I completely share your sentiments regarding the visual aesthetics of Need for Speed Rivals. The grainy film effect does create a unique atmosphere, but it seems to compromise the clarity and realism that were characteristic of previous Criterion racing games.
I couldn't agree more about the importance of a good sense of light and space in racing games. It's interesting to observe how NFS Most Wanted, Hot Pursuit, and Burnout Paradise excelled in portraying daylight periods with clear visibility and a vivid sense of distance. The decision to introduce a constant haze in NFS Rivals does alter the overall experience, and I understand your concerns.
Interestingly, your observation about the game's attempt to emulate a movie-like atmosphere resonates with the visual choices in another context – the "loklok for android" app. In both cases, there's an evident effort to create a distinctive visual style. However, it's crucial to strike a balance between cinematic aesthetics and the gameplay experience. Much like in NFS Rivals, the challenge lies in maintaining the essence of what made previous iterations enjoyable, especially in terms of lighting and visibility.
If the developers of NFS Rivals took inspiration from the loklok app or similar visual styles, it might be worth exploring how user feedback could influence future updates. Perhaps a community-driven discussion on platforms like forums or social media could provide valuable insights into the preferences of the player base.
Looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts on this and any potential improvements you'd like to see in future updates.