Anyone pic this up yet? Thoughts??

It is a very good game that is fun to play. The design is truly "next gen" throughout, from graphics, sound, menu's, options. Graphics are about as good as you can get in a driving game so far. Blows FM2 away. The damage model is amazingly realistic and the incar views are awesome. The 3D menu's are truly innovative and the sound and speech pretty good. It's fun.

BUT...

the physics model is WAY too arcade-like and is not representative of a true simulation by any means. The cars just seem to rotate on a central pivot. Its fun but far from realistic. Plus they went away from the WRC nature of the previous CMR games and broadened the appeal for the mass market. However, what they did was done very well to be honest. There is still a WRC section but you can also race RallyX, Hill Climb (featuring a full Pikes Peak level!), Offroad trucks and buggies, Raid racing, etc.

Overall it is a very good game that provides amazing graphics and lots of fun "arcade" racing. Just don't expect FM2 like simulation.