Racer
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- See RACER system for the knowledge representation system.
| Racer Free Car Simulation | |
| Developer(s) | Ruud van Gaal |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Release date(s) | 29 August 2000 |
| Genre | Racing, Simulation |
| Mode(s) | Single player, Multiplayer |
| Rating(s) | |
| Platform(s) | Windows, Linux, Mac OS X |
Racer (in full: Racer Free Car Simulation) is a free driving simulator that runs on Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. While the source code of an older version is available, it is not under an open source license.
Although Racer started out as a driving simulator, it also has features that are usually seen in racing games, such as racing against AI cars, or against human opponents in Multiplayer mode. Among its strong points are a very realistic physics engine (also used in a commercial racing simulator (http://www.hexatechracing.com)), and good graphics.
Another important characteristic is its openness. The software itself is maintained exclusively by the creator (Ruud van Gaal), but the formats for cars, tracks and other data are documented. Furthermore, tools to aid in car and track creation are part of the release. As a result, a large number of cars has been created and published, in a large variety: Formula 1, Gran Turismo, vintage, trucks, ... even a shopping trolley has been modelled. Likewise, tracks are available in various types, from true racing circuits to drag strips and mountain roads.
Racer was first released in August 2000, and has been continuously updated up to the present day. Over the years, a community has grown around Racer. The main forum for Racer is at Race Sim Central Forums (http://forum.rscnet.org/forumdisplay.php?f=111)
External links
- Official Site (http://www.racer.nl/)
- Race Sim Central forum (http://forum.rscnet.org/forumdisplay.php?f=111) Official forum, has tracks, cars and the latest beta version
- Racer-Xtreme (http://www.racer-xtreme.com/) A community created track and car database
- Category at ODP (http://dmoz.org/Games/Video_Games/Driving_and_Racing/Simulations/Racer/)