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| Forza Motorsport 3 |
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| Racing |
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| Microsoft Game Studios |
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| Microsoft |
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GamesCom'09 gave us the opportunity to try Forza 3 for the first time after so much speculation, videos, screenshots, and talk from the developers. It was great to get our hands on the wheel and take some of the vehicles around the tracks. We also spoke with Steve Brinner of Turn 10 about the game and its features. But before we start this preview, a bit of marketing spiel perhaps but one that perhaps resonates with both parties concerned. We were told that this line of thought was the mantra behind the development of the game and one that encapsulates the ethos of those working on it. Forza 3 aims to and we quote 'Turn gamers into car lovers and car lovers into gamers'. Quite the tall order considering driving a car in a video game is far removed from the real thing no matter how good the simulation, yet looking at and appreciating cars as an enthusiast, having a game which caters to your passion is more feasible. So not quite the tall order depending on who is being targeting, and in this case if you like cars, then you should love Forza 3. However if you're just there to admire rather than take part then that's the sticking point or is it?
The aim with the game has been to offer a more accessible racing experience to cater for not only the casual gamer but also to offer the depth that appeals to the hardcore contingent. This has been made possible by adding more features which allow those who are less accomplished to ease themselves into the game. The traditional racing line that has been a mainstay of the series is still present but the inclusion of a one button accelerate/braking control scheme for those who need it is also available. So what this means is gamers can concentrate on steering rather than how fast they are going. In our experience, it's still not one hundred percent easy like the Drivetars but eases beginners into the game easier than ever before. Another new feature is the rewind option where if you mess up, no longer are you punished and left frustrated, but can rewind the action to give you another chance or two perhaps even three or more than that...
Forza 3 most certainly looks the part as Turn 10 have upped the ante with their new game engine which offers 60 frames per second, ten times the number of polygons per vehicle, four times the texture detail and more calculations per second to provide the most accurate looking vehicles and handling. Watch any of the videos for the game and you'll see a lot more detail compared to the already grand looking Forza 2. There's more track side detail as well so not only do the cars look spectacular the tracks and surrounds are more alive.
Talking of cars there are some 400 vehicles from 50 manufacturers which encompasses most of the World's leading car dealerships and means there's something for everyone here whether you like Porches, BMWs, to high performance McLarens. What's also a great new feature for the series is the inclusion of the ever popular interior view for those gamers who like to get into the car when racing, so that's 400 interior views as no car has been left out. The cars are only as good as the tracks that are on offer and whilst there are some returning the game will feature enough tracks to keep you well and truly glued to your seat as you tear around real world venues like the very British Silverstone and the classic US track Laguna Seca. There are some 200 events to plough through which means even for the most ardent of racer fanatic there will be enough to keep you well occupied, and that's not even delving into the improved tuning and painting customization options which have their own communities built around. We're informed the game will feature 50% more upgrades this time round, and for those of you can't get to grips with the under the bonnet tinkering will be able to use the computer to select the best set ups for your cars depending on what race you'll be entering.
Forza 3 also features an excellent front end as expected and with the calm and informative voice of Peter Egan at the helm makes for an easy to use interface whether you're a pro or beginner. The game's season mode will tailor 3 events for you depending on what car you have and other criteria based on your skill. Also remembering that for hardcore gamers you can turn off the assists for a more pure racing experience at the start of racing, which in turn will offer more credits as a result.
So, that's pretty much the basis of the game, but how does it actually play in reality? Well for those of you familiar with Forza 2 will feel right at home, although there's some nuances with the controls offering a more responsive driving experience. The AI seems more realistic and will crash out and not necessarily follow the racing line to a tee. Collisions seem to have more weight as well which is a good thing, especially for those of you keeping an eye on car performance versus damage. We could not find any fault with the game at all, handling, AI and interface all gelled well together making Forza 3 the most definitive racing experience for this generation. The cockpit view is most welcome and feels just right and the graphical detail which is much improved simply makes for a better game all round. Turn 10 have done an astounding job improving on Forza 2 and we're well impressed and excited to get our hands on the full game when it launches on October 23rd 2009. We really believe they will fulfil their aim to capture the imaginations of gamers and car lovers alike with such a prolific and well polished piece of software.
Preview By: Robert Cram
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