The first GT was novelty as someone said up there (though the first need for speed was also providing nice cars and you drove through trafic which was cool), and it appealed to the collector side of people. Show the game to someone collecting miniatures of cars at $50 a piece... they'll go crazy about it, especially with these graphics.
It works just like an rpg...Collecting better cars and car parts to run different tracks faster is just the same as collecting weapons and armors to beat harder monsters in dungeons. It just feels different every time (although it is basically the same thing).
I personally thought the first GT was of good size, I have the 3 also and barely touched it, too long to my taste... on the other side i eat as many rpgs as I can.... I just prefer collecting swords to cars!(well and there is a story to follow...).
I have a friend that just loves racing game and customizing his cars bikes, whatever he can find... doesn't play anything but that.
So GT is for the collector type that likes to feel powerful because of the size and beauty of his collection and to feel in control because he can customize everything. But you're not gonna get an instant fun packed experience.
On the other hand, look at MKWii... who wants to buy this game for collection? it's a game for fun and competition out of the box.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
