Overtseer Studios has released a huge new update for its physics-focused RaceLeague title, stepping up the intensity of its already impressive damage modelling system.
The Steam Early Access title first came to our attention back in July 2022 and we were impressed by how cars and barriers deformed during crashes. The way the cars behaved was also satisfying, but there were a few optimisation issues.
Now, however, the v0.4 update has upgraded the damage model further, with a BeamNG.drive-style mass point system allowing car bodies to deform when crashing, which is nice.
Oversteer has also added two new cars, both based on a real-world Renault Clio hatchback. One is front-wheel-drive and ideal for close wheel-to-wheel racing online, while the other is all-wheel-drive and best exploited in the game’s well-formed rallycross mode (and replaces the Rallycross1 car already in-game).
Dynamic puddles
A dynamic puddle formation system has also been added in v0.4, necessitating the inclusion of windscreen wipers. And these will definitely be required, as dirt and water spray will now build up on your windows and car body, showing off RaceLeague’s new glass shaders.
The new update also sees a replay mode added to the game, with improved puncture modelling (slow punctures are now available) and tyre physics set to improve the level of simulation further.
Oversteer has also looked at optimising the game’s multiplayer net code and AI further, with a plethora of bugs also now addressed.
RaceLeague is available from Steam now, available for £13.64 / £ $17.49 in the Steam Summer Sale (normal price: £19.49 / $24.99
Are you impressed with the level of detail in this indie racing title? Have you sampled the game’s excellent circuit creating tool? Let us know over in our Discord server!
RaceLeague v0.4 changelog
-Added new vehicles, Callisto 1600 and Callisto 4R (latter replaces “Rallycross1”)
-Added soft-body damage model
-Improved crash VFX
-Added replay support
-Replays are saved automatically after the session and they can be loaded from main menu -> replays
-New paint shader
-Nicer damage visuals
-Paint gets dirty now depending on which surface you drive on
-Support for glossyness in liveries, allowing partially matte/glossy liveries
-New glass shader (Callisto and GG900)
-Support for windscreen wipers
-Dirtyness
-Wetness
-Shatter / cracks (only Callisto for now)
-Added new liveries for RL300
-Added hood camera for all cars
-Added tire wear and damage sliders
-Improved handling with all cars
-Improved tire puncture behaviour
-Support for slow punctures
-More physically accurate simulation
-Improved AI
-Improved multiplayer netcode
-Improved multiplayer sync (damage, among other small things)
-Improved multiplayer lobby UI
-Improved tire model
-Improved steering inputs
-Slightly improved track loading times
-Various other small fixes and improvements
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