Haaaa Farming Simulator, this simulation, which will have already marked 8 years of virtual farming, arrives in an umpteenth version still eagerly awaited by the very active community of players around the world. We do not change a recipe that works, so the principle of the game has not changed: manage a farm in its entirety (equipment park, breeding, land, budget, purchase / sale, etc.) alone or with others players.
Like a good wine, the game has only improved over time. If, at its beginnings, the game was after all basic, today the word "simulation" takes on its full meaning.
We will not go over what made the game so successful over the course of the versions and we will only talk about improvements compared to the previous version. If you don't know the game at all, you can read the test of our colleague JeuxVideo.com which reflects very well what we think of the 2015.
So what's new under the hood of the tractor?
Graphically, and this is normal, the game displays a little more detail than in 2015, especially on vehicles. The textures are finer, and the effects of reflections (when the vehicle is clean of course) bring the little touch of realism that was missing. The models are breathtaking as the level of detail is close to reality. The interiors of the cabins are teeming with small details and even the screens of your harvester show the information in real time!
As long as we are talking about graphics
Note that you don't need a state-of-the-art PC to run the game. Our least powerful configuration, based on Intel Core i3 1,8Ghz and powered by an Intel HD4000 graphics chip, ran the game. software without slowing down with a level of details set to "medium" (and it already looks good!) From this observation, we will also blame the Giants team for not having ported the game to previous platforms. forms (Xbox 360 and PS3) that have enough under the hood.
The physics of the title are still perfectible but still made a leap forward. If being stopped dead by a car while driving a Fendt 1050 remains relevant, you will have the pleasure of seeing your harvester's tires deform as soon as you hook your cutter bar to them. Likewise your corn moves through the silo as you pass the blade.
Headphones on the ears strongly recommended
Another point offering a dose of realism: the sound. In the opinion of an expert in machinery, the game really faithfully reproduces starting, raising and lowering of engine speed, traction force, squeaking of full trailers, gravel under the wheels, various rattling. Everything is there to immerse you as much as possible.
Put a helmet on your ears, download this sound file, close your eyes, and press play.
You will evolve according to the song of the birds ... and the blows of the horn. And yes, complaining motorists are also involved and it is better not to leave your equipment lying around in the middle of the road.
Our first feeling, in pictures
New cultures: Sunflower and soybeans are emerging with new harvesting equipment to exploit these crops. Oilseed radish is also part of the game, but only for fertilization purposes. After destruction, this cover will give you 30% additional yield on the next crop. Note that you can now sow several types of seeds on the same plot.
Equipment : The game is not yet released at the time of this writing, as already many mods are available (via a really very successful manager). Also upon release expect to see several hundred gear available.
The new animals: no more need to install a multitude of mods to add breedings. From the outset you will have access to the breeding of cows, pigs, poultry and sheep and will be able to sell the products of your breeding (wool, pigs, milk, eggs, etc.).
"There are more seasons" : Still not on the agenda, in Farming Simulator 17, the days go by and look the same… no break, the cows are in the field all the time, and you can chain hectares of corn non-stop. Only the day / night rhythm and the weather variations are available.
The orders : the game play is immediate for those who were already playing the previous version. The keyboard / joystick / steering wheel controls are almost identical.
Well, rather than a long talk on the mechanics of the game, nothing beats a good game, much easier to go into details and not forget anything >>> First day in the shoes of a virtual farmer.