First of all, it has to be said: it's less an RPG and more an adventure game masscarading as an RPG. You have side quests and stats, but generally their means to simillar ends. There is a very well thought out role-playing system in place and role-playing elements are present, but when it gets down to gameplay it would be more connect-the-dots and dialouge-driven puzzles (albeit with frequent skill checks) adveture, then the more action-driven, "tactile" RPG. Apart from that little nitpick, the game is great. Warrants many playthroughs: different characters ellicit different reactions from the whole game world. The story, with its many twists and turns, is gripping since the first minuets right down to the end. The pacing varies, but is smooth and I wouldn't call it uneven. The skill checks are built in a way, that failing some (even crucial) rolls still feels natural and doesnt't frustrate (too often). It helps the role playing actually - it's the only time I felt when it wasn't me that screwed up the skill allocation, but rather my character had a momentary lapse of capability. That being said, it's still had it's XCOM moments - failing an 87% check occasionally. Overall though, I would say that it's one of the best (if not THE best) games that came out that year and would recommend it to anyone considering to play it.
The graphics are gorgeous and the music is good. The whole aestetich perfectly encapsulates late '80s, early '90s arcade racers, except there's actually a difficulty adjustment (which is good). It would be a great game, if not for the controls. The turns are clunky and can be described only as "sticky", the throttle is only semi responsive and the jumping has a weird timing to it. There's also the matter of pick ups - or rather lack of thereof. It hasn't bothered me that much, but when you excpect some Mario Kart-eque shenanigans then be warned - pick ups are few and far between (and even when some spawn, picking them requires herculean effort with previously mentioned control issues). It's a shame really - this game was very close to greatness with it's nostalgic feel.
