The game is a big overhaul over the original, but the soundtrack lacks kick.
The graphics seem to be the biggest changes; bloom, speed blur effect, sun glare and the cars/environment! I like the choice in cars, over 20 different vehicles, from off-road to street racing vehicles.
The sound effects is the highest rating of the game, everything from crashing to sounds of wood, metal, plastic, glass flying and bouncing around the tracks really brings life to the game. I heard Bugbear did extensive recording of various surfaces and such do achieve this and I like it.
The soundtrack is the only weak point in the game, some tracks like Fall Out Boy, Yellowcard and a couple others don't really belong in a destruction derby racing game! Once proper tools are out I will customize my music playlist for the game with my personal MP3s on disk.
I also like the gameplay change; one heavy crash will not wreck your car like it did in the original game, and flying out of the windshield doesn't happen as often...also the "Reset" is better as it doesn't drop you on track at 0 MPH/KPH so other racers end up benging your tail.
The upgrade section is neatly set up and one of the biggest improvements over the original is ONLINE PLAY! Good job Bugbear on the implementation, which will give longitivity to your new game.