System: X360
Dev: Turn 10
Pub: Microsoft
Release: May 15, 2007
Players: 1-8
ESRB Rating: Pending
Review by Justin Conte

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

Jump online, and you'll find a number of options available. Quickly jump into an exhibition match where rank is not an issue, or take part in career races where you earn credits and increase your Trueskill rank. During online matches, the host can restrict any of the assists available, and allow only a certain class of car to be available. My only real gripe is that the game offers no way to tell whose using a steering wheel versus a controller.

Though the game controls well with either, the controller is much more forgiving, and the option to only play with those using the wheel would have been a welcome addition. There are tournaments available pitting large numbers of players and spanning large time periods, though I was unable to qualify for a single one. There's an auction house where you can sell your custom creations or bid on other's cars, along with the option to lock your design so if they try to edit it, it will disappear forever. Missing though is an option to set a maximum price you're willing to bid, so until something like that is hopefully implemented, you're forced to check back and make sure you haven't been outbid until the very end. You can gift a car to a friend, and there's even an area called Forza Motorsport TV where you can watch live feeds of tournaments and races going on. This particular section depressed me, as the racers are of such a higher caliber than me that it's distressing.

The game controls splendidly with Microsoft's official wheel, but I just echo my sentiments from above: it's far to easy to control with the controller. The lack of force feedback really takes away from a lot of the challenge presented in the various turns and obstacles present. It wouldn't be such a problem if the game told you who was using what online, but there will be times it becomes blatantly obvious someone isn't using the wheel, as the controller is so much more forgiving. I'll stick with the wheel, however, because it is simple far more fun and immersing of an experience.

The game looks absolutely stunning when moving, with cars that are almost true to life and an incredible sense of speed. Yet, you'll notice the backgrounds are a bit bland and almost two dimensional at times. This is all a small price to pay, however, for the smooth 60 fps frame-rate that never seems to miss a beat. The damage models all appear incredibly accurate with smaller scrapes, but as stated earlier, things are a bit less impressive when you get into a large crash. The lack of a real cockpit view is a bit of a downer, as it would be the final bit of immersion I'd be looking for, if only as a novelty.

The game's sound is spot-on, with cars that sound like their real-world counterparts. Engines roar with intensity, tires squeal in each and every turn, and crashes make you feel the pain in impact. Some cars that should sound quite different seem a bit too similar though. It would have been nice had there been a bit more variety, especially in the engines. In game there is no sound-track to speak of, but there doesn't need to be. This is a racing simulation and it would only serve to take away from the experience.

With so much content, it's hard to tell anyone not to purchase this game. With dozens and dozens of hours of single player on top of an online mode that should provide for hundreds of hours of pure enjoyment, the game is an absolute steal. It's a sure thing we'll be seeing additional tracks and cars available for download, but as it stands this is a package not to be missed by anyone who fancies themselves even a casual fan of driving games.

By Justin Conte
CCC Freelance Writer

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