Frankly, I'm amazed GT5 turned out as good as it is. On a certain level, I agree with IGN's two-part conclusion; 10/10 simulator, 5/10 game. The driving model isn't perfect, and I think FM4 is more realistic and intuitive. But GT5 still makes for a fine drive. Much better than most console racing offerings.
Maybe it's just that my expectations were in the gutter, since I couldn't stand playing GT4 at all. But I wouldn't accuse GT5 of coasting on the series' success. Releasing a half-finished game and only fixing some of it after the fact...sure, that could be considered taking advantage of your fans. But the driving model is inarguably a step forward, not to mention the graphics (obviously) and some of the new features. If only the Standards drove as well as the Premiums...
Personally, I expected less than what PD delivered. I'd like to see them surprise me again with GT6. Given some of the rumors concerning the next Xbox ("no used games"; ridiculous but not implausible), I might be playing that instead of Forza.
Maybe it's just that my expectations were in the gutter, since I couldn't stand playing GT4 at all. But I wouldn't accuse GT5 of coasting on the series' success. Releasing a half-finished game and only fixing some of it after the fact...sure, that could be considered taking advantage of your fans. But the driving model is inarguably a step forward, not to mention the graphics (obviously) and some of the new features. If only the Standards drove as well as the Premiums...
Personally, I expected less than what PD delivered. I'd like to see them surprise me again with GT6. Given some of the rumors concerning the next Xbox ("no used games"; ridiculous but not implausible), I might be playing that instead of Forza.