Friday, November 14, 2008

Stopping For Directions...

As of now, I've gotten 35 races completed, all for 200 pointers! So far, I've only used the Copen Active Top and the Clio Renault Sport V6 Phase 2. I'm trying to string together as many 200 pointers as I can (without buying the Dodge Ram), and it's looking like I'll need to get into another car to do so.

But before I proceed with the gamesave, I'd like to finish the car and race database. I'm also contemplating an accounting DB, where it keeps track of the money spent and earned. This will take me a while to figure out and then build, and it'll make things easier to see regarding the path I took to get to 100%.

I also have more than 20 videos to edit and upload. They're all race replays from this gamesave, and I tried to include the settings screen to show the setup for the A-spec total. Some of the videos get choppy, and I'll have to replace some "live play" videos with the regular replays, which don't show the A-spec total.

Other than that, I still have work to do on the resource sections. I have some more organizing to do, but hopefully I'll have plenty of new pages on the site by the end of the month. Until then...

Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Friday, November 7, 2008

Building A Good Base Of Data

I've still got some races to report on, having finished the Japan Compact Cup Championship for a 200 point sweep. I need to create some more tables for the DB, mostly dealing with the vehicle data. At this point, it's going to be a very crude DB, not very elegant, but minimally functional so I can continue creating pages for the site.


As previously mentioned, there'll be a lot of things I won't check until after this gamesave is complete. I'll try to get as robust of a DB as possible, but that's going to take some time.


As I acquire every car, I'll record all relevant data from it. There are some discrepancies in some of the data that shows, mostly dealing with hp #s and vehicle display names (depending on where that data is being displayed). I'll do my best to iron things out.


The vehicle DB will be "seeded" with cars in my Garage. At some point, I'll go through all other vehicles to collect the data for those that appear as opponents, as well as those that appear in the Showrooms.


Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

My Race Routine

Before I begin racing, I think it would be a good idea to give a little insight as to how I prepare for my runs.

My plan is to use 47 cars to complete this game. Trying to use as few cars as possible will lead to some lopsided matchups in my favor, but I'll still be going for as many 200-pointers as I can (or close to "max"). For some of the most detailed info on how to achieve this, I've been using GTPlanet.net's 200-A-spec-point Forum. It's been an invaluable source of information that's helped me plan my game.

After deciding which race to enter and the car to use, I load up my "tester" gamesave, and buy all add-on (removable) upgrades for that vehicle. That means no oil change, no lightening, and no engine mods that can't be undone. I also buy all 3 sets of FREE Tires (N1, N2, N3), and depending on how close I think the competition will be, I might buy a set of S1, S3, and/or R1 Tires.

I try to keep the car as "default" as possible, so I don't actually put the parts on the car until I enter the "Settings" screen in the Race Menu. Before I do, I simply start the race with whatever lineup they give me, and check the A-spec point value. I might run a lap or two to check for competitiveness, but if it's less than 175 points, then I simply check the next lineup until I find one that offers at least 175 points. I usually add the Nitrous, then the Drivetrain mods before adding any power or changing the Tires. When I'm satisfied that I'm getting as many A-spec points as I can while still being able to sweep, I reload the other Memory Card and run things for real.

Many of my videos begin as I start the race. This will help ensure that there's proof of the A-spec values, and I'll try to remember to start the captures from the Settings screen. It'll also give a little more insight as to how I play this game, as the rear-view mirror and Look-Back Camera are shown in real-time. Again, I would never race like this in real life. I'll be doing a lot of bashing and corner-cutting and wall-riding to get the job done.

But one of the keys to winning many of the Championship events for 200-pointers is qualifying in P1. This helps to stay in front of the competition and block for the lead, and is a great way to wear a car down. Practice sessions can be run infinitely without registering in the diary, and the wear-down in HP will help with the A-spec haul.

So after winning a race, I record the stats and save the game. I always back-up my gamesave before starting an event, with another backup or two at other stages in the game.

I'll have more updates soon. I've completed 10 races, all for 200 pointers! Stay tuned...

Have A Great Drive!
RoadHazard
http://www.mygt4diary.com/