Do you remember the exhilarating feeling of playing V Rally and Colin McRae on the PlayStation back in the day? Well, imagine taking that experience to the next level with virtual reality (VR) and a racing wheel setup. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of DiRT Rally VR on Oculus Rift and explore the immersive experience it offers.
Contents
Getting Started with VR Sim Racing
If you’re new to VR sim experiences, let me assure you that they can be incredibly immersive. I recently had a mind-blowing experience playing Ace Combat 7 on the PSP using a HOTAS (hands-on throttle and stick) flight stick from Thrustmaster. The connection between the physical controls and the virtual reality visuals made the game come alive. It was like being in the cockpit of a real fighter jet.
While discussing this experience on our weekly VR podcast, a VR Twitch streamer named SimTalkVR suggested that I try racing Sims with a wheel setup for an even more immersive experience. Intrigued by the idea, I decided to give it a shot.
Embracing the Wheel: Logitech G290
After some research, I found a Logitech G290 wheel pedal and shifter setup along with the GT Omega stand on Gumtree. The package, including the wheel, pedals, shifter, and stand, was a bargain at £140.
Setting up the wheel wasn’t as smooth as I had hoped. I encountered some driver conflicts, resulting in the accelerator and clutch being reversed in all the games I tried. However, with a little perseverance, I managed to configure the wheel and resolve the issue.
Image: Logitech G290 Wheel Setup
DiRT Rally VR: An Intense and Immersive Experience
DiRT Rally VR, although released a couple of years ago, still delivers a visually stunning experience. The game offers a sense of speed and danger that is truly awe-inspiring. With the wheel setup, the adrenaline rush of accelerating and the fear of crashing become even more palpable. This combination of VR and a racing wheel creates an immersive experience that has to be felt to be believed.
It’s worth noting that DiRT Rally VR is not recommended for VR newcomers due to its intense movement in-game, which can cause discomfort or even motion sickness. If you are new to VR or experience motion sickness, I recommend checking out our video on practical tips and advice for coping with motion sickness in VR.
Image: DiRT Rally VR Gameplay
DiRT Rally 2.0: A VR Disappointment
Excited about the prospect of playing the latest game in the DiRT Rally series with my wheel setup, I discovered that DiRT Rally 2.0 was not initially going to support VR. The news was disappointing, especially for fellow VR racing enthusiasts who had switched from triple monitor setups to VR headsets. However, there is a glimmer of hope. Codemasters, the game’s developer, has expressed that if there is enough demand for VR support, they will consider implementing it. So, if you want VR support in DiRT Rally 2.0, make your voice heard by signing the petition here.
Conclusion
If you’re a racing enthusiast or simply enjoy the thrill of virtual reality, I highly recommend trying DiRT Rally VR with a wheel setup like the Logitech G290. The combination of VR visuals and a physical racing wheel creates an incredibly immersive experience. Just be aware that DiRT Rally VR can be intense, so it’s not recommended for VR newcomers.
Let me know in the comments if you’re a sim racer and what racing games you recommend playing in VR with a wheel setup. Also, share your thoughts on the lack of VR support in DiRT Rally 2.0. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for future content, and as always, stay tuned for more exciting technology updates and experiences.
FAQs
Q: Where can I find a Logitech G290 wheel setup?
A: You can try checking out platforms like Gumtree or local classified ads sections for used wheel setups.
Q: Are there any tips to prevent motion sickness when playing intense VR games like DiRT Rally VR?
A: Yes, we have a video guide with practical tips and advice for coping with motion sickness in VR. You can find it here.
Q: Is DiRT Rally VR recommended for VR newcomers?
A: Due to its intense movement in-game, DiRT Rally VR may not be suitable for VR newcomers or those who experience motion sickness. It’s best to build up your VR tolerance before diving into intense experiences like this.
Q: Will DiRT Rally 2.0 eventually support VR?
A: As of now, DiRT Rally 2.0 does not have VR support. However, Codemasters, the game’s developer, has expressed that if there is enough demand for VR support, they will consider implementing it. Show your support by signing the petition here.
Conclusion
DiRT Rally VR on Oculus Rift, combined with a Logitech G290 wheel setup, offers a truly thrilling and immersive racing experience. The sense of speed and danger, along with the incredible visuals, make this game a must-play for racing enthusiasts. While the lack of VR support in DiRT Rally 2.0 is disappointing, there is still hope for future updates that may bring VR compatibility. Stay tuned for more exciting VR experiences and gaming updates from Techal.
Cheers!
