History VideoGame / ProjectCARS

[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/project_cars_logo.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:350:[[TagLine THE ULTIMATE DRIVER JOURNEY]]]]

The game is well-known to be crowdfunded through a specially made platform called World of Mass Development, or WMD, which is quite similar to Kickstarter, where people can pledge various amounts of money for developing the game, and play each beta build that was progressively released; the more money is pledged, the more benefits one gets in the game. ''Project CARS'' started development in 2011, right after the release of ''Shift 2: Unleashed'', with over a hundred builds made available for the pledgers, and was subsequently released in May 2015 ([[ScheduleSlip though it was originally meant to be released on 2014]]). A second installment, ''Project CARS 2'', was released on September 22, 2017 on [=PS4=], Xbox One, and PC. It includes all content seen on the predecessor, but also adds new tracks, new cars, a more in-depth time of day and weather system, improved driving models, and a more solid esports platform. It also introduces a new discipline, rallycross, with corresponding tracks and vehicles. A third game was officially announced on June 4, 2020 and is due a release on Summer of the same year; changes from the second game include a car customization and upgrade system similar to the two ''Shift'' games, a revamped career mode and more accessible handling for gamepad users.

The game is well-known to be crowdfunded through a specially made platform called World of Mass Development, or WMD, which is quite similar to Kickstarter, where people can pledge various amounts of money for developing the game, and play each beta build that was progressively released; the more money is pledged, the more benefits one gets in the game. ''Project CARS'' started development in 2011, right after the release of ''Shift 2: Unleashed'', with over a hundred builds made available for the pledgers, and was subsequently released in May 2015 ([[ScheduleSlip though it was originally meant to be released on 2014]]). A second installment, ''Project CARS 2'', was released on September 22, 2017 on [=PS4=], Xbox One, and PC. It includes all content seen on the predecessor, but also adds new tracks, new cars, a more in-depth time of day and weather system, improved driving models, and a more solid esports platform. It also introduces a new discipline, rallycross, with corresponding tracks and vehicles.

* LawyerFriendlyCameo: 4 of the Open-Wheel class vehicles are named Formula A (based on the 2013-spec Formula 1 race car), Formula B (based on the 2011-spec [=GP2=] vehicle), Formula C (based on the 2011-spec [=GP3=] car), and Formula Rookie (based on the 2013-spec Formula Ford car).

* GameOfTheYearEdition: The game will receive one, scheduled for release on May 2016, and will contain all DownloadableContent alongside a bonus DLC containing the Pagani Huayra BC and the Pagani Zonda Revolucion. Said DLC will also be available for the owners of the base game.

** The [=McLaren=] P1 is different in that it's part of the car's hybrid design, the engine and braking is storing energy to the batteries for the motors that the car uses to boost acceleration, particularly where the engine might be behind such as turbo lag and gearshifts. This also pertains to the Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari [=LaFerrari=] added in the sequel where they also use similar hybrid designs.

The game is well-known to be crowdfunded through a specially made platform called World of Mass Development, or WMD, which is quite similar to Kickstarter, where people can pledge various amounts of money for developing the game, and play each beta build that was progressively released; the more money is pledged, the more benefits one gets in the game. ''Project CARS'' started development in 2011, right after the release of ''Shift 2: Unleashed'', with over a hundred builds made available for the pledgers, and was subsequently released in May 2015 ([[ScheduleSlip though it was originally meant to be released on 2014]]). A second installment, ''Project CARS 2'', was released on September 22, 2017 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. It includes all content seen on the predecessor, but also adds new tracks, new cars, a more in-depth time of day and weather system, improved driving models, and a more solid esports platform. It also introduces a new discipline, rallycross, with corresponding tracks and vehicles.

* ColorCodedForYourConvenience: The four modes in the game, Career, Solo, Online, and Community, are represented by the colors red, green, yellow, and blue, respectively, being themed off of the game's logo itself. The achievements are even colored after which mode they're typically unlocked in (though green achievements can be won both in Solo Race and other modes as well).

** The [=McLaren=] P1 is different in that it's part of the car's hybrid design, the engine and braking is storing energy to the batteries for the motors that the car uses to boost acceleration, particularly where the engine might be behind such as turbo lag and gearshifts. This also pertains to the Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari [=LaFerrari=] added in the sequel where they also use a similar hybrid design.

* RemovableSteeringWheel: A curious graphical option allows you to (visually) remove the wheel and driver hands in the first-person perspective, this is presumably for players using a steering wheel peripheral so they don't get "double-vision" from seeing the real-life wheel and the in-game wheel. Another neat feature is that if said wheel contains displays on it then it will still show up, just stationary without the driver's hands.
* SubsystemDamage: When enabled, your car can sustain various forms of internal damage such as gearing down too fast, (subsequently) over-revving the engine, grinding the gears (should you be using a racing wheel with a clutch pedal), overheating the brakes, wearing down the tires, etc.

** The [=McLaren=] P1 is different in that it's part of the car's hybrid design, the engine and braking is storing energy to the batteries for the motors that the car uses to boost acceleration, particularly where the engine might be behind such as turbo lag and gearshifts. This also pertains to the Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari [=LaFerrari=] added in the sequel where they use similar hybrid systems.

* {{Tuckerization}}/CreatorCameo: Various AI racers are named after SMS staff, deliberately crashing into one will net you an achievement. (It counts as a crash if it invalidates your lap time)

** The [=McLaren=] P1 is different in that it's part of the car's hybrid design, the engine and braking is storing energy to the batteries for the motors that the car uses to boost acceleration where the engine falls behind (such as gearshifts or turbo lag).

* RealSongThemeTune: "My Pet Coelacanth" by Music/{{deadmau5}} has been used for the launch trailer. Interestingly enough, deadmau5 is actually a fan of ''Project CARS''.

* SubsystemDamage: When enabled, your car can sustain various forms of internal damage such as gearing down too fast, (subsequently) over-revving the engine, grinding the clutch (should you be using a racing wheel with a pedal for it), overheating the brakes, wearing down the tires, etc.

* RemovableSteeringWheel: A curious graphical option allows you to (visually) remove the wheel and driver hands in the first-person perspective, this is presumably for players using a steering wheel peripheral so they don't get "double-vision" from seeing the real-life wheel and the in-game wheel. Another neat feature is that if said wheel contains displays on it then it will still show up, just without it moving and the driver's hands still don't show up.

''Project CARS'' ('''''C'''ommunity '''A'''ssisted '''R'''acing '''S'''imulator'') is a simulation RacingGame developed by Slightly Mad Studios and published by Creator/BandaiNamcoEntertainment in May 2015 on PC, {{UsefulNotes/Steam}}, UsefulNotes/XboxOne, UsefulNotes/PlayStation4 (and once planned for UsefulNotes/WiiU before technical limitations halted it). Considered the SpiritualSuccessor to ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed: Shift'' and ''Shift 2: Unleashed'' as they had worked on those two titles for ElectronicArts, mainly borrowing and refining mechanics from the previous two games along with introducing their own. The game also changes the pace in how races are conducted as now there are practice and qualifying sessions in which drivers set the fastest times around the track to get the pole position in the actual races along with a career mode in which the player partakes in races set on the calendar.

The game is well-known to be crowdfunded through a specially made platform called World of Mass Development, or WMD, which is quite similar to Kickstarter, where people can pledge various amounts of money for developing the game, and play each beta build that was progressively released; the more money is pledged, the more benefits one gets in the game. ''Project CARS'' started development in 2011, right after the release of ''Shift 2: Unleashed'', with over a hundred builds made available for the pledgers, and was subsequently released in May 2015 ([[ScheduleSlip though it was originally meant to be released on 2014]]). A second installment, ''Project CARS 2'', was released on September 22, 2017 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. It includes all content seen on the predecessor, but also adds new tracks, new cars, a more in-depth time of day and weather system, improved driving models, and a more solid esports platform.

The game is well-known to be crowdfunded through a specially made platform called World of Mass Development, or WMD, which is quite similar to Kickstarter, where people can pledge various amounts of money for developing the game, and play each beta build that was progressively released; the more money is pledged, the more benefits one gets in the game. ''Project CARS'' started development in 2011, right after the release of ''Shift 2: Unleashed'', with over a hundred builds made available for the pledgers, and was subsequently released in May 2015 ([[ScheduleSlip though it was originally meant to be released on 2014]]). A second installment, ''Project CARS 2'', has also been announced, and is currently in development through the same platform.

''Project CARS'' ('''''C'''ommunity '''A'''ssisted '''R'''acing '''S'''imulator'') is a simulation RacingGame developed by Slightly Mad Studios and published by Creator/NamcoBandai in May 2015 on PC, {{UsefulNotes/Steam}}, UsefulNotes/XboxOne, UsefulNotes/PlayStation4 (and once planned for UsefulNotes/WiiU before technical limitations halted it). Considered the SpiritualSuccessor to ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed: Shift'' and ''Shift 2: Unleashed'' as they had worked on those two titles for ElectronicArts, mainly borrowing and refining mechanics from the previous two games along with introducing their own. The game also changes the pace in how races are conducted as now there are practice and qualifying sessions in which drivers set the fastest times around the track to get the pole position in the actual races along with a career mode in which the player partakes in races set on the calendar.

'''''Project CARS''''' ('''''C'''ommunity '''A'''ssisted '''R'''acing '''S'''imulator'') is a simulation RacingGame developed by Slightly Mad Studios and published by Creator/NamcoBandai in May 2015 on PC, {{UsefulNotes/Steam}}, UsefulNotes/XboxOne, UsefulNotes/PlayStation4 (and once planned for UsefulNotes/WiiU before technical limitations halted it). Considered the SpiritualSuccessor to ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed: Shift'' and ''Shift 2: Unleashed'' as they had worked on those two titles for ElectronicArts, mainly borrowing and refining mechanics from the previous two games along with introducing their own. The game also changes the pace in how races are conducted as now there are practice and qualifying sessions in which drivers set the fastest times around the track to get the pole position in the actual races along with a career mode in which the player partakes in races set on the calendar.

* ColorCodedForYourConvenience: The four modes in the game, Career, Solo, Online, and Community, are represented by the colors red, green, yellow, and blue, respectively, being themed off of the game's logo itself. The achievements are even colored after which mode they're unlocked in.

The game is well-known to be crowdfunded through a specially made platform called World of Mass Development, or WMD, which is quite similar to Kickstarter, where people can pledge various amounts of money for developing the game, and play each beta build that was progressively released; the more money is pledged, the more benefits one gets in the game. ''Project CARS'' started development in 2011, right after the release of ''Shift 2: Unleashed'', with over a hundred builds made available for the pledgers, and was subsequently released in May 2015 ([[ScheduleSlip though it was originally meant to be released on 2014]]). A second installment, ''Project CARS 2'', has also been recently announced, and is currently in development through the same platform.

* GameOfTheYearEdition: The game will receive one, scheduled for release on May 2016, and will contain all DownloadableContent alongside a bonus DLC containing the Pagani Huayra BC and the Pagani Zonda Revolucion. Said DLC will also be available for the owners of the base game.* GameplayAutomation: The rest of a session can be simulated after meeting certain requirements in the career mode or at anytime during a quick-race. The game also drives the car for you when entering/exiting the pit lane.

'''''Project CARS''''' ('''''C'''ommunity '''A'''ssisted '''R'''acing '''S'''imulator'') is a simulation RacingGame developed by Slightly Mad Studios and published by Namco Bandai in May 2015 on PC, {{UsefulNotes/Steam}}, UsefulNotes/XboxOne, UsefulNotes/PlayStation4 (and once planned for UsefulNotes/WiiU before technical limitations halted it). Considered the SpiritualSuccessor to ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed: Shift'' and ''Shift 2: Unleashed'' as they had worked on those two titles for ElectronicArts, mainly borrowing and refining mechanics from the previous two games along with introducing their own. The game also changes the pace in how races are conducted as now there are practice and qualifying sessions in which drivers set the fastest times around the track to get the pole position in the actual races along with a career mode in which the player partakes in races set on the calendar.

* GameplayAutomation: The rest of a session can be simulated after meeting certain requirements in the career mode or at anytime during a quick-race. The game also drives the car for you when entering/exiting the pit lane.

* MarathonLevel: The game makes races incredibly long to even start with long practice and qualification sessions depending on what you set it to. An average Career race at 100% time progression can take half-an-hour just for practice (then again that extra time can really help set up your car and pit strategy), a quarter hour for qualification and the main race being anywhere between ten and fifteen laps. Then you get to some of the specific endurance events such as the 3-Hour [=McLaren=] F1 Challenge that, even at 1%, will still take half-an-hour. Then there's Endurance races that take up to ''twelve hours'' and then finally the UsefulNotes/TwentyFourHoursOfLeMans that takes this trope UpToEleven that puts you in a race for, well, twenty four hours.

* RemovableSteeringWheel: A curious graphical option allows you to (visually) remove the wheel and driver hands in the first-person perspective, this is presumably for players using a steering wheel peripheral so they don't get "double-vision" from seeing the real-life wheel and the in-game wheel. Another neat feature is that if said wheel is acting as your dashboard (such as the Formula A/B or BAC Mono) then it will still show up, just without wheel moving.

* MarathonLevel: Much like real races, practice and qualifying sessions can go up to half an hour at most and some races can be up to three hours long or, like the name suggests, the UsefulNotes/TwentyFourHoursOfLeMans. However you can enable the ability to reduce the amount of time a career race lasts along with the ability to simulate the rest of the session or simply skip it once you meet the requirements. There is an achievement for racing for a whole twenty-four hours and the game suggests streaming it.

* ColorCodedForYourConvenience: The four modes in the game, Career, Solo, Online, and Community, are represented by the colors red, green, orange, and blue, respectively, being themed off of the game's logo itself.