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''Live for Speed'' ('''LFS''') is an online Racing Simulator developed by a small team comprised of Scawen Roberts, Eric Bailey, and Victor van Vlaardingen. Its main focus is providing a realistic online Multiplayer racing experience. However, it does contain single player support, where one may race against AI cars, try to set lap records, or take driving skills tests. RELEASES The game is intended to be released in three parts, S1 (Stage 1), S2, and S3. Each stage will feature improvements in many areas, such as physics model, graphics and sound. Technical improvements introduced in each new stage become available for previous stages as well, with the main difference between stages being additional cars and tracks, as well as the maximum number of players in a server. Owners of each stage are also able to access servers for previous stages and demo servers. A fully working, commercial, Alpha Version of LFS S2 was released on June 24, 2005. Patch S2 T was released on April 21, 2006 and includes several physics and track updates, as well as the addition of a new car, the BMW Sauber F1 . The latest patch is S2 U, which was launched on the 29th of april, which added a small number of features like separate dashboard colours for each of the single seater cars. GAMEPLAY LFS, like most car simulators, requires smooth, controlled movements on the steering, throttle, and brakes in order to get the fastest speed through a lap. There is support for wheel, mouse, keyboard, joystick, or gamepad steering control. LFS is relatively unique among racing simulators in offering FPS -style mouse steering, which fills in the gap for racers who don't own racing wheels but would like more precise control than using keyboard steering. The S2 release offers a total of 19 different vehicles. They range from beginner-friendly models to cars more suited for players with more experience. There is a broad power spectrum compared to most racing games, from under 100 Horsepower (75 kW) to over 700 hp (500 kW) in the high performance race cars. The current version features seven separate racing areas, each containing several layouts of different distances. Altogether, there are 54 unique configurations. Additionally, users can create their own custom layouts using cones and other objects with the in-game Autocross editor; the car park environments in the game are ideal for creating such layouts. Races can be from one to hundreds of laps or be set to run for a certain length of time, as is seen in Endurance Racing . There is support for refueling and tire changes in pit stops and mid-race adjustment of pit strategy. During an online race driver changes between two real drivers are possible. Pit lane speed limits of 80 km/h are enforced by penalties similar to those seen in real motorsport. These include drive-through, stop and go, or time penalty. Starting grids can be set by random chance, finishing positions in the previous race, or a qualifying period before the race. A training mode is included as a driving school to help new drivers acquaint themselves with basic driving skills and the handling characteristics of each car. The lessons cover subjects such as cornering, throttle and brake control, and negotiating traffic. To pass, they have to be completed within a certain time without touching any obstacles or other vehicles. They are arranged as in sets, one for each car and ordered from slowest to fastest. Each set must be completed before moving to the lessons for the next car. However, completing them is not necessary to unlock cars, as all are available for racing from the beginning. CARS S1
S2
TRACKS S1
S2
CAR SETUP LFS allows racers to make custom setups for each car and to share setups with other racers in-game. Since S2, body, steering, suspension, and engine damage (from overreving) are implemented, as well tire temperature and wear. The latter two variables mean that setups usually have to make a tradeoff between speed and tire preservation. Below are car setup parameters that are modifiable on LFS cars (some parameters pertain to particular cars only, such as the center differential in AWD cars). ;Notes :1 Adjustable front and rear :2 Adjustable front, rear, and center :3 Adjustable front left, front right, rear left and rear right :4 Only available on Formula XR, Formula V8, BMW Sauber, FXO GTR, XR GTR and FZ50 GTR :5 Only available on the BMW Sauber and FZ50 :6 Available on LX4, LX6, Raceabout, MRT5, Formula XR, Formula V8, BMW Sauber, FXO GTR, XR GTR and FZ50 GTR :7 The driver may adjust this setting while driving :8 The driver may adjust this setting when in going into the pits during a race LFSWORLD LFS integrates with LFSWorld.net, a Real-time comprehensive Statistics website and database. Each racer's online race statistics are updated, including per-lap personal bests, lap counts, distance traveled, fuel burnt, among others, and users can view other racers stats, as well. Additionally, an official World Record lap time chart, where racers can upload hotlaps, is maintained for each track configuration and car combination, and other racers can download hotlaps to be viewed in-game. Users may also upload custom car skins to the website, from where the skins then downloaded in-game to other racers. REVIEWS AND AWARDS Justin Kranzl of APC magazine called the S1 release of LFS "the best PC racing simulator ever." APC magazine review of LFS S1 (Nov 10, 2003) A Bytesector 2005 review of LFS's S2 release said "nothing short of going to a track actually compares to the experience. Live for Speed is, by far, the most intense and demanding game I've ever played." [http://www.bytesector.com/data/bs-article.asp?id=528 Bytesector review of LFS S2 (Aug 10, 2005) In 2005, AutoSimSport magazine gave LFS their "Best simulation" award, AutoSimSport magazine award (2005) and Blackhole Motorsports readers voted to give LFS the following awards: [http://www.bhmotorsports.com/awards/4/winners Blackhole Motorsports awards (2005)
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