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Test Drive: Ferrari Announced

Dash Kappei said:
What, why would they do that?! :/
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they said ferrari wouldn't allow them in the game. iirc, it was something about the cars being perfectly setup when they roll out of the factory so there was no need to include them in the game. so fucking stupid and laughable, they must be lying?


Megasoum said:
They've said from the get go that this wasn't, even remotly, a simulation game. Not very surprising that there's no setup options.
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it's a simcade, and every other simcade racer with ferraris (ferrari/supercar challenge, gt, forza, shift) this gen has had some form of car setup options.

if the default setups blow chunks like shift 2 the game is ruined.
 
Why the Zavvi does not have this listed yet?

Also, 39 real-life licensed courses.

Be damned all other games of this gen.
 
nice selection of tracks and cars (classic F1 !) but you can tell by just looking at those cars that something is way off with physics.
 
ibpqcs5eMEz66t.gif


Drift dat bitch! GAME OVER YEEEEAAAAAHHHH!!
 
so there is an OXM review for this game.. they gave it a 5.0

The review also starts by comparing this to TDU somehow... so yeah.. I don't know that I would put a lot into it.

200 events spread around three eras:
Golden - 1947-1973
Silver - 1974-1990
Modern 1991-2011

According to review, boring career because it's mostly text based..(?), same "generic" tracks over and over.
Wickedly tough even on easiest setting.
Spinouts are too common.
inconsistent off road penalties..
Ends the review with "spotty handling and physics keep the game strictly for diehards"

So I am not sure that I can put much into a review like this when it seems they expected another TDU style kinda game.
 
sneaky77 said:
so there is an OXM review for this game.. they gave it a 5.0

The review also starts by comparing this to TDU somehow... so yeah.. I don't know that I would put a lot into it.

200 events spread around three eras:
Golden - 1947-1973
Silver - 1974-1990
Modern 1991-2011

According to review, boring career because it's mostly text based..(?), same "generic" tracks over and over.
Wickedly tough even on easiest setting.
Spinouts are too common.
inconsistent off road penalties..
Ends the review with "spotty handling and physics keep the game strictly for diehards"

So I am not sure that I can put much into a review like this when it seems they expected another TDU style kinda game.
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Basically all of those negatives actually seem PROs to me :P
I won't write it down, I think the PC version especially has potential
 
I'm going to reserve judgment. I can't believe its possible for SMS to fuck-up a racing game of that type. It's not like they were trying to develop the next Forza or GT. Surely this would be easier to develop than something like SHIFT.
 
sneaky77 said:
so there is an OXM review for this game.. they gave it a 5.0

The review also starts by comparing this to TDU somehow... so yeah.. I don't know that I would put a lot into it.

200 events spread around three eras:
Golden - 1947-1973
Silver - 1974-1990
Modern 1991-2011

According to review, boring career because it's mostly text based..(?), same "generic" tracks over and over.
Wickedly tough even on easiest setting.
Spinouts are too common.
inconsistent off road penalties..
Ends the review with "spotty handling and physics keep the game strictly for diehards"

So I am not sure that I can put much into a review like this when it seems they expected another TDU style kinda game.
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The had the same type of review for Race Pro. They didn't like it at all. The graphics were ugly, the physics were too difficult, and the career was boring. The said the game desperately needed a story or cutscenes. They also didn't like the generic tracks that they'd never heard of (HA!). Basically, they disliked that it was just bare bones racing, 'cause that's boring. Who wants to play a racing game to just race anyway?

Sometimes I read these and it's clear the reviewer isn't a big fan of the genre. That's a pet peeve of mine. I don't care what a reviewer who loves FPS, RTS, or RPGs thinks of a new racing game. I care about a racing sim lover's opinion.

The "inconsistent off road penalties" doesn't surprise. Although it should have been fixed. Drives me nuts in Shift 1&2, you miss an apex, go wide off the track and get a "Cut track penatly". Or if the AI pushes off the track, you'll often get one. What?
 
lol, it's obvious the reviewer doesn't like 'simcades' which could mean good news for us.

So what's the release date look like?
 
that review can suck my pendulous sweaty balls, although if its even remotely like shift i wont be purchasing it, shame as i am a huge ferrari fan. lets hope its more like project cars ;)
 
Hmm. Botched release dates combined with a complete dearth of previews and reviews means FRL carries the stench of an average game. NeoGAF members have copies of FRL, one posted his thoughts in the FM4 thread: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=39425431&postcount=15685 and another PM'd me his thoughts which weren't good despite being a fan of Shift and Unleashed (I enjoyed both NFS games too).

At least I have Ferrari Virtual Academy to enjoy if I want to muck about in modern F1 cars and modded versions of Shift and Unleased if I want Ferrari's that handle okay.
 
I just happened to notice this was on PSN. I forgot it was even coming out so soon! Does anyone know if the PC version still exists? If this were a little cheaper I'd probably spring for it, I loved Shift 2.
 
I played the xbox360 TDFRL yesterday, the career looks very great, but the cars drive like a boat: its hard to keep them straight in line and the back steer the car.

I can't find a good setting for my wheel (Fanatec GT2) so Im 2x faster with the gamepad.

I will buy the PC version when the price will drop to 10-15$ and hope for mod like PTMu who save S2U for me.
 
Sounds very disappointing. Was looking forward to it for old and new F1 cars and the wide variety of tracks. May wait for a price drop, it will surely bomb.
 
I have to admit I even started doing OT for this game, but than I realised how it will probably become a wasteland after maybe 3 posts, so I decided not to bother. Sadly.

I have bought this game on US PSN during summer and I am so hooked on it ATM. I have already invested more than 20 hours playing it and this is by far the greatest positive surprise in the driving genre at this generation of consoles.

I am playing it with the Fanatec CSRE (game recognises it as G25) and on PS3. And game is bloody addictive and I like it more than I could ever imagine.

Some my personal opinions regarding some recent posts here:

-MikePriester- said:
I need to feel the physics before even thinking about picking it up.
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I really dig the physics on the wheel. It is the greatest blend of arcade and simulation I have ever played, period.

mclaren777 said:
I'm still not sure which audience this game is aimed at.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=5FdnULzrKgY
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AI is very slow in the first few events but they drastically improve their pace with game progress. Once you reach 25% of the game, they're getting extremely competitive.

Grayman said:
Now I may not a fancy big city ferrari test driver but I don't think that is how that car goes around that corner at that speed. Aimed at fools and their money?
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No. Once you disable all assists, drifting becomes almost impossible, especially with higher powered vehicles. Ferrari Racing Legends is hard-core simulation compared to Shift IMO. If Shift had this kind of physics and FFB support it would be 5X better game.

Para bailar La Bomba said:
The same audience the SHIFT series is aimed at and not the same audience pCars is aimed at. hth.
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Would not agree. FRR is not a simulation, but it does more simulation than you can imagine. When you once reach longer races (5 laps and above) you are suddenly faced with consequences of fuel-depletion and tyre-wear. Car becomes lighter, nose becomes lighter, grip becomes lower. Also, suspension physics is great, especially when paired with heavily bumped tracks and killer-curbs.

TJP said:
Hmm. Botched release dates combined with a complete dearth of previews and reviews means FRL carries the stench of an average game. NeoGAF members have copies of FRL, one posted his thoughts in the FM4 thread: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=39425431&postcount=15685 and another PM'd me his thoughts which weren't good despite being a fan of Shift and Unleashed (I enjoyed both NFS games too).
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I was personally never a great fun of both Shifts, but FRR has won me after first hour of play.

For those interested, here are some of my post regarding this game made at SMS WMD forums. First one is in context regarding ISR's review that was mentioned above:

However, after spending 2 days with the game I have to say I do not agree with almost none of the points made by ISR (which is good, because I do not agree with majority of points those guys raise, but that is another subject).

I play the game on my PS3 (Fanatec CSR Elite + CSPV2/720p/5.1 DTS) and I really love it.

There is something going on with the AI as soon as I stepped into the third tier of the races ("The 250 Challenge"). AI has definitely speeded-up and become fairly competitive. Since I spent only 3 challenges there before ending today's session I can't confirm what is going on later. But if AI really gets better as you progress to higher tiers - which seem so - than it will be hilarious to contextualize the ISR's review. If they actually made their verdict on AI after finishing first 3 tiers (approx. 12 races which nets you as much as 3% on the game completion BTW :D) then there is no words to describe their professionalism. Will report more in days to come.

But I really dig this game. I like physics (it would be a blast if Shift had model like this), force feedback (it would be a blast if Shift had FFB and wheel scripts like this) and I love the sounds (which actually gave me the "goosebumps", but I am probably not so "professional" in my sound sensation as ISR specialists). I love the tracks (especially history ones) and I really congratulate to designer(s) who designed the Misty Loch fictional course. It is gorgeous to drive because of the surface-imperfections, it has superb configuration and magnificent vistas. I would really like to see that course in the pCARS rendered in full beauty.

I also like the feel of suspensions (probably my favorite part of the overall physics sensation) and impression of cockpit. Cars with windshields actually have interior reflections rendered on the windshield and that adds so much to immersion.

I also love the presentation (nice choice of fonts and clean look of everything, reminds me of the SEGA days) and I particularly love the actual story mode. I feel such sadness for ISR guys for having to actually read the "story" without having someone reads it to them in voiceover, but I guess their problems are not mine. I love the idea (congratulate to game-design guys) of presenting eras with such background mission/race/testing/qualification/event/endurance storytelling, I would really love the see such concept expanded in the future (even in pCARS, of course in much more developed form).

But when I take everything in concern, I love what Ferrari Racing Legends have delivered and this game will be good addition to my Ferrari collection.

As I probably presume right, there is no way we will ever witness an official patch for this game that could fix the AI in career mode (EDITED: if my edit regarding AI above is valid, than this comment no longer applies) or add a left/right views (my biggest single complaint). But in the current form I guess I will have enough motivation to race it every day for some time until I finish it.

On my final note just a brief notice regarding point in the ISR review that made me laugh. When left guy (hairyes) was talking about challenges, he highlighted for *boredom* the event on Monza 1959 where you have to run the time of 1:50 for completing the Primary and Bonus Objective on Hard setting. Guess what - that particular challenge was my most favorite one in the early stages of the game. You have to really master the Monza and the car to pin-point in order to achieve the goal and there is no margin for mistake. Even the sliding in fast corners can deduct you precious tenths needed for the win. I really can't believe he said that is the *most boring* part of the game while I find it the most exciting. But to each his own I presume.

It would be great if you guys could issue some patch to fix minor problems for this game. However, even without it it is still much better and complete game than ISR is saying. It is only very sad how many will now probably skip it just because of the bad *review*. But if it means anything, you have my congratulations for this project, because I am really satisfied with it so far.
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I spent ages in Trofeo Pirelli and I can say I love TDFRL more. It does not have weather, it does not have that crazy feel for the width of the vehicle as Trofeo Pirelli but it has pretty convincing handling (I will elaborate on that below), good car sounds (more surround spatiality would be welcomed as well as higher pitch from AI cars), damn interesting way of presentation of the career (my favourite part of the game) and great selection of tracks (again highlighting the fictional Misty Loch circuit, damn beautiful and extremely challenging).

Downside on PS3 is the 30fps graphics, but than again it is way better than I expected. Unlike Trofeo Pirelli there is almost constant 30fps and clear visuals (more AA would come in handy, but I play in 720p plasma and it looks acceptable by all means) with good car-models, beautifully represented tracks (in veins of the original F355 Challenge game's Magic Weather system there is choice of 6 lightning configurations for every circuit) and ability to race AI cars in multiplayer races.

I really started to dig the AI after surpassing the 5-6% of game completion. In the first few venues they're pretty slow, but now they're picking up the pace. Really looking forward what will happen later. What I like about AI is making of mistakes, bumping into each other, loosing racing line, etc. It just feels okay to slow down to 90% of your possible pace and participate in the race like you would drive in real life. It is very hard to explain what I mean by that, but in short - to try to drive as you would a real car - without going into 110% what games often allow. It becomes a true fun than and I really love it.

Collision model is also part of the fun, because there is no "collision buffer". Bump another car and you will lose grip and spin, nothing can save you. Same goes for fences and track borders-stones. I really love that.

Okay, there is no mechanical damage and tyre wear, but surprisingly there is fuel consumption which will probably play important part in some later races (you can't actually see the *content* of locked scenarios before successfully finishing prior races). The actual scenarios are main part of the career mode, where you have primary and bonus goal for every race (scenario). Sometimes it is just testing the cars (achieve time for primary, remain consistent times for bonus or achieve track-record), sometimes is qualifying (catch desired time for prim, achieve track-record for bonus), racing (finish on podium for prim, win the race for bonus) and recently the more demanding scenarios begun to surface (you're in the last 6 laps of the endurance race, you jumped in the vehicle in the pits after your teammate has blown the tyre, you have 6 laps to catch the 4th place (prim objective) or you have to finish on podium for sensation (bonus objective). I really, really love the way gameplay has been designed. Winning prims unlocks new cars and tracks for either Quick Race, Phantom Time Trial (it is really called "Phantom" :)) or Multiplayer. I am not yet certain does winning Bonuses unlock anything besides percentage and potential Trophy, but even without it it is so damn challenging and rewarding in the same time that no real "prize" is even needed.

To conclude, I am deeply enjoying this game so far. I do not know how will it develop in later stages but at this point (9% of completion) it really grows on me and calls me back to drive it just for the sake of achieving all bonus challenges on Hard. I really, really think this is a good game, especially from perspective of having just one single manufacturer and designing a complete career around that fact. I do not jump the eras (you can do that, but I decided to play in order) and currently I am waiting to start a California Challenge of the late '50s.

After you adjust steering options (default ones are for 270 wheels and you have to manually adjust everything for 900-steering) you can basically achieve 1:1 linearity without deadzone and almost no lag. As I said in my initial impressions on page #122, I would just adore if Shift had this kind of steering/FFB engine. Here are my in-game settings (crappy phone pic, game recognises CSR Elite as Logitech G25 wheel):

EbIFc.jpg
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Of course that TDFRL is not 100% hard-core simulation, but I really love it. As someone who plays driving games on wheels only, I have no single complaint about wheel handling of TDFRL. I was expecting a Shift clone, but IMO this game feels much better that Shift have ever had (either 1&2), at least at this point of the game/career.

IMO This game is probably the most underrated driving game at this moment. With HID-FFB effects available on PS3 feel of driving with the FFB wheel is stunning. Every car feels different, you have to adjust way you brake/gear/enter the apex for every car and game is just stunningly enjoyable from every perspective.
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And here is something I've prepared for the OT I never finished, which gives some my personal feel about the game in shirt sentences:

> Most important facts:

• none of the reviews do not do justice to this game
• you really have to play it with the proper FFB wheel
•Â PS3 version is superior because of the supported 900-degree steering and HID-FFB wheel effects
•Â for the real challenge you have to play it on Hard difficulty
•Â AI on Hard in the Quick Race mode is something so addictive and hard-core that it is hard to describe without trying


> Features:

• 52 greatest modern and classic Ferrari models from the history of the factory from Modena
• 36 circuits, including variations - GP circuits, test circuits, and bonus circuits with renditions of tracks from the past and present
• "Scenario" based Campaign Story Mode - you will experience the rich history of the Ferrari brand as you unlock tracks and cars throughout story of the young driver who faces different scenarios through his career
• Online Modes - Quick Race and Custom with 8 player support and AI opponents


> Why You Will Never Play This Game?

1. Because none of the published reviews apparently didn't take its time with the game and experienced the essence of the Ferrari Racing Legends. So you will check the reviews, get the absolutely wrong idea about the game and you will pass on it

2. You will watch the Youtube videos and get yourself on the "Meh" train without taking into concern how no Youtube video can describe you the feel of the suspensions and track bumps with V12 roaring behind your back and tyres loosing their grip on the verge of limits of the FFB engine

3. You will believe that Ferrari Racing Legends is made in veins of Shift games and you will never realise how it is not. With all assists set to OFF and proper FFB wheel this game is everything that Shift never was. Feel of drive is everything. But you will never experience it

4. You will think about it as an arcade racer because it does not have proper visual damage, rain, tyre punctures or pit-management. However, while thinking about what game does not have you will in fact miss everything that Ferrari Racing Legends actually has and delivers


> Why You Should Play This Game?

1. Because it is gorgeous to play on the FFB wheel

2. Because it has great and innovative Career mode presented through text-based background of more than 200 different scenarios spreading through 3 main eras for the Ferrari (Golden, Classic an Modern) and covering vast number of different types of challenges (time-trials, qualifications, testing races, normal races, showcase races, events, in-race scenarios and different driving challenges)

3. Because it is damn hard and damn addictive
 
WTF ! Rouen ?

Circuit de Catalunya – Spain GP
Circuit de Catalunya – Spain National
Circuit de Spa Francorchamps GP (1980) – Belgium
Circuit de Spa Francorchamps GP (2004) – Belgium
Casino Riviera-Côte d’Azur – France
Côte d’Azur Monte Grande – France
Côte d’Azur Monument Loop – France
Côte d’Azur Port Boucle – France
Donington Park GP (2009) – United Kingdom
Donington Park National (2009) – United Kingdom
Enna Pergusa – Italy
Fiorano – Italy
Fiorano Alternate – Italy
Hockenheimring – Germany GP
Hockenheimring GP (1982) – Germany
Hockenheimring National – Germany
Hockenheimring Short – Germany
Imola (1981) – Italy
Imola (2005) – Italy
Misty Loch (fictitious)
Monza GP (1958) – Italy
Monza GP – Italy
Monza Junior – Italy
Motorsport Arena Oschersleben – Germany
Motorsport Arena Oschersleben B – Course-Germany
Mugello GP – Italy
Mugello Short – Italy
Nordschleife – Germany
Nordschleife Aremberg – Germany
Nordschleife, Karussell – Germany
Nordschleife Nurburg – Germany
Road America Circuit dummy
Rouen (1956) – France
Rouen – France
Silverstone GP (1959) – United Kingdom
Silverstone GP (1975) – United Kingdom
Silverstone GP (2009) – United Kingdom
Silverstone International (2009) – United Kingdom
Silverstone National (2009) – United Kingdom
 
I just don't get how this series had reached such a high point at Test Drive Unlimited and have squandered all of it away with mediocrity.

Loved driving around Oahu, and having the whole island on your PSP? Was insane.
 
Look at the formulas !!

125 S Sport Single-Seater 1947
312 F1-67 Single-Seater 1967
312 B3-74 Single-Seater 1974
312 T4 Single-Seater 1979
126 C2 Single-Seater 1982
F1-87 Single-Seater 1987
F1-90 (641) Single-Seater 1990
248 F1 Single-Seater 2006
F2007 Single-Seater 2007
F2008 Single-Seater 2008

312F1 @ Rouen ? I'm back at Gran Prix Legends !!!!!!

Out on PSN in europe ????????
 
-Amon- said:
312F1 @ Rouen ? I'm back at Gran Prix Legends !!!!!!
Out on PSN in europe ????????
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Blast to drive, period. There is complete mini-section of the game made for 312F1, with special challenge of beating time of 1:57 at Rouen for the Bonus challenge (on Hard diff). I was probably driven that 50 times in span of 3 days before I finally managed to complete the sequence and pass it under 1:57. So tough.

I can't comment how it is to drive on controller, but on the wheel it is a blast. Car literally has no aerodynamic properties, all grip is strictly mechanical and managing to do a 1.57 in 3rd or 4th lap (before fuel depletion make car too light and tyres begin to loose grip) on track with so many sweepers and blind climbs is insane joy.

Game can be bought on UK PSN and US PSN, I managed to found 50$ card and grab it from US because it is cheaper with U$.

drugstore_cowboy said:
I was holding out for the PC version, will it ever be released?
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Apparently reports say it will be out on the Atari store at September 15th.
 
amar212 said:
Blast to drive, period. There is complete mini-section of the game made for 312F1, with special challenge of beating time of 1:57 at Rouen for the Bonus challenge (on Hard diff). I was probably driven that 50 times in span of 3 days before I finally managed to complete the sequence and pass it under 1:57. So tough.

I can't comment how it is to drive on controller, but on the wheel it is a blast. Car literally has no aerodynamic properties, all grip is strictly mechanical and managing to do a 1.57 in 3rd or 4th lap (before fuel depletion make car too light and tyres begin to loose grip) on track with so many sweepers and blind climbs is insane joy.
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Well i'm going to drive it with my G25 so no problem with pad :)

Of course the 312F1 has no downforce. On the contrary it's shape creates lift at speed. Unluckily that behaviour was not simulated in GPL. That engine had no aero simulation at all.

I will have some free time to try this starting from the WE. Can't wait. Apart from the 312F1 i can't wait to put my hands on Gilles 126 C2 :)
 
amar212 said:
Car literally has no aerodynamic properties, all grip is strictly mechanical and managing to do a 1.57 in 3rd or 4th lap (before fuel depletion make car too light and tyres begin to loose grip) on track with so many sweepers and blind climbs is insane joy.
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Just checked Gplrank after AGES lol. My PB at Rouen in the 312F1 is 1:55.680.

it will be interesting to make comparisons.
 
amar has essentially convinced me to try this out, but at the moment $50 is too much for me to dish out. It sounds like great fun, though.
 
Watevaman said:
amar has essentially convinced me to try this out, but at the moment $50 is too much for me to dish out. It sounds like great fun, though.
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I have to make the following clear: FRR is not an AAA game, thus you shouldn't expect polish and perfection of some AAA title. So, 50$ price-point is a bit much - I agree - but than again I am just at 20% of completion of the game and I am playing it for almost 3 weeks now (2-3 hours sessions per day).

I decided to play on Hard from the very beginning and to finish all Bonus challenges before moving to the next one. And there comes the true challenge, because some Bonus challenges are really tough to master.

Once you take all the "downs" as expected and start enjoying "ups", FRR becomes a great experience.

It is basically an hard-core simcade and it does that perfectly.

For those that ever played and loved Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli - with all of its downs and problems - this will be a known territory. Take a car, pick a track, remove the HUD (it can be done on-the-fly which is wonderful) and try to do 10 laps race with Hard AI on Donington with losing only 2 positions until the end. Great experience.

FRR is not a perfect game by no mean, but what it does it does perfectly.

I hope that more of you will pick it up at some point so we can exchange experiences.
 
Didn't realise it's getting a PC release, might see how it is. How is the audio overall Amar? From a few videos I've watched the sound design seemed a bit poor.
 
Grassy said:
How is the audio overall Amar? From a few videos I've watched the sound design seemed a bit poor.
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Your car sounds okay, there is engine, differential and gearbox noises, nicely done. Tyres also sounds progressive and convincing.

However, I have problems with sounds of opponent cars, because sound mix for them is too low and you barely hear them - even in Replays when you watch them drive (I also urge you not to watch them drive, especially from the FP view because you will notice the amount of assists they're using - what you doesn't know, can't kill you :)).

Also I would welcome better "spatiality" of sound. I have a nice surround setup (proper 5.1 here with big-boxes, not generic one) and I do not like that sound-mix is so centered to center speaker - but than again GT5 has probably spoiled me big time in that area.

I would give 3/5 to sound, but I have to admit how some engines sounds so godly that you instantly forget the overall problems.
 
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