So tonight, after an invite from Rushy, I attended a DC evening at Evo's studio in Runcorn.
To begin with we were given a presentation about "new" stuff, that being the weather and the photo mode. Weather is looking amazing, truly amazing. Everyone's in for a treat once it's released. The photo mode appears pretty comprehensive also. Lots of options for tweaking the photo including loads of filters.
We nearly got a look at a DLC track but for reasons I won't go into here, it didn't happen sadly.
So after the presentation, we were divided into 4 clubs and taken through to another room where we had a 90 minute competition between clubs, the winners of which all received the beautiful steelbook version of the game. Sadly my team did not win.
I should also point out there was a free and incredibly well stocked bar for the evening but as I was driving I couldn't take advantage.
Back in the room where the presentation had been a T300 wheel was brought in and a "Top Gear" style leaderboard was created with Rushy setting the time to beat (3:10) on one of the Canada tracks.
With 30 mins to go I was 3rd behind some other dude and Rushy. Unfortunately I didn't make it to the race-off between the top two (after Rushy). The race-off was the same track with full rain. Man, the wet tracks look fantastic. The reflections were particularly impressive. Anyway, the winner got a T80 wheel and steelbook with the runner up getting a steelbook.
After that competition I hung round and chatted with the few of the devs. Have to say, a real nice bunch of people. Incredibly approachable and happy to chat about stuff.
Ended up leaving about 23:15 with a copy of the DC soundtrack and a DC keyring.
The "Club Competition" room
The "Top Gear" Challenge
As for impressions of the game, I can only reiterate what others have said. Handling is great, graphics are beautiful and the challenges are really, really addictive. The social aspect of this game is going to be killer. It really is.
And any worries about "sterile" gameplay can be thoroughly dismissed; the racing was intense and action packed. The AI really gives it a good go. Any worries about rubber-banding can be put to rest too I think. I never thought it seemed unfair (like in the Motorstorms), it always felt like I was being fairly punished for my own mistakes.
Let me put it this way. I have a mate at SCEE who can get me this game for £20 but it won't be for a month. I've bought this on PSN tonight. I need this game next week.
On a final note, I have to thank Rushy for the invite. Really good night with a great bunch of people. I felt kinda sad leaving Evo tonight knowing I wouldn't get to meet any of the team again, that's how nice everyone was.