Maybe i'm wrong, but i think the "hood" view is the only thing that can actually save the "standard" cars thread.
Here's my point.
The majority of people who are quite likely to buy GT5 are not members of Gtplanet or any Website GT5 related. They usually not play GT on a daily basis, and the great majority of them certainly do not use G27 or any other wheel.
Those people cannot claim to have the same level of immersion that GT hardcore fans Have, with their complicated set-up of surround sounds, HD TV and wheels.
Early in the upcoming GT5, those players will be confronted with the choice of standard and premium cars and, as i do feel it, a lot of problems may occur.
I feel that the majority of them will not be that much interested in cockpit view. Since it's a lot harder and not much fun to drive a car around in cockpit view when you don't have a wheel setup. (it's my humble opinion)
Those players, aka the majority of people that will play GT, are a lot more interested by the depth of the game, and the numbers of cars.
So, no problem for them to play standard cars, right?
Wait!
Standard cars do not offer the same level of realism than premium ones. We all know that. No high beams. Lesser damage. Lot less of details. No cockpit view, etc.
And, nothing to add to the realism with the lack of a proper hood view.
The bumper cam is really cool to play with when you have already a wheel. That way, we can say you already have a cockpit. (Sort of) For those players using the sixaxis, it may sometimes being like swiming to the air with your vehicule, and it's particulary not the best cam around as when immersion and realism goes.
The roof view is even worse. You feel as driving a freighliner even if you are pushing up a Fiat 500.
So, i think that a proper hood view is the only cam - along with cockpit one - that can truly add to the realism of GT5. It's also the best cam to drive around when you use the sixaxix.
A hood view also add to the realism as each car hood is quitely different. You then have the sensation to actually driving your PARTICULARY car instead of being a mosquito flying trought the air.
I may be wrong, like a said before, but a think a proper hood view is the only way to get standard cars out of the dust.
It may even be a huge factor for editors when will come the time to review the game.
Fictionnal exemple :
"It's really a shame that GT5 have two different levels of realism. The majority of cars in the game are called "stardard" and do not have the same level of depth as premium ones. But However, we won't complain that much since there's a proper bonnet/hood view that really let you feels your driving your own vehicle".
Well, it's my own opinion.
By the way, sorry for my english. I'm not native english user.
