First update impressions:
New circuit is a waste of resources. Scenery looks nice but what's the point when it's all covered by metal barriers? I've only driven the A version so I don't know if the B/C version is more open, but like many others have said it feels like a GT5/6 course creator track with generic turns and barriers everywhere. Ugh...
The cars I've touched on briefly in the mega speculation thread. Love the 3 Keis. The 250 GTO, not so much because of the price tag. The Ford GTLM I was expecting to be in Group 2 power/weight wise. They really should have modelled the new Ford GT LMS to be honest. The 787B I'm looking forward to the sound (haven't had the chance to drive it). The Mercedes F1 car I honestly feel they should have gone the generic Formula route. The color variation is small consolation for all the F1 replica liveries that we'll never get to see
The sound is pretty good (they modelled the whining hybrid sound when off throttle!), but then again these days F1 cars sounds like vacuum which is GT's specialty anyway. The handling though sucks compared to similar cars in Assetto Corsa/Automobilista. Low speed grip is wonky. Steering gets strangely light 45 degrees off centre (when it should be loading up with g-forces IRL). And the worst of all, for some reason the engine de-clutches when you brake so the revs drop all the way to idle! Even left foot braking and keeping your foot on the gas does nothing to keep the revs up. I don't know if they just haven't simulated the complex hybrid torque fill systems properly, but it makes the car weird as **** to drive when downshifting and braking hard. Ruined the car completely for me. Also I haven't found out a way to activate DRS. If anyone knows, do tell.
Helmet/livery customization is nice. Can't wait to see what the community comes up with 👍 On that note, I was hoping the scapes would allow placement of non suited avatars. Most of the non racetrack scenes just feel out of place with your helmeted guy standing around. New Tokyo expressway scenes are good. More Wangan Midnight shots for me
Kinda disappointed they didn't add Summer themes to complement the Red Leaves/Snow/Cherry Blossoms updates we've had.
Microtransactions - I've touched briefly in its own thread. Basically not gonna affect me one bit (and I doubt the community). I was hoping I could buy the 20 million cars, but only up to 2 million? C'mon PD...
The new tyre model I also explained more in its dedicated thread. Subtle change basically, neither better or worse. Still not gonna get GTS any closer to Assetto.
Daily races becoming weekly is my biggest disappointment. I hope the number of active players tanked significantly for PD to take notice and reverse this decision. I know I will be spending my time grinding for the 250 GTO until this gets reverted 👎