Computer racing uses the same rules and conventions as in real life. In some games it shows up more and in others less. But some of the really existing "chips" when overtaking and driving cars are reflected in the arcade gameplay to one degree or another. In this article, we will understand what a slip stream is and how to deal with it.
Meaning of term
First, consider the original of this term in English. The word slipstream can be translated into Russian literally and it will sound like this - "slippery stream". Of course, this meaning should not be taken as the term has a more precise definition.
The entire slipstream phenomenon is based on car aerodynamics, airflow and speed. Slip stream is the name given to the movement of two cars one behind the other, when the lagging car is in a swirling air flow, which is why it picks up speed much faster than the one in front. Even novice riders are told about what a slipstream is,who want to learn all the subtleties and tactics of riding on the track.
Therefore, this term came to computer games from real competitions. This technique is used in almost all types of competitions, from amateur races to the royal Formula 1 races. This mechanic has both its pros and cons. Let's consider them first on the example of real races, and then in computer games.
Pros of a slip stream in reality
Now you know what a slipstream is. Next, you need to figure out in which situations this method of driving is most suitable. The most obvious use case is long straight lines. It is under such conditions that you can achieve maximum efficiency and overtake your rival.
It is necessary to take a position directly behind the car in front, as there is less air resistance behind it. It turns out that the first car takes on all the resistance, and the rear one accelerates faster because of this. Upon reaching a certain threshold, you can overtake the enemy on a straight line.
The next plus is less fuel consumption. Due to the reduced drag, the car requires less gasoline. This can be seen in long races when drivers have to pit to refuel. That is why some drivers are not in a hurry to overtake the enemy when picking up speed, but keep their distance and move behind the first car.
Flaws
And now to the cons. Knowing what a slipstream is, it is easy to guess that it is quite easy to stay in such a powerful airflow, but it is difficult to get out of it. When the rear driver begins to overtake the enemy, he needs to make an effort to get out of the stream. This results in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk and likelihood of an accident.
According to research and measurements, we can conclude that the real increase in speed is from 5 to 10%, depending on the parameters of the car. When competing on the same cars, such a movement will be most useful. If you know what a slip stream is and want to test it on public roads, then we are in a hurry to stop you. The fact is that this undertaking is quite dangerous for many factors. These include different characteristics of cars, the unpreparedness of drivers and much more.
What is NFS slipstream?
In computer games, this phenomenon, of course, is not so dangerous and requires less skill. The main advantages of moving in a slipstream are not only to quickly overtake opponents.
In addition to profitable overtaking, in many races you can get bonus points or earn reputation for performing a trick. For example, the most popular slip-stream in Need For Speed. Starting with the Underground part, they began to give style points for such actions. In the second part, the points were replaced by an increase in the current level of NO2 in the tank.
In more modernparts of the series, moving behind the car adds a rating to the total points. And the slip stream in Need For Speed Rivals is one of the main tools in fast supercar competitions. When all participants in the race are driving along long straight highways at maximum speed, the winner is revealed only if one of the riders suddenly uses acceleration or slip-stream.
