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2689
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10/17/2015
Location
Raleigh, NC
US
Edited Date/Time
8/21/2019 6:05am
Just firing up Dakar 18 and, of course,selected Andrew Short. Keefer will be glad to know that Ricky Brabec is also in the game. 
Control is pretty limited to just throttle, braking, steering but the game is hard as hell. At least to me it is. In bikes, you have no co-pilot so you must navigate visually by the road book alone and I am still learning about CAPS and positioning as well as warnings and danger zones. Also nice to see that damage is a huge part of the game.
I'm honestly new to Dakar but it's nice to have an off road game with an objective instead of just free riding (which I find boring) and guys, this navigating stuff is no joke and you can tell that the navigation part of it is COMPLETE simulation. I am on Rookie and seriously struggling. It's not about going fast. And it's not about super realistic physics but more about navigation, preserving the vehicle and not getting yourself in trouble such as getting stuck in mud, sand, etc. It's about not getting lost. Lol. A nice change of pace. Just getting started, though so I'm all new to the game as well as the sport.
Here's a pic of Shorty on his Factory Rockstar Husqvarna FR450 Rally bike.
Any one else picking it up?
Control is pretty limited to just throttle, braking, steering but the game is hard as hell. At least to me it is. In bikes, you have no co-pilot so you must navigate visually by the road book alone and I am still learning about CAPS and positioning as well as warnings and danger zones. Also nice to see that damage is a huge part of the game.
I'm honestly new to Dakar but it's nice to have an off road game with an objective instead of just free riding (which I find boring) and guys, this navigating stuff is no joke and you can tell that the navigation part of it is COMPLETE simulation. I am on Rookie and seriously struggling. It's not about going fast. And it's not about super realistic physics but more about navigation, preserving the vehicle and not getting yourself in trouble such as getting stuck in mud, sand, etc. It's about not getting lost. Lol. A nice change of pace. Just getting started, though so I'm all new to the game as well as the sport.
Here's a pic of Shorty on his Factory Rockstar Husqvarna FR450 Rally bike.
Any one else picking it up?
Anyway....back to Dakar. I'm so lost. Lol.
https://youtu.be/AbRj80tmNSc
Let's get this out of the way. This isn't really a game about rider weight or great physics. There is no second stick control and even the left stick doesn't control leaning forward or back. It is pretty simple as far as the rider's reaction and bike control. However you do have to brake, a lot, you have to go pretty slow at times...or in my case a lot...and I am still trying to figure out the road book. I can see it being frustrating until I figure it out.
But it is pretty fascinating at the same time and I like it a lot. One cool thing is like when I crashed and got pitched from the bike you can literally roam around GTA style and go where you want on foot and have to manually get back on the bike.
I really need to understand reading a road book more. Big Moon put a link up a while back explaining road books to those new to Dakar. I think I need to look it up.
When on track I get the go 18 km and then sharp left but when there in no track it is pretty perplexing. It would be easier to play with a vehicle with a navigator but honestly I don't want to do that. So, trial by fire.
The Shop
Shorty!
i've been following this one for a while now, not really too interested in the physics to be honest. i think getting the sense of navigation will be fun. i'll have to download it asap.
if anything it will keep me busy until Red Dead 2 comes out
The sand sections slow you to a crawl. Very cool.
No, no shifting of weight. You sorta have to think the old school MX Superfly games when it comes to bike control. I think the game was made mainly with the vehicles in mind, not so much bikes. Also a real lack of force feedback in the game which does kinda bum me out. Still, it is nice to ride thru trails and TRY to navigate in the open desert on the bike. This is NOT a twist the throttle all the time game. I find myself going very slow just to make the checkpoints and not get lost. It's a different animal. Don't let the no weight of the rider thing throw you. This is a completely different style game than any MX game. But that's a good thing.
I am bummed at the lack of force feedback. That's my biggest letdown so far. I wanted to feel rough the terrain is and it's just not there.
I'm also on the Pisco stages which are very sandy, dune-ish. Looking forward to more tough terrain, maybe with rocks or bush. I'm hoping someone else on here will get the game. I either suck or it is mega hard just to try to stay on point with navigation and not miss waypoints. Lol. having fun, though. Like I said...it's way different. A good way to learn about this form of racing as well.
Peelout, you got the game yet, dude?
Don't be like this guy.
Pit Row
For all the moto guys though don't expect great bike physics. It's not there. But bear in mind that almost everything in this game is four wheeled and the game seems built around that. Still, they've got the speed and scale correct and the navigation is a true challenge plus you must take care of your vehicle. And steep sections feel steep and are difficult as are sand and mud sections which you have to fight to get thru.
It's the first true off road game for bikes with a purpose as far as I remember. It's not just fast as hell freeriding which I pretty much hate. You have a lot to do and navigation is tough.
There's a lot to like about the game and the first patch looks to make a major difference as well. Coming soon.
This will be a beast if on anything other than Rookie mode with zero assists.
https://youtu.be/r2e2wCaJU2c
Can't get it to upload video on mobile.
I remember Shorty talking about how he would literally study it for three days prior to Dakar. Not committed to memory but for sure familiarizing. Plus the riders color the road books according to their color schemes.
It's a far cry from motocross. But man, I admire the skill it takes to navigate like this in such isolated areas.
I'm on Rookie mode still and it has a cheater map basically that it tells you right off the bat is not what the real riders have. After I get a bit more accustomed I'll move it to simulation but man I know it's going to be crazy hard.
But considering the ease of most dirt bike games I really look forward to something being hard yet not ridiculously frustrating physics wise.
Post a reply to: Dakar 18 The Game! (Edit: New free DLC. Best trails ever!)