Arguably, the simulation driving subgenre has reached peak GT3. The balance-of-performance formula is popular with drivers, amateurs, rule makers and sim racers for many good reasons – including aspirational cars and close racing.
Consequently, any new platform trying to muscle its way into the scene must include the aforementioned category. GTRevival, for example, has previously showcased Audi’s GT3-competing model at Interlagos. But, at the same time, would you want to be painted as a GT3-sim first and foremost when several others are already there?
We don’t think so, and one way of standing out from the crowd is nostalgia. This is the game being played by GTRevival’s Straight4 Studios team, and quite frankly, we’re here for it.
There’s also a lack of detail or gameplay at present as the upcoming title is still in its nascent stages of development, but that doesn’t stop the team’s lead, Ian Bell, from posting work-in-progress images of racing doyens from the past.
First up there’s the BMW M3 GTR, designed to compete in the 2001 American Le Mans Series, and winning the GT class that season before being outlawed. BMW used a loophole to make 10 road-going versions to maximise the car’s on-track potential, compared to the contemporary Porsches, and so the rules were changed for the 2002 season.
It was still used in set endurance races, however, claiming a one-two finish at the 2005 Nürburgring 24 hours. Note how (see featured image) the game model is placed upon Sebring, which was confirmed for inclusion last month.
Then we have the corporate American rival to Lister’s stiff upper lip – the Chrysler Viper GTS-R that went toe-to-toe with the plucky Brits and did win more often than not. An 8-litre V10 may have had something to do with it.
Like the Storm, it was prominent within two of Bell’s earlier titles by Blimey! Games, 2005’s GTR – FIA GT Racing Game and 2006’s GTR 2.
Source: Ian Bell
