Racing games are lot of fun on a gaming console. Sometimes they're not to bad on web either. Especially if you're just looking for something to kill time. There are a few options on Facebook. We've talked about Car Town before. But recently I've played StreetRally. It's a top down view racer much like Grand Thief Auto 2 without the murder and stealing cars. You can buy, build and race cars against friends. But the one thing that kinda turns me off is the inability to use anything but a keyboard for controls. Then I thought for a moment and a tool came to mind from my arcade emulation days. That program is called JoyToKey.
JoyToKey allows you to map buttons on a joystick or gamepad to a key on the keyboard. Best part is it's freeware! You simply start up the application and assign which buttons you want to which key on the keyboard. As long as the application is running the buttons on the gamepad are mapped to the keys in your profile. All that's left is to play your web-based game or any game that accepts keyboard input using your joystick or gamepad. You can setup multiple profiles for different games. I created a quick one to use with StreetRally. After using JoyToKey for a bit I noticed my lap times were much better! I hope this tip helps you out in improving your lap time. Till next time keep'r drifting!
2.13.2012 - Update
I had some other thoughts about this over the weekend. For those who own a XBOX 360 and a PC. You may not know it, but you can use your 360 controller on your PC. Drivers are available online or through Windows Update to make it work. From what I understand the 360 controller is also compatible with the JoyToKey! Don't have a 360 controller or a 360? Don't feel left out you can find them on Amazon
cheap!
I found this interesting video above featuring a quick run down of all the cars from the current Need for Speed. This impressive collection can be unlocked and played with throughout the game. I really like some of the classic domestic muscle featured in the video around 0:25. As much as I like the new titles let me just say "Give me back my Motor City!" If you're not familiar with The Run be sure to check out our earlier post on it. Gamers are sure to be treated with a cross country race to the finish.
On Screen Car gaming fans prepare to drool as the Need for Speed franchise rolls out another hit, "The Run." Just this week I received a heads up from EA with this stunning preview of the Porsche 911 Carrera S from the new game installment. I thought I would post and share with you guys. As you may know Porsche has redesigned the 911 from the ground up. Not to mention the 'S' is an added bonus. Here's an quote from EA's ad.
Stunning. Sleek. Stylish. Whatever you want the "S" to stand for, the Porsche Carrera S is truly in a class of it's own...
There's a little bit of story line as well:
Jack is in a race for his life, but he's got something the competition doesn't: You and the all new Porsche 911 Carrera S. This new Porsche can be found in the Limited Edition and will let you tear past rivals as you keep Jack one step ahead of the dangers from his dark past, both inside and outside the car in this action packed race from San Francisco to New York.
Stunning. Sleek. Stylish. I can't agree more. The following YouTube video is pretty easy on the eyes as well. The game will be due out in November. Pre-orders are already being taken over at Amazon for the Need for Speed: The Run - Limited Edition. It is available for PC, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii and 3DS. Please feel free to use our affiliate links to pre-order/purchase your copy today.
I'm sure you've spent hours hovering over the replay of Ken Block's Gymkhana videos. I know we have. If you're not familiar with rally/stunt car driver Ken Block, check out his video below. Just so much going on. The man is a drifting genius. Makes you wanta get right out there and fire up your Ford Fiesta and give it a go? Well that's about where the fantasy ends. Seriously, how many of us could soup up their ride with all the mods necessary and still drive it work everyday. But maybe there's an alternative way to experience Gymkhana. Enter the latest installment of the Dirt 3 off-road racing game.
Dirt 3 offers a huge world of different off-road racing modes. But the one we're gonna look at today is the Gymkhana mode. The game offers an intense training program for you to learn the art of Gymkhana. You'll master the drifting skills necessary to do some of the tricks Ken does in real life. Then once you're ready. You'll move on to the Play Ground. On Play Ground, you're free to go wild. You can challenge your friends by setting the clock and see who can do the most moves in the time aloud. This open ended form of game play makes for some interesting gaming parties. Reminds me of sitting around with the guys goofing around on GTA (non-mission mode). This time with a little more purpose. Till next time. Keep your tires in check.
Call of Duty fans have been storming the stores to pickup the latest and greatest in the franchise, Black Ops. This first person shooter the follows the life and missions of black ops personal who is being interrogated. You play through parts of the 1960's during the Cold War. This game is amazing. But what does this mean for OnScreenCars.com fans? Well the creators of the game teamed up with automaker Jeep to inject an on screen car in the game, a special Black Ops Edition 2011 Jeep Wrangler.
The Jeep in the game is designed to look period correct. While the Jeep in real life is modern. Checkout the trailer for the game below. The Black Ops Edition 2011 Jeep Wrangler is a modified version of their popular Rubicon Jeep. It's available in two and four door models and only in black on black color combination. If ya had a Black Ops Jeep why would you want it any other way? Just below the cowl line on the fender sports two Call of Duty: Black Ops logos. The off-road worthy Rubicon is wrapped in MOPAR tail light guards and MOPAR fuel filler cover. All the while riding on 32 inch tires mounted on blacked out Rubicon wheels. Front and rear locking differentials pushed by a 2-speed transfer case insures you're ready to grab all fours on the hash battlefield terrain.
Not to mention get you in time for your next ball game. Even NBA star Kobe Bryant has been seen sporting a new Black Ops Edition Jeep Wrangler. Baller Bryant was presented the ride prior to the season opener game. I wonder if he'll be taken in all the rugged features or not. I bet he's a closet gamer himself. Hey! There's nothing wrong with a little Black Ops on the side. Not a bad gift. The four door model retails for $33k while the two door just over $30k. Speaking of other stars I wonder how R. Lee Ermey would favor with one?
In closing I think Jeep has an awesome package with this one. This would not be the first non-military Jeep sporting a military look. Jeep has been known for production of special edition models like this. But I think this may be the first national release that is tailored after a video game. Great combination I must add. If you haven't played the game you can pick it up through our Amazon links below. Anything you buy through our links helps support our site. Till next time keep your battle machines ready as we bring you another OnScreenCars.com entry. Now drop down and give me 20!