I'm back, too, and I have to say, the second stint was much more rewarding.
Not only were the cues considerably shorter, the TV had audio output, the DFGT wheel wasn't as beaten and there were a few Sony employees handing out lanyards, GT branded, for all who put up with the waiting times.
This time, I chose AT (still couldn't really hear the engine which is a shame), standard physics, TCS 5, super-soft sports slicks (no need for the wet slicks, but they were an option of course
) and easy AI.
And I took a beautiful red 458 to the Ring again.
I noticed quite a few details, as I mentioned earlier, as flying grass as you go off in the green stuff (which looks nicely brownish in the areas cars are likely to go off). Oh, and I have to mention the skidmarks again, sorry about that.
As I played with the AI (SLS, Corvette, Viper, GT Citroen, Lambo Murc, forgot the other 2) and fooled around a bit, I hugely enjoyed the grass. It's deadly, but not all of the time. Catching slides was much fun. It's a much simpler life on standard, but not "silly". You still want to work for a good result and there's enough pitfalls that keep you on your toes. It's not some mindless pedal-to-the-metal and go way to hot into a corner. Hard to describe, but
very balanced between accessibility and seriousness.
Anyone with at least a bit of an interest in cars should be able to enjoy this game.
Also, the camera works on a quite subtle, but good way. I expected the ride to be harsher as in the BMW 1, and the looks of the camera moving got me this time. I rathered liked it a lot.
Now as I mentioned, the grass on the Nordschleife is quite fun, because if you overstep it only once to often, you go off. So you have this sense of fear if you push it a bit and the nice adrenaline rush if you get away with it.
The way the car spun and impacted felt rather good. Personally, I don't mind damage not showing because I'm a sucker for replays and I hate it a lot if I scratch my ride. The way impacts are handled is a good and happy in between.
So, in conclusion, the afternoon/evening session was really and totally enjoyable.
In cockpit view looking out of the back window was a nice treat for the boring straight, the engine rambled away and I have to say: very nicely done.
The other cars on track looked good, I really liked the braking lights of the Murcielago for instance. Little details you barely notice at first but spring to attention on second thoughts. They were more than moving obstacles and it was fun trailing them.
The only grudge I have left is the rather sterile lightning, but as I know, GT isn't really all that eye-candy heavy, but a bit of more dynamic light and shadow would have been nice.
It's just a shame that Sony, at least that's my feeling, doesn't give GT5 the support it should have. Other than allowing a demo so full of content you could spend a few weeks with it.
I want Karting, very badly even, because I can see a lot of light hearted races coming up and you should be able to pick up a lot on driving technique.
All in all my top tips:
Make sure the sound works on the TV before you cue. You can hardly hear it, but it helps.
Try to come very early and stay until late - the cues are much shorter and most folks still there are quite friendly and eager petrol heads.
Watch out if there are guys handing out Lanyards - makes a very nice souvenir.
