I have never played any other version of this, so this will be an honest and untainted review from a pick up and play viewpoint. Start with good: 1. Nice graphics. 2. Decent music. 3. Very nice variety in cars and tracks. 4. Does not -require- constant online connectivity. Now the bad: 1. Controls are floaty. It is easy to over steer. 2. Tracks are confusing and hard to navigate. 3. Really bad placement of unnecessary walls to get stuck behind. 4. Multiplayer is buggy at times. 5. Artificial Intelligence seems a little too precise at times. 6. Not beginner-friendly. If you take time to practice you may like this. It has a surprising amount of content. The graphics are pretty good, but sometimes a little busy. The problem is that you cant just pick it up and play and expect to be able to win. The learning curve is too steep for a pick up and play game. Even on the practice track you will find yourself turned around, wrecking, and trying to hit narrow ramps that can be frustrating. The real tracks are loaded with corners and walls that will cause infuriating crashes and hangs. Without practice, you wont place in a winning position and neither will this game.