Great Game World with Pros and Cons
Pros:
The massive environment is seemless and very much alive with weather changes and fantastic scenery. The big positive aspect of this game is that it has such a great world for those who appreciate natural landscapes.
The gameplay for unlocking items and progressing is perfect for encouraging exploration and exploration is actually fun. Fuel somewhat has elements similar to Smuggler's Run and Dakar mixed together with huge graphical improvements only hampered by minor aliasing flaws here and there.
Cons:
The racing, while decent most of the time and well suited for the type of game and size of the world, can get bogged down and choppy at times. This only happens while racing the AI on the pre-set courses and seems to be related to the extreme weather as a way of making your vehicle feel as if it is going out of control. This has a way of making the controls feel annoying at times.
There is a lack of many options, such as; no modifying the control layout, no cockpit view or back view, no option to increase or shut off controller vibration and no specific control for weather or day/night cycle.
The music pretty much sucks but can be turned down completely. The vehicle sounds are decent but not spectacular.
TheBottom Line:
I can see myself spending more time enjoying this title than many other racing titles. I think it deserves at least an 8.5 out of 10 because of it's successes in providing an awesome sandbox world to race in and for doing the gameplay without overly frustratiing mechanics or requirements while still making it challenging.
It's great to have colorful and scenic environments as a change of pace from the bland sterile environments of most sim based racers
If you like short laps filled with tall buildings and tons of man made eye candy with neon lights, then you might want to avoid Fuel. However if you like sunsets, massive landscapes that are completely accesible and just driving off road, you might want to ignore the bad reviews and give this game a chance.