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Xbox | Driving | Forza Motorsport

Boxart for Forza Motorsport
Forza Motorsport 54 screen shots
  • GRAPHICS: 5.0
  • SOUND: 4.5
  • CONTROL: 5.0
  • FUN FACTOR 5.0
  • AVG USER SCORE 4.2
  • AVG CRITIC SCORE 4.8
Winner of the GamePro Editor's Choice Award

Review: Forza Motorsport

Review by FUNKYZEALOT | 05/06/2005 | 19:43:51 PM PST

Microsoft Game Studios delivers a fantastic racing simulator that leaves its competitors trailing behind.

Until now, Gran Turismo's comfortable pace of sequels kept its competitors at bay, lapping the futile efforts from the likes of Toca Race Driver and Project Gotham Racing. That's all set to change, however, with the emergence of Forza, a Gran Turismo killer that will send Polyphony Digital sulking back to the pits.

Passione
For many auto enthusiasts, the introduction of Ferraris and Porsche in a robust driving simulator will reignite interest in the genre--after all, there's only so many times a person can drive an RUF before wanting to step into a Testarossa or 959. While having the classic cars, commuter racers (RSX, Eclipse) and mid-life crisis sports cars, the impressive selection of ultra-exotics such as the Mercedes SLR makes you want to work your way up the career mode.

Forza doesn't stop there. In addition to detailed suspension/transmission tuning on par with Gran Turismo, the game also caters to the import tuner crowd with its mammoth visual customization features. Your purchased cars are no longer fenced-off museum pieces only to be gazed at; they can be molded to your aesthetic desires with body kits, and custom graphics and paint.

The driving itself offers an unparalleled experience of adrenaline, action and refinement. The lush graphics and usage of anti-aliasing make the "other" racer look Spartan in contrast, and the plethora of sounds contributes to a vibrantly immersive ride. Scratch your precious 360 Modena on the side railings and hear a troubling concerto of scuffles. Bang it into a wall and hear the heart-breaking crunch of metal. With damage modeling, there's a whole new set of challenges--and enjoyment. While overall too forgiving (haven't ever seen a car get totaled or wheels fall off), it strikes a pleasant balance between fun and realism.

One of the biggest downsides to racing simulators is a steep learning curve, and Microsoft Gaming Studios has integrated a dynamic Suggested Line that tells you exactly when to brake and what line to follow--making the game approachable even for the greenest of drivers.

Drive-by-Wire
Another sorely missed feature from "that racer" is online--and Forza executes masterfully. Playing against eight other racers over the Xbox Live, the game steams along without any signs of lagging or slowing down. When connected, even your lap times on the single-player career mode are saved and tracked to the Scoreboard--an incentive to master each course. Finding and setting up matches is a breeze, and the option to form car clubs will undoubtedly forge devoted online communities.

Forza is easily the best driving game ever made. Loyal GT4 fans ought to strap into the seat of this hot rod and take it for a spin--you won't look back.

Be sure to check back later this week for an in-depth comparison between Forza and Gran Turismo 4.