[quote name='doubledown']Wow, I haven't even looked at challenges...I'll have to do that now.
Can you choose the character you want to play as online or is it random?[/QUOTE]
In the Challenges, you play as a specific character for each one.
When you play online against other people, you can pick your character in the game lobby before the Host starts the game. (like picking a plane in Crimson Skies)
If you join a game already in progress, your character will be random.
The problem right now is that once you play a game, the Host can change the map or start a rematch, but you are locked into using that character for the remainder of the time you are connected to that particular Host.
In order to change characters, you will need to "Leave the Match" and change them in another game lobby. Also, the Host cannot go back to a game lobby with the same party. He/she will have to leave and create a new game and everyone else will have to look them up and join again.
This may be why I have added 4-5 people to my friend list just from this game, because once you find a good group of guys to play with, it is just a lot easier to do it via a Friend invite.
The lag can be bad on the weekends, but according to EA they are working on a solution to these problems, among others.
Also, be sure to try out the Turbo Buggy on the future maps. A lot more fun to drive in comparison to the "Zeeps".
