I’m not even 10 hours into gameplay yet, but I am impressed by the graphics.

The following images were “taken” with the camera simulator in the game. In essence, it’s a 3D app that renders a still frame. I applied some color grading in Photoshop, but otherwise you get a sense of the quality:

Dec. 21, 2010 – Finished A-license. Just started Amateur circuit. After an update, there were two new features: Seasonal Events and Online Dealership. I didn’t think I needed to get anything from the online dealership, but turns out I needed to buy a Toyota X-Runner sports truck for one of the Amateur tracks. Man, that thing slips all over the place. I had to tune it up with new sports tires and a turbo kit to place first.

Nov. 30, 2010 – Just finished the Beginner License tutorials. It’s hard to perfect the optimal steering and throttle that they set out for you. It’s possible that not being behind the wheel of an actual car makes it harder to make the judgement calls in a race track. In a real car, you physically feel the G-Force, so you adjust accordingly. In a video game, all I have to rely on is the visual cues (the track guide) and maybe the force feedback from the controller. Otherwise, it’s hard for a beginner to master quickly. Or maybe it’s just me.

Gripe: DJ Fresh’s Talkbox audio track is AWFUL.

It’s funny that setting the background music to a custom folder is considered a trophy/achievement.

Jan. 5, 2011

Just finished the Professional Circuit. Had to spend over 150,000 credits on a new Ferrari and over-tuning it up to 600 horsepower just to get it running well enough to qualify for a race. Sure enough, the Ferrari California ’08 is what you win. Ironic. But now I have 2 of them. The blue one is the one I bought and souped up.

For the complete lists of cars, visit their official site here.