Will the game work well with a Saitek ST 290 controller without having to spend an hour configuring things?
I've never played a racing game, except decades ago I played "Road Rash" on a Sega Genesis console, and loved it.
My main fear is interface. I don't want a steep learning curve to get the car doing what I want it to intuitively. I'd like to know if the game will work with my Saitek ST 290 controller.
I'd also like to know if it's a waste of time buying this game if you are not good at Sim games.
For example, I LOVED "Secret Weapons Over Normandy" because it was so user-friendly. On the other hand I hated "Silent Hunter III" and I spent exactly three minutes on some Sim for the "Warthog" jet before giving up in a burst of furious anger. I want "reality" to take a big back seat to playability.

This game's not necessarily 'realistic,' but there is definitely some "sim-ness" that makes it a little more complicated than a standard arcade racer. probably not for you unless you're willing to branch out.

It's about as realistic as, say, the Initial D arcade games. Honestly there's nothing complex about the game. There are only a few main keys you gotta remember: directional keys, turning your head/view keys, shoot, change weapon, reverse. Yeah I believe that's about all you need to know to get started. It's certainly no Silent Hunter III lol.
And yes I believe it works with the Saitek.

it's not really a racer. closer to mechwarrior, x-wing or freespace.
if that helps.