Thanks for the honest feedback. As I stated, this is still an early prototype and a ton of work remains to be done. But I align with all you said. To be more precise:
> The game is definitely intended to run with a better FPS than what it manages (probably shadows, somehow)
I haven't started focusing on optimization yet given that I still rewrite code a lot and still am figuring out an architecture that I am satisfied with (basically no premature optimization). But that's something I have in mind in my design and architectural choices.
> the difficulties are shoehorned when the game is very clearly designed for challenging or crazy
I still don't know if I'll keep the two first, right now they serve more as a testing ground for different speeds. That being said I still want a very low barrier of entry. The current test track is just way too long for that speed.
> the track design is fine but unengaging, excepting the narrow section with the building which is just kind of bummy
This is a test track that will likely be scrapped. I am still figuring out the core mechanics and do not focus much on level design right now.
> the AI are suicidal but are fun to compete against
It is part of the things I want to rewrite not only for that reason but also because it doesn't allow for them taking shortcuts and is resource intensive as-is. The path itself isn't very precise as-is but it still needs an overhaul in all cases.
> barring the whole Win Game By Pressing E button thing.
Bots still can't use items, it goes within the rewrite above. I also plan many more items, but needed a simple one to setup the item system. By itself, having this one all the time while bots can't use it is indeed overkill and something I am aware of.
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More generally, I shared the game to have somewhere to point to to follow the development in a more focused way, and to distribute alphas more easily. But the game is very far from being in a satisfying state, let alone a playable state. But I still appreciate the feedback, as it confirms my current intuitions and feelings.