Tancap Blog

Forza returns to the Xbox 360 and its never looked or played better and now even a caveman can play it.

Forza Motorsport 3 packs than the expected better graphics, more cars, and improved physics that everyone would expect from car simulation sequel.  However, Turn 10 has also made a large effort to improve the accessibility so that more casual simulation fans can enjoy Forza too.  That isn’t to say there is plenty for hardcore fans.  With all assists turned off, each car will feel different and just minor changes in racing line will be the difference between a record time and spinning out.  Also, all the adjustments you would expect from a racing sim are here.  However, there is now an auto-upgrade feature that will automatically buy and optimize the setup for your car.  The results generally aren’t as good as if you took the time to tweak the car yourself, but the game does a good enough job that you will end up with a very drivable car.   In addition, as you run the race you now have the option of rewinding back in the race if you make a mistake.  While the rewind feature can be crutch, it is a good crutch for new sim players to use as they venture from all assists on to all assists off.  It is also useful when you are running against an AI car that overdrives a corner.  There appears to be some kind of randomization in the AI drivers you compete against in single player.  While this for the most part is a very good thing, it can be frustrating when the AI runs you off the road on the final turn of a long race.  What you end up with is a game that retains all the customization hard core fans demand, but still easy enough for casual fan to pickup and play.

Single player revolves around career mode.  Career mode is a series of seasons that include championship races every other Sunday.  Between the championship races you will get to choose between a variety of dynamically generated events depending on what cars you have, what you are driving, and how frequently you drive them.  As you progress through the career mode you’ll earn both money, driver points, and manufacturer points.  These points will allow you to level up which will unlock discounts on upgrades and also periodically award you free new cars.  Your first career will consist of about 55 events total and take at least 50 hours.  Since there are about 200 events total, there will still be plenty of game left to play after you finish your first career.

Multiplayer is pretty much what you have come to expect from an Xbox Live title.  Only rarely did I notice any lag and for the most part matchmaking works well.  The Forza community has always been one of the more active ones and it doesn’t look like Forza 3 is going to change this any.

Forza 3 supports a new improved customization system that pretty much only limits you to your imagination and artistic skill in design car paint and decal schemes.  There is also a marketplace in Forza 3 that allows you not only to sell or give away your designs, but also your setups, screenshots and replays.

Scores

Graphics

The best graphics from any car simulation game I’ve seen except for maybe some of the screenshots from the latest build of GT5.  Given the damage and physics model, Forza 3 gets the nod (for now anyway).  Those wanting the “real” experience will enjoy the in-car view.

Sound

Everything sounds authentic.  Music doesn’t overpower the racing, but I would still prefer some kind of method of importing my own tunes.

Controls

Unlike previous Forza titles, this one is actually quite playable using the standard Xbox 360 controller.  I’d still recommend someone pickup a driving wheel if they are serious.

Gameplay

The new additions to the series makes it accessible to the novice and expert alike.  With tons of cars, customization, and events there is a lot to keep you busy for a long time.

Originality

There isn’t much new, but what hasn’t been added new has been refined.

Overall Single Player

Tons of cars and events will keep you busy.  The imperfect AI makes single player more realistic.  Rewind feature can be used as too much of a crutch, but helps prevent new players from getting to frustrated with the game.

Overall Multiplayer

Pretty much what you would expect from a solid Xbox Live title.  I didn’t notice any lag issues during the matches I’ve played and the ability to buy and sell designs, setups, and replays is a plus as well.

Reviewer’s Opinion

If you own a Xbox 360 and like auto racing games, you need to pick this up.

Screenshots