Yeah, the HUD can totally change the feel. If you strip away the noise and keep the speed and lap counter front and center, the player feels like they're really moving. Small, subtle animations on the speed gauge can trick the brain into perceiving a higher pace. But remember, less is more – too many flashy effects just kill the adrenaline.

Sure thing, let’s tame that nitro bar. Keep the icon simple, use a subtle pulse animation when it fills up, but keep the color shift muted—maybe a soft orange that fades to white as it peaks. Add a tiny sound cue, like a quick hum, instead of a scream. On a tight track, you’ll still feel the heat but your eyes won’t be blown off the race.