Sim racing fanatics are choosing their allegiances – rFactor or rFactor 2? In this case, there are no diehard fans so everyone is considering rFactor as well as rFactor 2.
So in this blog post, I plan to discuss both titles in details and have a go at the question as to which one is most efficient.
Monetary and non monetary resources are always limited thus we will focus on:
- Release Date
- Graphics and Physics
- Device Compatibility
- Level of realism
- Variety of cars & tracks
- Online multiplayer
- Prices
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What’s the difference between rFactor and rFactor 2?
In other words in this case ‘rFactor 2 is the sequel of rFactor(1)’ would not be a cliche because it was about 2005 when Image Space Incorporated created the game and two years later its evolution was done by Studio 397.
It’s fair to say that this game has al ot of significant improvements over the original version including better quality of graphics and physics with enhanced content as well as advanced cars tracks.
Release Date
For starters let us begin from the release dates of both the games. The first rFactor was made available to the gamers in August 2005 whereas the 2nd version was released in November 2013.
This means in essence rFactor is about 8 years ‘old’ than RF2.
While this may not seem like an important factor one has to take into perspective the advantages that newer games have in terms of the technological advancement and graphics features.
This stands out clearly when you look at the graphics of these two games which have been presented side by side.
Graphics and Physics
As far as graphics and physics are concerned, rFactor 2 is more superior because its graphics make it look better and the car physics is better too.
All in all, its engine which is isiMotor 2.5 can be said to be a more advanced version of its predecessor isiMotor 2 which was present in rFactor 1.
This again emphasizes on how the additional experience gained during the period of 2005 to 2013 features in the RF2 driving experience which is more realistic and immersive at the same time.
Device Compatibility
As far as compatibility is concerned, there exist no major difference because both the game are completely PC based and not available on any console.
This can be improved upon as the new RF2 does require a later version of Windows that being 7/8/10 as opposed to RF1.
Level of realism
Also, the level of realism is in RF2, which comparatively advanced. The level of sophistication in terms of design elements such as tracks, weather effects and even cars is not available in the predecessor version.
For context, realism is often times a very fluid topic therefore what one might consider realistic, another may not and vice versa.
Nonetheless, it is safe to say that the most would agree that RF2 offers a more realistic experience.
Variety of cars & tracks
With it 90 cars and 230+ circuits available, rFactor 2 has better content selection than rFactor 1.
This is obvious since RF2 is the latest one and as time passed, additional content was poured into it.
Only one area RF2 could not quite measure up to RF1’s standard is the availability of classic cars.
Online Multiplayer
In terms of online multiplayer, once again RF2 is the winner by a mile.
It has significantly enhanced the audience level, which is the primary objective of the better system of allowing for more organized and competitive races.
At present, the community aspect has become the center of the success or failure for the racing games since their target players do not want to play the single player modes as they prefer racing against actual people online.
Prices
Final topic in this review deals with prices – for RF1 copy, you will need a little bit less than for RF2 copy, however, only a little.
Currently RF1 prices are around $24.99 in the steam marketplace while rFactor 2 is $31.99.
It’s $7 more but I don’t see that as a reason for anyone to still go and get the RF2 game.
Is rFactor 2 better than rFactor 1?
Without a Doubt: Updated features seem to indicate that it really is the case that everything made in this game is better than its predecessor. The full-force developers at Studio 397 took it all that they learned from the game that was loved the world over, built in the previous rFactor game, and made yes, an even better game.
If this sounds boring, it is only because there is no longer a level of imagery to be surprised by since the physics have become more realistic, the realism has increased, and there is additional content.
There is a lot to pay for, of course, and it is true that rFactor 2 is more expensive than rFactor 1, but that’s also exactly what you would expect them to do and I for one would gladly pay those extra bucks.
Will there be a rFactor 3 in the future?
There will be an RF3 anytime soon, unless Fedora says there will not be of course. I expect there will be because it has been 9 years, imagining it was more in 2013 when it was launched, and hilariously believe that there is no way since game producers would not stop such a milking IP – to stop without there being a sequel. Definitely Would Be Cool!
Conclusion
So as we can see in this summary rFactor 2 fared better on nearly every area than expectations.
I wouldn’t bet on anything with how things are shaping out for the future of our hero, but one thing is clear – it’s an interesting game, every motor racing connoisseur should as a minimum try it out ‘as it evolved’.
Among many other factors, it stands alongside the best sim racing games and is very near the levels of realism of iRacing or ACC.
I trust you have appreciated the content.
Have fun on the sim racing, cheers! 🙂
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