I don't think it helps or hurts the game. The tracks are good but it would be nice if they added some more. But in general a very good game that i recommend to anyone who wants a game that will keep them coming back to play. Infograms should have made more gameplay options instead of just the old championship, arcade, and time attack. Also the tricks are limited, and makes it difficult to get certian scores needed to reach high levels.
Environments are great, very realistic.
Very well done tracks. 1st generation gameplay - unfortunately. When are developers going to deep six old modes.