I think the graphics issue is a bit overblown to be honest; I know what everyone was expecting, but it wasn't really possible to have 1,000 cars recreated in intricate detail. The main issue for me are the bland backgrounds on a few races (which are how they look in real life really) and the awkward shadows, but the time-changing effects, night time driving and especially the city courses more than make up for it.
Like others have said, damage is progressive, I didn't even get a dent in my car until about level 10 or so. Nice to hear your honest thoughts, me personally, I'd give it a 9.5 just on the whole. It's basically GT3 but with improvements all over the place. I've yet to try online, but GT for me has always been the single player experience.
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned for Sega. - Jason Lee, Mallrats.
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