Explosive gameplay redefined
Graphics: Beautiful and smooth. I don't know for sure what people expect from a game like this (a game doesn't have to look like Oblivion to be next-gen or fun), but I was impressed and I don't even play on an HDTV. Excellent lighting, etc. But the best upgrade is definitly the explosions. I'll cover the sound of them in the next section, but graphically they are amazing with particle effects and fire effects galore. When in a crash junction, you will see secondary explosions going off after you cause a major accident. I don't know what it is, but watching a fuel tanker go "boom" is one of the most fascinating things one can do on the 360.
Sound: Many people haven't noticed a difference in the sound...and even a few have said it's worse than the original version. My opinion on that is: Are you guys serious? The improved (vastly) sound is probably my favorite thing about this whole game next to the explosions, which it plays a big part in so I guess yeah, it's my favorite thing. Each car sounds different for the most part, and the explosions sound drool-inducing. When you fire a crash breaker, it sounds like someone just ignited a bucket of C4 3 feet away...it's awesome. And the soundtrack is very good as well. Finally, a game that has a soundtrack I don't have to mute. And the boost sounds like a fighter jet on nitrous oxide is taking off right next to you. Bottom line: Incredulously sweet sound.
Control: Easy as pie. Don't expect the unforgiving cornering of a driving sim in this game. It's an arcade racer, and it plays the part to the hilt, just as it should. Drifting is a breeze but never feels overdone. Weaving through traffic is easy for the most part, and if you do mess up, you'll enjoy the sweetest car fragmentation that the gaming world has to offer.
Gameplay: If you don't enjoy this game, you may want to have your head checked. Seriously though, I sat down last night to try out the Live portion of this game so that I could review it. My 10 second "trial period" turned into a five hour marathon that didn't end until 2 in the morning. There is absolutely no lag online. And there's none offline either (not sure what Gamespot was talking about when they said "frame dips" unless they are referring to the menu loading just a little slow after a crash junction while the replay is playing. If that's the case, boo hoo and move on). Scoring Takedowns and having your rivalries tracked is a piece of sheer brilliance. That alone will inspire much trash talk, and much gameplay as you try to even your scores or one-up those who have taken you down. And don't worry, they'll be aiming for you as well. The best part of the online racing is before the race actually starts. When everyone is sitting on the starting grid and the game will show you who you are rivaling with and, if you're in a Grand Prix, who the points leader is, along with tagging a little one-liner underneath your rival that reads something like "They're looking to pay it back - with interest" if it's someone who you took down last race, or something like "Make the champ a chump" for the points leader. It's a small, small thing, but you have to realize that if you're seeing them singled out by the game, then on their screen, you're being singled-out. And if you're the points leader, everybody is going to be gunning for you, and they'll know exactly which car is you thanks to this feature. It's a great amount of fun. This game is a pick-up-and-play either on or offline and really delivers the total package that even higher profile titles (i.e. G.R.A.W. and D.O.A. 4, to name two) just failed to deliver.
All in all, if you like racing games, just go out and buy this game. It's the best offering on 360 since PGR3, and it's alot less serious. Just be aware that if you want a driving sim, this is NOT it. But if you want fun, fast-paced (extreme sensation of speed in this one...everything literally becomes a blur) action with some gorgeous visuals and sweet, sweet sound that anybody can pick up and play, this is a sure-fire bet. And if you have Xbox Live, you should already be on your way to the store to get this game. Seriously, this game is the reason I haven't played Oblivion at all this weekend. Officially, I very highly recommend this game, especially if you have Live. Revenge is sweet. Go get yours.