The problem with the game is not it trying to be something that it is not. The problem is what it is, and what it tries to be.
From the get-go, you are starting off going up against black stereotype #2. Then you go against the nerd. Then the Arab prince. Then the valley girl.
You drive around in a desolate wasteland, completely barred from anything fun happening as your surroundings can't be reached. You can have fun by running into speed signs and then drift to earn Kudos, err, Microsoft Points? There is a pay to use fast travel system to some degree. I have no idea what game people are playing, this isn't just a bad arcade racer... it is a sad racer that hopes to be a product.
Enjoy the $50 day one season pass for crap they didn't want to put in the game. Enjoy the humor of Jersey Shore mixed with the racing style of Dirt For Speed.
Crazy.