Bits about the first game I loved, and others I hated.
Loved -:
The transport missions where you're trusted to drive someones pride and joy from point a to point b without damaging it, actually having to approach junctions with caution and overtake properly gave it a new level skill....but always having the option to open the taps when you get to a good straight and hope you don't wrap it round a tree.
The car sounds were also pretty good, the AMG merc sounded monstrous.
The fact you could wind the windows down to get the wind noise while on the move.
Hated -:
The corny human characters, especially the hitch hiker women, with the worst acting and dialogue, along with clunky animations that just didn't work.
The handling was very hit and miss along with piss poor collision detection. Cars felt floaty.
The music was gash, but at least the 360 has custom soundtracks.
The in car views, although welcome, the stiffness of the view did it no favours. It had some camera shake which you could ramp up, but it was no where near enough. (looks at dirt 2, NFS shift and GT5)