Originally posted by Tom McDonnell
Number 1 should be something more like this: The real idea for most of us here would like is to be able to take advantage of the upcoming hard drive. I would really like to be able to have a way to either use an in-game editor to reskin a whole car, or at least parts. Even better would be a way to use the USB cable to transfer data between a PC and the PS2's HD. This would open up the game significantly, as users would be able to trade skins across the net, effectively extending the longevity of the game. (it would also allow users to create better skins with a PC's higher powered software, and also add in the ability to use scanners etc.)
Seperate the idea of internal customization from the thought of customizing cars appearances, for one specific reason - cheaters. Custom cars should not be available for play in Sim mode, as I don't want to read about a person who used a 2000 Hp mini cooper to win the F1 grand prix. This would be perfect for arcade and especially two player modes and perhaps a seperate "unlimited class" mode for this specific idea. This shouldn't be relegated to the engine and parts, I would love to see the ability to create new wireframe models, adding in cars that otherwise would never see the light of day. (Nascar, tv favorites etc) Obviously strict limits on number of polygons would have to be adhered to.
Custom skins and cars Car would also need to be able to be sent to a PC for long term storage as with millions of people possessing the ability to create cars, a 40gig HD would fill up faster than originally anticipated.
These could also work into online play as well.
(I almost forgot, this would also open up the idea of downloadable cars from Sony itself.)
This is just free thought that I have scattered here, if you wish I will mold it into something a little more cohesive for submission.