Head to Head Driving Questions.. (BUMPED) Any Takers??

[Crafty]

I am seeking knowledge/advice regarding the difficulties and pro/cons in hooking up a dual driving system like Daytona for example..

What is easier Xbox, PS2, Dreamcast.
I notice Dreamcast seems to have a lot of the arcade type driving games in its list (Inc Crazy Taxi 1 & 2, 18 wheeler, Daytona)

Any help on costs, things to look out for etc much appreciated.

[Crafty]

BUMP !!!

[Minwah]

I would use an Xbox as it has loads of good driving games, and the modding potential makes it perfect for an arcade cabinet imo.

That said I have never actually linked any up, so you better check this is possible!

[Mr Ironpants]

Not much of a driving game guy but the few times we have linked driving games at our monthly XBox night there was not an issue.  Just plugged the multiple boxes into a hub and we were good to go.  Of course we were all at a local LAN party and all of the games supported system link.  I think we played Project Gotham 2 and a Moto GP 2. 

The only thing you have to look out for is buying XBox specific networking stuff.  It is overpriced.  Just buy (or make) cat 5 cables and buy a hub with enough ports.

Oh and make sure the games support system link.  It will say so on the back of the game and usually it will say how many boxes it will support.

[tumult]

I've been toying with this idea for the past month.  I would definitely suggest using xbox, preferably one modded so that you can run the games off the hd.  I'm using a fanatec speedster wheel which seems to be the favorite.  for a list of games that support system link you can find that here: http://www.xbconnect.com/index.php?topic=SupportedGames  There are also some great racing games that do not support system link.

I'm currently testing the wheel with as many games as possible to see if its worth it.  ATM, I'm having fun with Midway Arcade Treasures 3 which includes Rush 2049, Alcatraz, and Hydro Thunder.  Unfortunately, I'm not aware of a way to link these games up.

[Zeosstud]

I think a head to head dual cab idea is a great one, I have the same thing in the back of my mind ( DONT tell the wife).  No question that a Modded Xbox is the ideal brains for this project.  I have a modded xbox hooked up to every TV in the house and my family and I game from time to time, I am sure if I had the second driving cab setup it would be even more.  System link games I have enjoyed include Outrun 2006, Midnight Club 3 and Forza..  There are lots of others.  I also have the fanatec wheel and its without a doubt a great choice for Xbox driving games.

Zeosstud

[Crafty]

Thanks Guys

Obviously will need to source a few modded consoles...

[Davrkw]

Sorry, old thread but it seemed to be consistent with my thoughts.  I would like to build a head-to-head driving cabinet.  Already have an xbox.  Looking to buy 2 Fanatec wheels off ebay (refurbished I think?).   Seems like there are a limited number a xbox racing games that support system link. 

Is system link the only way to play head-to-head? 

What are the advantages of using a modded xbox in this application? 

Also considering just building a 2-wheel sit-down "panel" that can be plugged into a single xbox for split-screen use with big-screen TV. 

Can 2 wheels be plugged into a single xbox at the same time?

[brandon]

you could also use PCs.. there are tons of racing games like the Need For Speed series and you know they all have network play..  of course.. Modded XBoxes would probably be bought fairly cheaply now that the 360 is out.  Matter of fact, I have a modded XBox I might sell myself.  It has a XENIUM ICE chip and is running XBMC.  I should sell it I NEVER play the damn thing! 

[severdhed]

I also say go with modded xboxes, it is the easiest and cheapest way to go.  There are a decent number of racing games that support system link, which is the only way to do it, unless you want to have a split screen.  then all you need are a few ethernet cables and a switch.

you should be able to connect more than one wheel to a single xbox without any problems.  the advantage of modded xboxes over a standard xbox is ease of use for the user.  you can have the xbox boot up to a custom dashboard/game launcher.  you can install all the games to the hard drive (if you install a larger one) and that way there is no swapping disks.  it boots up, shows a list of games, you choose the one you want and it loads.  when you are done you can press  a special button combo, and it will reboot back to the game launcher.  loading times are also greatly reduced when running games from the hard drive.  and since you don't need anyone to swap disks, you don't have to worry about your game disks getting ruined.   you can also customize your dashboard with your own artwork to make it fit into whatever theme you go with for your cabinet.  and if you leave the controller ports accessible, you could easily plug in a regular controller and have a great place to play other types of system link games.

[brandon]

Plus, Xbox will run Mame right?  I know there are a variety of console emulators for XBOX...  so maybe you could play some Pole Position or Super Sprint every once in a while