For only $40, you cant go wrong with the best looking PS3 game to date. GT fans will love it!
It really hurts that this is only the begining. I really would like a full version of this game. But thats still a year out and Sony gave us GT5:P to tie us over, and now I see why. I missed real racing. (Forza's cool, not my cup of tea) I'm a huge GT fan, played everyone till the very end.
Concept
It feels like the Arcade part of GT but with a simple career mixed with. Start with 35k, buy a cheap car, make more money, buy cooler cars. Race, Race, Race. Online money goes to your off line career too.
Graphics
Best I've seen on the PS3 yet! If you got a 1080p TV then you are in for a treat. Ultra smooth graphics, photo realistic backgrounds, and unbelievable car models. cockpits are sweet looking, looks as real as it gets with out sitting in the car. The only downside to this is that all the cars are setup with the wheel on the right so it feels kind of weird for us Americans (You'd think they flop it for the US release, but no, hope they do it in the final release). When you start this game up for the first time watch the opening cutscene, my women thought it was real video of cars and landscape but it was all computer models powered by the PS3. Full 60 frames, never dropping, even online.
Sound
What you'd expect from a GT game. Every car engine, tire screech, bumps, etc. is fully authentic. Make your 5.1 sound roar like your really in the car. 7.1 in available, but I dont have 2 extra speakers set up to my 7.1 reciever yet, I just may have to now.
Online
I always knew I was good at GT games but never could compare myself with others. Now I can. And I'm still good! Always coming in the top 3. Has a matchmaking type setup, choose your race and it matches you up with (up to) 11 other racers. Seems to be regin specific cause I only played Candians and US racers. Really lag free for me, never saw a drop ever. Unfortunitly has the "COD host quits, race over" setup, but that only happened once or twice. The other issues I have are ignorant races, you drive correctly in the turn, other guy behind you barrels into you and you go flying, he makes the turn. Also doesnt seem to be a way to race with friends, correct me if I'm wrong if you you find how.
All in all, this is a great 1/2 GT game. Just makes you want more.