Why do old arcade racing games often have superior engine audio compared to modern sims?

Sci-Fi, Dystopian & Simulation Game
1

I was playing an old arcade racing game from the early 2000s and I couldn’t help but notice how amazing the engine sounds were. It got me thinking about how a lot of modern racing simulators, which are supposed to be super realistic, often have engine sounds that just don’t feel as satisfying or immersive.

Does anyone else feel this way? I’m curious about why this might be the case. Is it because arcade games focused more on making things sound exciting rather than accurate? Or maybe the limitations of old hardware forced developers to be more creative with audio?

I’d love to hear thoughts from other racing game fans, especially if you’ve played both old arcade racers and new sims. What do you think makes for great engine sounds in a racing game?

2

True, old arcade racers had killer sound.

Modern sims go for realism, but sometimes miss the thrill.

I’d take an over-the-top engine roar over perfect accuracy any day.

Nothing beats that arcade rush!

3

Man, those old arcade racers really knew how to make engines sound epic. I’ve played a bunch of modern sims too, and while they’re super detailed, sometimes the audio just doesn’t have the same punch. Maybe it’s nostalgia talking, but those old games just nailed the excitement factor with their sounds.

4

Those old games nailed the sound. They went for pure excitement over realism.

Modern sims probably aim for accuracy, but it can fall flat sometimes.

I miss that raw, exaggerated roar from the arcades.

5

Totally agree on the old arcade sounds. They just had that extra oomph, you know? Modern sims are cool and all, but sometimes the engines sound a bit weak. Makes me wanna fire up some classic racers for that nostalgic roar.

6

I’ve noticed this too. Old arcade racers just nailed that visceral engine sound.

Modern sims are impressive in many ways, but the audio often feels a bit sterile.

I think the arcade games focused on making you feel like a badass behind the wheel. They cranked up everything to eleven, including the sound.

Sims aim for realism, which is cool, but sometimes it loses that raw excitement factor.