Forza Motorsport 2 was Microsoft's answer to Gran Turismo on the Playstation 3. It was a hardcore simulation aimed at true petrol-heads. Forza 2 received much critical acclaim, but it's getting pretty old, and the follow-up has been in the making for several years. Finally, one of the most eagerly-awaited games of all time has landed. So what's it like?
Forza 3 Menus
The thing that will strike the player initially is how much better the menu system is in the new game. Forza 2 was frustrating to navigate, but the new menu layouts are perfect. The game now centres around a race calendar which learns the type of events the player most enjoys.
Drivers are entered into each ongoing championship automatically, but time between series races is free to play with as the competitor wishes. This makes the game much more approachable, and means players can skip events they really dislike.
There are a wealth of assists which can be switched in or out depending on the skill level of the individual. Those who find race games difficult can set all the assistance on full, but more experienced players can go au natural for that true simulator feel. That said, by far the greatest criticism levelled at Forza 3 (source: Gamespot USA) is the limited selection of three modes: Easy, Medium, Hard.
For a game with this level of customisation, it really should have a setting between Medium (too easy) and Hard (ridiculous). However, by tailoring car choice, it is possible to find races which are tightly competitive yet still fun.
Forza 3 Racing Experience
Once ready to play, the most striking aspect of the in-game racing is the graphical environment. The previous title had a great physics engine (now improved further), yet it was let down by quite poor visuals. Now, some advanced lighting techniques add an extra level of realism, and the car modelling is much improved. Squinting at a race replay, it is almost possible to believe that it is a televised motorsport event taking place on the screen.
Praise must also go to the sound effects, which are painstakingly sampled from real car engines. The level of realism really is unmatched in a video game. One concession to reality is the new replay function which purists will probably disregard. But this mini-cheat is great for when the Xbox decides to become vindictive and slam the driver into a wall, before continuing unpenalised. Simply hit the back button, and rewind the last five or ten seconds of play.
Forza 3 Conclusion
There are 400 cars to collect, and lots of new circuits to explore. Some borrow heavily from Gran Turismo, but there is a lot here for Forza fans to go at. Even the old tracks have some new twists. Behold the New York street circuit, and the no-longer-straight straights!
Forza Motorsport 3 is by far the most complete and believable racing title available for the Xbox, or indeed any console. The level of driver involvement and detail is unmatched, and because of the thorough realisation of its modus operandi, it will appeal to everyone, and not just the gear-heads.
This is definitely worth adding to the shopping list, along with a decent Force Feedback steering wheel.
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