While waiting for the IGN and Gamespot reviews:
Overall Gameplay Impressions:
9.8
I'm sold
http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox/940/Forza-Motorsport/p1/
Overall Gameplay Impressions:
The thing that impresses me the most about Forza Motorsport isnt the wicked physics and handling model, or the game modes, or even the Drivatar system. The fact that Microsoft Game Studios was able to create a full simulation that has drivers assists that allow even casual race fans enjoy Forza Motorsport is this titles strongest asset. Jack the AI difficulty to Hard (or go high ELO hunting online), turn off all driver assists, pick a high horsepower car, and hold on. Beginners wont make it around a lap in less than ten minutes. It gets tougher too at this difficulty level as the laps go on - fuel depletion and tire wear come into play and contact almost always messes up your carefully-tweaked suspension settings. But if you add the suggested driving line, the smooth-shifting auto tranny, and (at least) ABS, you now have a driving game that has a shallow learning curve; one that invites you to play it more and more. Youll challenge yourself to turn off the assists one-by-one, knowing that it will earn you that many more credits. Even if you keep playing Forza Motorsport less like a sim, you can still get through the game and enjoy it, both online and offline. Sure, you wont be setting any scoreboard records, but youll have fair competition due to the ELO system, and can always add more driver aids if you get in over your head against the stingy AI.
As far as the rest of Forza Motorsport goes - its essentially without flaw. From the car selections, to the physics and handling models, to the framerate; this game is pretty much unflappable and untouchable by anything else on the road. The Drivatar is totally innovative and actually works, the Region portion of career mode is ingenious, the mods function as they would in the real world, and six hundred layers of livery is uncanny. Online play is perfect and the integration of scoreboards into the menus was a smart move, and the ability to buy and sell cars in separate lobbies via Xbox Live is a tool that I think many gamers (including myself) will use. Microsoft Game Studios did their homework - lots of it - and it paid off in the form of a racing gameplay that is unequalled on the market.
9.8
I'm sold
http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox/940/Forza-Motorsport/p1/