Seriously, this game is ridiculously good looking. The level of detail is insane. Not only does the car itself have real world reflections, but the windows on buildings, signs on buildings, in-fact just about everything that ought to reflect the world around it, usually does. Even the damn Honda emblem on the steering wheel reflects everything around it lol. Love the fact that shadows are cast realistically by both track objects and buildings. The jaggy sharp edged shadows of the older builds replaced with smooth slick edged shadows that are near perfect. Textures are really crisp throughout as well, even up close and personal. Sometimes when the lighting is just right, and you pass a car or they pass you, you almost actually feel like you're watching the real thing. The cars and tracks sometimes really do look that good.
Going to take screens of the new mountain track next. That also looks beautiful. A few tweaks here and there too. Like the gust from the speed of cars now swaying bits of the grass and slightly improved textures/lighting in other areas.
Gameplay wise, interior view + pro simulation mode = most realistic driving experience I've had in a racer yet. It's fantastic fun and quite the challenge. In the demo it was quite easy to get first, it's a lot harder now. At least in arcade mode with a rubbish starter car. But down force to zero, R3 tyres, simulation mode and all assists off = sublime experience. You really feel every nuisance of the car and track. It's a shame the bumper car element can still occur, though not to the same degree. Hit a car to cheat forward now, and you usually end up losing places and momentum instead of gaining it. AI is vastly improved, but still a bit ropey. They are a lot more aggressive and intelligent in how they drive to get fast laps (not just rubber band any more either) but sometimes dense in avoiding you. Granted, when I was stood still whilst taking photo's, perhaps even in real life the cars would not be able to stop quick enough to avoid me, but they should at least swerve out the way to avoid and brake hard. Hopefully this is sorted before release.
My other negative is that the London track is rather claustrophobic and tight nit. Though it is London (cramped by nature) so I'll let it pass. Hopefully some of the other city tracks (NY) are much more open and grand. Anyway, some quick screens. Hope you like em!