Did Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.52 Change Handling?

By Kireth | Oct 04, 2024
RSS

In this article, I'll be exploring my experiences with the latest updates in Grand Series M 7, specifically focusing on how the Sophie AI performs on the new Dragon TR Seide track. I've been testing the force feedback changes introduced in this update, which have generated quite a bit of discussion among the racing community.

I’m excited to share my initial impressions, particularly regarding the feel of the racing wheel and the AI behavior during gameplay. With my trusty Logitech G Pro setup and new insights from my recent drives, I aim to provide an honest evaluation of these changes as I navigate both challenging and rewarding moments on the track.

Key Takeaways

  • Sophie AI performance offers valuable practice opportunities.
  • The new force feedback settings have shifted the driving experience.
  • Different cars present unique handling characteristics on the track.

Evaluating the Track Experience

Sophie AI Performance on the New Track

Driving the Sophie AI on the new Dragon TR track presented a rewarding challenge. The AI demonstrated consistent behavior, maintaining its racing line while navigating the course. I found the handling in this setting intriguing, particularly as I adjusted to the harder difficulty. There was a noticeable sense of weight transfer, adding realism to the experience. The torque feedback was vital, enabling me to gauge the car's dynamics effectively during the race.

Track Feedback with Force Feedback Update

The recent update significantly altered the force feedback settings, which I tested thoroughly. My settings were configured for maximum true force feedback, providing important insights into its effectiveness. Previously, I found the true force too rattly and had to dial it down. Now, I appreciate the smoother and more controlled feedback. Yet, it felt slightly muted compared to earlier experiences, which may have diluted some of the sharpness I previously enjoyed.

Setting Value
Torque (Newton M) 8
True Force 100

Although the feedback remains strong, the adjustments seem to prioritize realism, potentially at the expense of that exhilarating edge I experienced in the past. This update remains a valuable tool for practicing my racing moves, as it allows me to explore AI behaviors and hone my skills effectively.

Force Feedback Analysis

G Pro Wheel Settings Overview

I have my G Pro wheel set with a torque of 8 Newton meters and True Force set to 100. These settings allow me to experience the nuances of the track. I appreciate the feedback, especially the live torque display showing both average torque and max torque as I drive.

TrueForce Feedback Changes

Before the recent update, I kept True Force settings low due to excessive rattling. Now, I've maxed out the True Force setting, as the sharpness has noticeably decreased. It feels like the feedback is more subdued, which may reflect a more realistic approach but leaves me wanting a more intense experience.

The Impact of the Update on Handling

The handling changes have a significant impact during gameplay. I feel a better representation of road texture and weight transfer. Although the feedback might feel muted, the experience remains very good overall. Driving different cars like the Mercedes AMG in past updates had a different level of intensity, which has shifted with this update.

Content Quality and Viewer Support

Appreciation for Subscriptions and Support

I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has subscribed to my channel. Your subscriptions and support through memberships and donations enable me to invest in quality equipment. This, in turn, helps me improve the production value of my content and enhance your viewing experience.

Investment in Quality Equipment

Using quality equipment is essential for creating an engaging experience. For instance, I've been utilizing the Logitech G Pro wheel, which was given to me over two years ago. Your support allows me to acquire equipment like this, which I hope will elevate the quality and realism of the simulations I present to you.

Racing Strategy and AI Interaction

I've been diving into Grand Series M 7 to explore the new track at Dragon TR Seide, focusing on the racing strategy and how the Sophie AI behaves under different conditions. My primary goal was to assess the handling and force feedback after the latest updates, especially given that some changes seemed to have affected responsiveness.

As I set up for the race, I adjusted my G Pro wheel to have 8 Newton meters of torque and set the True Force to 100. Previously, I had to dial down the True Force a lot to manage the rattling, but now I've gone to maximum because it feels like they’ve softened it. Here’s a summary of my experience with the AI:

  • Sophie’s Driving Style: I noticed Sophie does not often change lines, making it easier to predict their movements during races.
  • Force Feedback: The feedback feels good but less sharp than it did before. It’s as if the realism has increased, but the responsiveness has decreased, which could be a point of contention for other players who expect more intensity.

During the race, I found that I could practice overtaking maneuvers better because the AI reacts similarly to how it would online. For example, going side by side with Sophie through Des Chicane required careful navigation. My setup allowed me to feel the track’s feedback—a key aspect of sim racing.

I also transitioned to the Honda F1 car at Brands Hatch. Immediately, the road feel was significantly better than it had been at the previous track. As I drove, the steering felt exceptionally light, which is a stark contrast to previous experiences. This lightness poses an interesting challenge, as I rely on feeling the track feedback to navigate corners effectively.

To summarize my racing strategy with Sophie:

  • Predictability: I can predict Sophie’s behavior better, which informs my overtaking tactics.
  • Adaptability: I must adjust my driving style based on the handling nuances of the different vehicles I pilot.
  • Feedback and Feel: The importance of feeling the track makes a difference, especially when transitioning from car to car.

I believe this interaction with Sophie is providing valuable practice for real racing scenarios, allowing me to refine my techniques.

Sophie's AI Difficulty Settings

I've set Sophie's AI to the hardest difficulty for this session. It's been an intriguing experience so far. The AI doesn't seem to change lines much, which is interesting. While racing through Des Chicanes, I noticed the improvements in force feedback and how it enhances the overall driving experience.

Force Feedback Settings

  • Wheel Settings:
    • Torque: 8 Nm
    • True Force: 100

I transitioned from low to maximum True Force settings, and the feedback feels less sharp than before. It’s as if the details were dialed down. This might be more realistic, but I miss that sharper feedback I had previously.

Driving Impressions

During my run, I noticed better handling and a good feel over the bumps. The level of feedback has changed, making it slightly muted compared to what I experienced with other cars. For instance, in my previous sessions, driving different cars resulted in a more brutal suspension feel, particularly in the Mercedes AMG GT4.

AI Performance and Challenges

Sophie on the hardest setting presents a real challenge but does allow for practicing moves that would typically be executed online. The experience is still engaging, and I wouldn't categorize it as a game changer, though it does reflect some evolution since the Sophie demo days.

In later races, like at Brands Hatch, I encountered different steering dynamics. The steering felt light, which is a departure from what I've felt with other cars. It made handling tricky, but offered a new layer of challenge in mastering control.

This edition of AI racing is quite the experience, balancing the challenge with the evolving aspects of vehicle dynamics and feedback.

Practical Evaluation of Soph AI

Today, I’m diving into how Sophie performs on the new track at Dragon TR, focusing particularly on the updated force feedback. I’m using my Logitech G Pro with an 8 Newton meter setting for force feedback and True Force set to 100. This was my first drive after the update, so I’m keen to share my initial impressions.

During my drive, I immediately noticed the bumps and weight transfer, which are crucial elements in simulation racing. However, as I engaged with Sophie AI, I realized there were some inconsistencies in how she handled. For example, I attempted to go side by side with her but noticed she wasn’t altering her line effectively.

The feedback from the True Force felt somewhat muted compared to previous updates. I used to keep the True Force setting low because it was overly detailed and rattly. Now, with the maximum setting, the feedback feels dialed down, lacking the sharpness I expected.

Here's a quick comparison of the force feedback experience:

Setting Experience
Previous Update Overly detailed, low setting needed
Current Update Muffled and less sharp

On another note, I transitioned to the Honda F1 car at Brands Hatch and found the steering to be quite light, offering a different experience than my previous drives. This lightness made it challenging to feel road feedback, which is often critical in these types of cars.

The ability to practice maneuvers against Sophie remains invaluable. I attempted some aggressive driving tactics that are typically used against AI, allowing me to refine my approach before engaging in online races.

In my experience, the updates have provided a good force feedback foundation, albeit with some areas that feel like they need further refinement. The real-time feedback has allowed me to enhance my race strategies, but the current force feedback adjustments have also introduced some challenges, particularly in comparing different car dynamics.

As I continue to explore these updates further, I hope to provide more insights on how Sophie AI develops, especially in complex driving scenarios.

Comparative Analysis

TrueForce Settings in Different Cars

I've noticed that TrueForce settings vary significantly across different cars. For my Logitech G Pro, I set the TrueForce to 100, which feels quite different depending on the car model. In previous updates, I had to keep TrueForce low due to a rattly and detailed response. Now, I’m experiencing a more muted feedback, which raises questions about its realism versus performance.

Here's a quick overview of my experiences:

Car Model TrueForce Setting Feedback Description
Mercedes AMG GT4 Low Very detailed but rattly
Honda F1 100 Light steering, less road feel
Various TR Cars Previous Settings Extremely varied, with some harshness

Handling Variances Across Updates

The handling feels different with each update, affecting my driving experience. I find that the feedback now lacks sharpness, especially when compared to earlier updates where it was more pronounced and engaging. Driving at Dragon TR Seaside highlighted changes in weight transfer, which I appreciate, but there's a discernible difference in the level of response when handling various cars.

For example:

  • During practice, I felt more road bumps and weight transfer shifts.
  • While driving the Honda, the steering felt extremely light, making it harder to gauge road conditions.
  • The AI’s behavior also seemed modified, which affects my strategies during races.

These variances demonstrate how the updates impact both TrueForce settings and handling, indicating a need for adaptability depending on the car I choose.

Driving Experience on Brand's Hatch

Honda F1 Car Performance

As I take the Honda F1 car on the track at Brand's Hatch, I notice an immediate increase in road feel compared to my previous experience at Seaside. The steering feels extremely light, which is quite different from the previous car I drove. It presents unique challenges, particularly in managing the cornering and handling.

The car's dynamics seem less stable given the light steering, making it difficult to sense certain bumps. This might impact how I approach specific corners. The average torque feels lower; I can tell there’s a significant difference in responsiveness compared to the previous vehicles. I reflect on my experience and consider how AI might be more aggressive in racing scenarios, allowing for practice in tight spaces that I might avoid online.

Competitor Car Dynamics

The competitors on the track have varying speed dynamics that make the race interesting. The Sophie AI appears handicapped against other cars, which could be due to their top speed advantages or simply my need to adapt my driving pace. I find the races offer unique opportunities to test my skills, especially with the AIs creating situations that prompt strategic maneuvering.

Managing interactions with other cars is essential, given the varied handling of my own vehicle. The differences in performance between the Honda and other competitors are noticeable, emphasizing the importance of adjusting my driving style to each car's characteristics.

Final Remarks

Sophie's Utility in Practice

I find that the Sophie AI is valuable for practicing racing techniques. The AI provides an opportunity to refine my skills and experiment with different racing strategies. With Sophie's settings on the hardest difficulty, I can push my abilities while experiencing various racing scenarios.

Potential for Handicap Adjustments during Races

During my experience, I've noticed that the Sophie AI can feel handicapped in certain race conditions. This can allow for a more balanced competition, especially when racing against faster cars. It provides an engaging challenge that requires me to adapt my driving style and improve my performance.

Conclusion

The experience in the new update has prompted me to reassess the force feedback, particularly with my Logitech G Pro wheel. My settings of 8 Newton meters and True Force set to 100 have created a notable feedback experience. Initially, I appreciated the sharpness of the True Force feedback, but the recent changes have made it feel less pronounced, as if the detail has been dialed down.

When racing against the Sophie AI, I noticed that the handling dynamics have changed significantly. The road feel is evident, especially when navigating through bumps and weight transfers. While the simulation remains enjoyable, there is a sense of disappointment regarding the much softer feedback, which affects my control during sharp turns and aggressive maneuvers.

As I transition to different cars, such as the Honda F1, the varying feedback becomes even more apparent. The steering in this vehicle feels unusually light, diminishing my ability to gauge track surface changes effectively. There's a balance between lightness and responsiveness that feels off, making it challenging to engage fully during fast-paced races.

Overall, while the force feedback remains quite good and I've adjusted my expectations, there seems to be a consensus that the realism has shifted, leaving me to contemplate how much of this change aligns with the intended racing experience.