An excellent AI, but with a flaw that makes AMS2 unplayable to me

I’ve been playing AMS2 since its release, and I own practically all the DLC—in short, I’m a fan. I’m interested almost exclusively in prototypes and multi-class racing, and the selection of cars and tracks in AMS2 is excellent. And yet, I’ve never managed to play consistently, especially over the last 2–3 years. The reason is the AI—not because of how it behaves in general (it’s actually great when it comes to overtaking, consistency, and defending, really challenging), but because, in practice, I almost never manage to finish a clean race.

Let’s be clear: I’m no champion of driver, but I’ve been playing driving simulators for over 30 years (yes, I’m old), so I can tell whether my going off-track is due to my own misjudgment of the AI’s position or behavior, or if it’s solely and exclusively the AI’s fault.

The reason is simple: I frequently end up off-track, "hooked" by the AI. "Hooked" is the only word that comes to mind—it’s something I’ve never encountered in AC, ACC, LMU, or pCARS2. Essentially, when you pull alongside the AI in a corner—whether in a direct battle or, even more commonly, while lapping them—the AI continues to steer, catching the player’s car, typically toward the rear. At that point, the force exerted by the AI pushes the player in the direction opposite to the curve, and the two cars continue moving while essentially locked together for a few meters, until one of them spins out or comes to a stop.

Another incident, occurring for essentially the same reason, takes place in high-speed corners: the AI-controlled car is being overtaken and, while still alongside, steers into the player’s vehicle, making deadly contact at high speed.

The fact that AMS2 doesn't allow for mid-race saves obviously makes everything much more frustrating.

The paradox? pCARS2 is the exact opposite: as soon as you pull alongside the AI and your car's nose gets slightly ahead, the AI brakes and lets you pass. Naturally, this makes the challenge less engaging, but... at least I get to finish the race.

 

What you're describing is something I've mentioned a few times before, I call it "stickiness" as it's like you and the AI are glued together for a short while but it's long enough to take you both off track and lose spots/end up in the gravel trap or wall etc.

It's been an issue for quite some time and I'm surprised there's so little reporting of it, as when it happens it's very obvious, unfortunately I'm not in a position to get a video of it so hoping someone can.

 

You report very well what I mean with "hooked", and I find your "stickness" or "glued" better terms!

I agree with you, it is so strange that it is so rarely reported since I thought AMS2 was mainly SP/multiclass racing.

Making a video is not really needed: anyone can just force the problem attempting to overtake a slower car on the inside of a corner and gradually drifting wide on the exit, the car alongside will tend to follow its normal racing line—as if the player weren't there—resulting in contact between the two vehicles.

Here another post about the same problem in a differet thread Official General AI Comments & Discussion Topic

 

Yep, this isn't just limited to single player AI races, it also happens in online multiplayer races. Cars going through corners get stuck together and go off track.