settings).
* SIDE NOTE: IN ALL FAIRNESS*
To the credit of the PS1 version, it actually has a more complete lineup of certain lines of Porsche vehicles than the PC version... that said... the PC version... is, in fact, a PC version. Which means if you really care to acquire every last model of Porsche (or any other manufacturer's car) you can find some old download sites (or make your own if, you learn how to) and simply add any car to the game. Then customize that car to your heart's content.
If you read all of this and want to play this game - but don't want to buy a 20 year old computer on eBay to do it, donwload and install nGlide ( a 3Dfx
Voodoo Glide wrapper that allows you to play games designed for 3Dfx Glide API/Cards on modern hardware). Cheers.… Expand
