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'Forza' leaves other racing sims in the dust. |
Forza Motorsport, developed by Microsoft Game Studios for the Xbox, is the
newest entry into the ultra-realistic driving simulation genre. And while
Forza generally focuses on an extremely accurate representation of real
world racing, it still manages to accommodate a more arcade style of play,
and include a very robust level of vehicle customization. It is this
comprehensive scope that makes it one of, if not the best, racing games for
the Xbox.
The core of the game is to provide you with a simulation of real driving
physics and mechanics, while driving real models of cars from real
manufacturers. This emphasis on reality can be seen in everything from the
game play itself, to the functionality of the car upgrades, to the
statistics and simulations available for your perusal. In fact, the level
of realism is so high that one may actually learn a thing or two about how
actual cars work and how to drive them effectively in the REAL world (of
course most of us will not get to drive Ferraris and Aston Martins, so the
game will have to do for now). You can experience all of this while driving
upwards of 200 different cars on 30 plus tracks within six different game
modes. Suffice to say, there's a lot of game to enjoy here.
Speaking of game modes, you have your choice of Arcade, Career, Multiplayer,
Time Trials and Free Run, most of which you can also play online (including
the Career mode which is a nice touch). As with most other games of this
type, Career mode is the main thrust of Forza Motorsport. In it, one earns
credits and standings by racing various classes of cars against similarly
equipped opponents. Your earnings are spent either on new cars or upgrading
and customizing the ones you currently own. The latter two options are
almost a separate sub-game unto themselves, as there is an exceptional
breadth of modification that you can apply to your ride of choice. The
developers have even gone so far as to include a sort of rudimentary
graphics program with which to apply various vinyl images and decals to your
car and thus create some truly unique automotive artwork. Aesthetic
considerations aside, your cars all have properties and attributes
consistent with their real world counterparts, and it is part of the game
play itself to pick the right type of car or upgrade depending on the type
of race, track, conditions, or even just your preferred style of driving.
Now while there is a definite emphasis on the simulation of real world
driving, there are several optional features that accommodate the more
casual racing fan or those accustomed to a more forgiving (ahem-
unrealistic) type of game play. These features, called "assists" help you
by increasing your cars traction, stability, braking and even providing you
with a guideline on how to navigate the various race courses. It is this
last option which proves to be the most unique and helpful of the bunch.
Presented as a multi-coloured line stretching out in front of your car
across the race surface, it suggests a path with which to tackle the
numerous twists and turns of the course, as well as when and how hard to
brake. It truly is useful to those just getting into this type of racing
game, but one runs to risk of becoming a bit too reliant on it if used too
much. Plus, you earn more credits by turning the assists off, so weaning
yourself off of the training wheels is good for your virtual wallet (and
perhaps earning yourself some additional bragging rights as well).
Advanced vehicle customization has become the norm in recent racing games,
and Forza Motorsport offers some of the best options yet. Upgrades can be
purchased for a variety of aspects of your car, such the engine, tires,
transmission, body, etc. that will improve power, traction, shift time and
body weight respectively. But beyond the standard upgrades (which will
always make your car better), there is also an optional "Tuning" section for
those who are knowledgeable about the inner workings of automobiles. Here
you can make minute and detailed adjustments to all sorts of elements of
your car in order to enhance your overall performance. But be warned, the
emphasis on realism is also present within this aspect of the game and thus
if you don't know what you're doing you can actually make your car run
worse than it did before. The upgrades you choose also affect the class that your car falls
into (from D class cars like the Honda Civic to R class vehicles featuring
purpose-built race machines such as the Audi R8). Therefore, if you pimp out
your Volvo enough, you can bump it into a higher class and end up racing it
against Porches and Ferraris, which isn't something you usually get to do in
other racing games and somehow proves to be quite satisfying.
The online component of Forza has also been well thought out and adds quite
a bit to the game. Obviously, racing against real opponents via Xbox Live is
a major aspect, but there are also a number of other options to further
enhance your online experience. For one, you can buy and trade cars with
other players, including the rides you have customized, which can earn you
serious coin or give you the edge to beat that track you've been having a
hard time with. You can also create car clubs with other players (which
function similarly to clans in first-person-shooter type games), and thus
engage in an online car culture and challenge other clubs. And to round it
all out, there is a comprehensive scoreboard and statistics system in place
so that you can know exactly how good (or uh, bad) you are in relation to
your fellow racers.
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To put it simply, Forza Motorsport looks great. The developers have taken
advantage of the graphical capabilities of the Xbox and have produced a very
polished looking game. The cars models are all very accurate and detailed,
with reflections that mirror the surrounding environment and weather
conditions. The race tracks, while not as fanciful as some other games,
look quite vibrant and realistic with no draw-in distance to speak of. And
although the car models are perfectly rendered and quite appealing, the game
features an extensive damage system where you can completely mangle your car
to the extent it may bring a tear to the eye of some devoted car
enthusiasts.
The sound in Forza is also exceptional. Engines roar with appropriate power
and vigor and tires make a satisfying squeal as you tear around corners and
other cars. Furthermore, the sounds that your and your opponents' cars make
changes depending on the point of view you choose, so that your engine
turning over will be distinctly more intense from the first-person perspective
than from a higher up, behind-the-car perspective. This can actually make a
difference in the game play itself as the additional volume and clarity
accorded to some perspectives enhances your ability to gauge your speed and
thus drive with a bit more of an edge. As for the music, it generally falls
into a heavy, rock type vibe which proves to be adequate for high energy
racing. But if that isn't your cup of tea, you can listen to your own
custom soundtrack as you burn up the asphalt by transferring your own music
collection to the Xbox hard drive, which although not a ground breaking
option, is a very welcome one.
Overall, Forza Motorsport is a thoroughly engaging racing game with high
production value and an extensive amount of replay. From the multiple game
modes, to the extensive customization options to finally the numerous online
options, there is an incredible amount of game to enjoy. And enjoy it the
way you want to, as the optional driving "assists" and various upgrade
options allow both the experienced "hard-core" players and general racing
enthusiasts alike to experience the game on their own terms. Top it off
with gorgeous graphics and stunning sound and you have a truly polished and
well thought out racing simulation game to enjoy for quite some time. Or at
least until the inevitable sequel comes out.
WHAM! Rating: 9.4 out of 10 |
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) |
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