MotorTrend Review
The physics engine is impressive. At the wheel -- er, controller -- you can actually feel the behavior of each at limit. You can feel an open differential spin one wheel, the downforce press on the car at speed, the loss of traction from abused tires. You can hear the tires go from push to slide. It's no substitute for the real thing -- what videogame is? -- but every staffer who played the game was impressed with the portrayal.
Verdict: Worth every penny. And then some.
TeamXBox
9.5
"Forza Motorsport 3 may display graphics so beautiful it makes your eyes bleed. It may be so scalable from accessible to hardcore that everyone from your grandma to Michael Schumacher could enjoy it. It may have super-slick presentation values and an unparalleled love for all things car-related, but it somehow falls short of feeling like a classic. Its exactly the sum of its parts, which is not something to slam when you think how great the parts are. Everything about this game is great, no doubt, from the leveling system to the ability to buy user-created vinyls, to the quick upgrade system. And despite a few flaws, Forza Motorsport 3 is still jam-packed with awesomeness. "
IGN Review
Video Review
9.4
Forza Motorsport 3 is an exemplary racing game. It's beautiful, the controls are spot-on, the career mode is satisfying, and the multiplayer component is awesome. But there's still room to grow. The visuals could be even better, the career mode sags at times, and there needs to be at least one more option for AI difficulty. Even with those concerns, Forza 3 is a big step forward for sim racing games. Turn 10 has thrown down the gauntlet and it will be a real challenge for Polyphony Digital to deliver a superior racer with Gran Turismo 5. After all, this is the best racing game of this generation. Good luck topping it.
IGN UK
VideoGamer.com Review
10
"Forza 3 doesn't do anything that's never been done before, but everything it does do has been executed to such a high standard that it's hard to find faults - and even those are minor in the grand scheme of things. Never before has there been such a content-packed racing game, playable for people of all skill levels, that feels this good. That's the key. On the track, no matter what car you're in, it feels right. You're not wondering if the controls are too twitchy or if you should tweak some options in the menu. You're 100 per cent focused on nailing every corner, out-breaking an opponent and taking him on the inside and just having a good time. Turn 10 has created a sim racer that goes far beyond the genre's usual hardcore boundaries. It's made a racing game to be enjoyed by just about anyone."
Gamedaily Review
9
"We could nitpick the small things (returning courses, the developers force players to repeatedly race on the same tracks), but none of those issues affect an otherwise incredible racing experience. Forza Motorsport 3 is without question one of the best racers and a surefire contender for 2009 game of the year. Regardless of where you stand--veteran or newcomer--you should give this outstanding effort a test drive."
GameSpy Concensus Review
Pros:
A well-engineered racer that puts you knee-deep in car culture -- aka, what Forza's always done best.
Cons:
The rewind mode has some slight annoyances; cockpit view is jarringly disappointing.
