So i've been playing GT5 for 2 days now.
The driving model is excellent. Cars react beleievably depending on track surface. The roof cam is pretty playable imo, after I thought it wouldn't be. That's good news for me when using the standard cars.
Graphically, it's a mixed bag imo. While premiums do look quite good, sometimes they do not. That goes for tracks as well. Some of the standard vehicles aren't too bad to be honest but most are obviously not good at all. Strange graphical glitches when smoke and dust are on screen, aliasing etc..to a point where it's very bad to say the least. Damage I don't care about so nothing to say there.
Weather effects are a welcome inclusion but honestly, it's not that convincing. Rain/snow drops on the windshield look pretty dodgy. Although, night racing looks great.
I love the 'demo' of the cars around the track. I love all the tests. I love GT TV. I love the history portrayed in the game as well as the love for cars that PD have. I love the fact it has 1000+ cars even if most are standard...that doesn't really bother me. The menus are slick and eye catching.
Sound is also a mixed bag as some cars sound menacing while others sound like glorified vacuum cleaners. This area I though PD would absolutely nail but they haven't. The tuning and upgrades aren't that different from previous games. There's nothing really new to be honest. There's plenty of limitations on certain cars.
Overall, a terrific game so far that will be played for a long time to come even with it's inconsistincies and strange feature choices. The game is a driver's paradise but isn't exactly a revolution in the genre either.
Forza 3 is still king in my eyes due to it's across the board appeal. Imo, graphics are very close to GT5, has fantastic sound engine, tuning and upgrades are second to none, cockpits in all cars,auction house and livery editor. It would've been great to see some variety in weather/day/night conditions but I'm confident we'll see them in Forza 4 and will be waiting in great anticipation for it.