Fuel one of the biggest letdowns in my life.

I am so glad I didnt go out and buy this I tried the demo (JUST before deciding to go out and buy the game) and it was just horrible. It feels like the vehicles are floating, random objects all over the place, the mud textures on the bike was artifacting for me (first time I ever saw an artifact on my computer), when driving the buggy it randomly sends sparks all over the place. Hey I guess rubbing sand will make a metal spark right? I dont think so. The handleing was so stiff also it seemed like shocks were an unecessary part in the game because every little bump made the wheels fly right into the wheel well. The audio was horrible. That engines sounded like Driver 2's for a minute there. The music was ANNOYING like an infinate loop of a 10 second track.

Personally over a year ago when I first saw the trailer I was outstanded I HAD to have this game and I waited SO long for this to release.. Too bad it was rushed but hey it would make for a pretty ok coin op machine just dont expect to see it on the computer... oh wait.

I'm dling the demo right now. I loved Grid and Dirt, but I'm skeptical of this game.

your right, it wasnt that good :x

I bought it and quite enjoyed it but eventually started to struggle and also feel swamped my the amount of races etc being thrown at me. But some of the races were great like riders on the storm, and the free roam was a load of fun. I suppose the biggest reason I stopped playing though was I went into hospital after getting it and never tried to get back into it.

The demo must suck because the game is pretty great.

My one concern now is that there are seemingly way too many long-distance races, and not enough of the regular short circuit type races.

And even then, some of the circuit races are too science-fiction-like. I just wish that the developer had created normal circuits (like the third race in the career mode) instead of trying to invent something that looks futuristic and unreal. The long distance races, on the other hand, feel completely over the top and soul-less to me - but like I said the short races are wonderful, since you have to learn the track, which is where all the fun is.

The handling of the dirt bikes is great as well - I disagree with you about that. You can steer your bike into a corner, and then hit the handbrake, and force the rear wheel to slide out behind you, at which time you hit the gas, and then roar forward out of the corner. On sand, it just feels wonderful. It's the opposite for me - this game has actually surpassed my expectations.

The two problems are 1) too many lengthy races, and not enough short ones, and 2) the track editor allows you to create short races, but unfortunately the A.I. isn't available to race on your own created tracks, you have to take it online and race against others, which in my opinion completely defeats the purpose.

I will say though that as good as this game is, it could have been better. But oh well, I'm pretty much addicted to it right now.

The game is not that bad, but i wouldn't buy it if i were any of you

I had a Yamaha 80 when I was a kid, and this game takes me right back - the handling is awesome, and when you're riding the bikes you really feel a wonderful sensation of power.

So for that alone I'd recommend the game.

The buggies are pretty cool as well though. I'd have to recommend the game to anybody who likes driving. Some of the lawn-mower type vehicles are a lot of fun to drive. Makes you feel a bit like you're Mad Max.

Not sure about the demo but the full version I'm having a total blast and great fun tearing it up. Best racing game to come along in a long while. Reminds me so much of the countless hours I've had with Test Drive Unlimited, only now in a huge dirt world.

All the vehicles are darn cool to look at and handle very differently. Yeah its arcadey, but as much as I love sim's, this game would be a total pain to get around anywhere if it was much more sim'ish. The terrain is dramatically different in all new areas unlocked. Didn't know there were actual small cities in this game till later on!

For an open world racer of this size, I find this game excellent. The races and courses are extremely varied in type and difficulty always keeping you on your toes.

The only downfall of this game is there should of been more incentive to adventure drive to all areas of the maps. You know missions or easter eggs.

Not sure about the demo but the full version I'm having a total blast and great fun tearing it up. Best racing game to come along in a long while. Reminds me so much of the countless hours I've had with Test Drive Unlimited, only now in a huge dirt world.

All the vehicles are darn cool to look at and handle very differently. Yeah its arcadey, but as much as I love sim's, this game would be a total pain to get around anywhere if it was much more sim'ish. The terrain is dramatically different in all new areas unlocked. Didn't know there were actual small cities in this game till later on!

For an open world racer of this size, I find this game excellent. The races and courses are extremely varied in type and difficulty always keeping you on your toes.

The only downfall of this game is there should of been more incentive to adventure drive to all areas of the maps. You know missions or easter eggs.

VeryBumpy

Your post makes sense. I think it comes down to personal taste on this game. I think Codemasters makes some great racing games, but I tried the demo today and just didn't like it. I also own and played Test Drive Unlimited, and didn't really like it much either. I guess you could say, if you like TDU, then you will probably enjoy this game. I guess I prefer closed tracks more. The open world in the demo really didn't seem great...in fact, it was very boring. If there were enemies shooting at you, or other aggressive packs of atomic-punk bikers trying to pull you off your vehicle, it would be more interesting. That's why I'm hoping Rage delivers, if and when it's released.

In short, Fuel didn't do it for me personally, but others may enjoy it.

VeryBumpy, Fuel is just completely awesome, and I agree with everything you wrote.

I also was surprised to discover how different each area is, and how massive they are - that quadrant in the northwestern part of the map, in which the forests have been decimated by fires, reminds me of a location on the eastern cost of Canada where I spent a part of my youth riding a Yamaha 80. It just took me right back.

I've spent pretty much the entire day playing this game. And now I take back what I said earlier about the lengthy races - they're great. There are some truly epic long distance races in this game, and while I was racing in one of them, across the dunes, I felt like Charlie Boorman in Race To Dakar. In some ways, this is my dream racing game. It's just so much fun. The handling of the vehicles is exhilarating.

How that guy could've rated this game a 50 out of 100 is just shocking to me. He must hate gaming. There's no way on earth that this game is a 50 out of 100. The game was in production for 4 years, and as far as I'm concerned it shows. It's not perfect, but the driving mechanic is unlike anything I've experienced in a racer. The off-road stuff is pretty much unprecedented in gaming. I'm more in agreement with the reviewer who awarded Fuel a 95. It just shocks me that a person couldn't find this game to be enjoyable.

The demo must suck or something - I just can't figure it out at all. A blasted great game is what this is.