Finally got it downloaded this weekend.
Some mildly biased impressions, as I do enjoy Milestone games, even as last gen looking and buggy as they inevitably always are...
First off, this game is extremely addictive. I've already put in some very late nights on it, it's always just one more race.
I'm avoiding the corruption/crash criteria they've posted on fb until the patch arrives (don't invite people to team races, don't do Championships), and so far, so good.
I really, really like some of the new tracks. Some have some nice lighting effects, and several have a really good flow to them. Loving Stelvio, French Riviera, and the Kanto Temples. And it's nice to race on next gen versions of Imola and Magny-Cours (God I'd love another SBK game but alas, license lost).
And I try to go to Road America each August for the American LeMans/Tudor races. It's always bugged me that last gen Forza had an outdated version. I haven't really had the opportunity to scrutinize the newer version in Fm5, but I know 4's was still off in some details even after the new rebuild. Milestone's version is surprisingly good in fact. They got the Turn 5 stand positions and trackside details right (off in Fm, Race Pro, and Shift), and they nailed the uphill elevation starting from Canada Corner, something that's also been lacking in games. The big hill after turn 5 really feels different on a bike, much more pronounced, and it's great. And I think the skybox they chose for it is very fitting, the track in general feels like my good ol' Wisconsin homeland.
Comparing Donnington to MotoGP, they've updated the look of the grass and trackside details which is great, but they used the same exact cloudy skybox.
I always use the onboard cam in these games, and became addicted to the helmet cam in MotoGP14. The helmet cam looks more polished in MotoGP, adding motion blur at high speeds, and a polarizing visor effect that actually changes the color and look of each stage. So for this one, it's just regular on board view. Still gives you a great sense of speed, on board, no hud, can't beat it.
The physics seem on par with SBK/MotoGP, although a bit more forgiving. I'm not sure about that yet, I haven't tooled around on the top tier bikes much at this point. But it feels like a Milestone bike game, and that's a good thing for me, if you're familiar with their titles, you'll know exactly what to expect.
There's a ton of bikes to play around with in this, although I wish the rental section had more to try before you buy so to speak. But I'm having fun with the Naked class starting out. The customization of the bikes is decent enough to at least give them a more personal feel, and it's nice touch to have 4 options for outfits ready to select before the race/INCREDIBLY LONG LOAD TIMES!
I know it's got issues, but all in all, I'm super happy with the full price purchase. I think it's a great compliment to MotoGP14. There's plenty of game to keep you busy, that's for sure. It's going to take a long time to finish all of the world tour events.
I'll import a physical copy of MotoGP15 in June/July. Add that, pCARS, and possibly F1 if I have time, and FINALLY the ps4 will have some decent sim racers!
