If you race r-factor/Race 07 series/GTR2 you'll be let down. If you enjoy lighter racing, less detail it may be for you
Patch installed. Puddle hot fix installed.
This review is my opinion-I race with MOMO black wheel set- all settings to Ultra- all aids off-tire sim/fuel sim on-
Downs:
AI not effected by fuel weight.
AI not effected by tire wear.
AI seems to rubberband- but code masters says they don't
AI on 2 courses- impossible to win for player
AI on 2 courses- impossible to lose
After patch-frame drop of 20%
After patch-Rain effect pixalated.
After patch- AI in practice and qual move over, then ride you, really messing up your laps
AI doesn't always pit during required pit stop races
Very poor damage-the rear of your car can't be hurt
Sometimes held in pit
Player can't manually pit
Player can't see 3rd sector lap times
Practice and Qual AI times simulated
No way to turn off "Ghost Car" on timed lap
Race results sometimes don't reflect finishing order
Limited ability to set up cars (don't expect simbin/r-factor/nascar 2003 setup ability)
Games for window's live required
Force Feedback is very weak, doesn't give a feel for the car
Player spins can be stopped by tapping the break-you just stop spinning and end up facing the right way..
There are hardly any DNF for AI
Sometimes your save file gets corrupt- time to start again.....
Physics model- on easy is a go-cart, on expert with all aids off it's still quite easy to drive.
Codemasters has been less than talkative about another patch, after more than a month they won't say if they plan on patching and fixing this game. They will however tell you about the new features coming up in F1 2011.....
Ups:
The game worked right off the download.
Really very good looking- best looking race game I've played.
Driving in championship is really good fun- never felt so good coming in 16th place.
Managing your cars allotment of engines is a great feature.
Very good for the less hard core racer- a great intro to the more simulation type racing games.
With the exception of 4 tracks where the AI is really quirky- the other 13 tracks provide a good racing experience
The Season championship is great- every finish matters, beating your teammate is more important than winning a race. Makes you feel good about coming in 18th.
In closing- If you love Dirt, Grid, Shift, ect I think this would be a good fit for you.
If you drive- Nascar 2003/Gtr2/Race 07 series/r-factor then I would wait and read the reviews for F1 2011 when it arrives.