1 - Physics (please compare them to one or more games like GT5P, FC, Grid, Enthusia, TRD3, it will be easier for me to understand the "feel")
Let's start here. From my point of view, the physics is good. Not great, but good enough. Of course, you have to turn all assists off for the simulation feel. Entering a corner is a tricky matter, if you're not smooth with your braking you'll spin. Dropping a wheel onto the grass wil also spin you out. Corner exit will also see you experiencing oversteer if you just mash the throttle. The biggest flaw with the physics is during long slides. The car feels 'dead' and unresponsive. For comparison with other games, I'd say it's as good as GT5P (though each excels in different areas), but not quite as good as FC. It's definitely far from GRID's physics.
2 - AI - Do the AI drivers "know" you are there? Do they challenge and try to overtake you like in TRD? Do they act as punters, like in FC? Are they mindless bots sticking to their line no matter what?
The AI isn't as dead as GT5P's, but they're not smart either. They move off their lines and will try to overtake you if possible, but if you close the door they will still crash into you. Punting the AI also have little effect (not that I do it often), they don't spin or lose control unless it's a really big crash. When racing they take different lines, but in Licenses they don't. I'd say they're more lively than GT's AI, but less aggressive than FC's.
3 - Tracks - Do you feel them (the ones you know) to be well-recreated? Are there penalty zones? Is it possible to cheat, wall-ride, etc?
Most of the tracks are new to me, so my answer on this is somewhat limited. I only know Monza, Mugello, Vallelunga and Misano, and most of them are well recreated except Monza (too narrow). Obviously you don't see GT5P style of perfection, but they're quite good. I'd say the tracks are on par as FC's, although they're not as colourful. Trackside environments like grandstands, pit, etc are also quite 'busy' (i.e. not sterile like GT5P).
4 - Online - Please tell us about online features, lobby customization, lag, invites, stats, whatever else you might consider pros and copns of V8 Sup. online.
I haven't tried out online yet, so I can't comment on this.
As a final note, I suggest you rent it first before buying. This game doesn't appeal to everyone, I have to admit. But if you're looking for a good simulation that offers straghforward, simple racing, this game's for you
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