This is the best racing game for car "enthusiasts" ever. And its only a little taste of the full version.
I have to come right out and say that this game is only for car enthusiasts. If you just want easy high speed racing with crashes and such, then play Burnout. If you like realistic driving with real cars then welcome home. I prefer the latter, which is why I love Gran Turismo 5.
Of course, in 3 the controls were too hard and so were the races. The controls have been fixed, but the races have not. I doubt I'll ever beat the C class races, but thats okay. The controls have been fixed though You can set up some handicaps for yourself in terms of control and traction, which I think everyone (including myself) maxed. Its okay though, everyones doing it.
This time around they cut the crap; the menu is just a gorgeous scene with your current vehicle and a PS menu selection style. This works best when you have your favourite car selected. Earning money is easier now with higher amounts (and more expensive cars) and even higher amounts online.
Basically, for get the events, just play online. I did for hours upon hours, not buying any other cars and finally got the Ferrari 599. Okay so maybe not hours but it took a while and a lot of self control. I could have purchased another Ferrari, a Jaguar and possibly a Viper. But I stuck to my guns. When I got the 599 I went online and for the first time came in first in a race, then I kept coming in 3 and 5th again...
I can't fathom how to win really or why they get ahead, I'm going as fast as I can. Doesn't matter 5 place still gets like 8000 Cr. In terms of graphics, probably the best graphics in a video game so far. Far better than Uncharted which was the previous holder of that title.
In terms of music, the menu tunes are nice, but the actual sound track sucks.
There are only 6 courses, which are enough with the wide selection of vehicles your going to want to get. Ferrari, Mercedes, BMW, Lexus... and some other cars. No Porsche though, which upsets me. Hopefully the full version will have the Porsche 911 Carrera GT Turbo and maybe the Cayman and Boxter.
In the end, you have a PS3, you like cars, then just get this game, max out the handicaps and have fun online and collecting your favourites. One of the best games for PS3 now.
Its better than Burnout Paradise, but its far from perfect. The events become virtually useless which is a downer, and only 6 courses and no Porsche. Porsche makes roadsters! Forget the damn Ford Focus!