Gran Turismo for XBOX.
Gameplay
Racings fans will enjoy a nice buffet of gameplay modes from the main menu. The Arcade Race feature allows players to enjoy a head-to-head race with another CPU controlled vehicle. But unlike other customary arcade modes in racing games, there is more incentive to running a good race other than simply coming in first place. Success in Arcade Mode unlocks new cars and tracks for you to enjoy. Forza’s Career Mode differentiates itself from similar modes in other racing games as it allows you to go through your career both on and off-line. It is not necessary for you to compete online to earn all the unlockables the game has to offer. But it does give players a chance to race their vehicles with human controlled opponents which, consequently, makes for less predictable race behavior than you find from the AI. The Multiplayer option, as the name suggests, gives multiple gamers the chance to challenge each other’s racing prowess. Using the system link, 8 XBOXs can be assembled to create a virtual road rally. Lastly, the Time Trial and Free Run options offer what you expect: a chance to race for the best lap time and an opportunity to pick a particular car and get a feel for how it handles without the pressure of trying to win a race. These diverse gameplay options keep the experience fresh and engaging. Never once while playing Froza did I feel the experience lagged. detail.
The sheer number of manufacturers featured is staggering. Over 50 of the most recognizable names in sport racing are here including Lotus, Opel and Peugeot. As I mentioned earlier, there are more than 230 models of cars to choose. Further, of the six car classes (ie, Standard production class, Sport production class, Performance production class, High-performance production class, Ultra-High performance production class, and Purpose-built race cars), the first five are further differentiated into subclasses. And each of these cars can be fine tuned to your liking. You not only get to change the decals and overall appearance, but you can go as far as adjusting the intake and exhaust. Forza gives you so much control over your vehicles, you have no one to blame but yourself when you perform poorly.
A really cool feature that will come in handy throughout Career Mode is the Drivatar. Essentially, this option allows you to train the computer AI to race like you do. The more time you spend demonstrating the way you handle various racing situations, the more accurate the Drivatar will be when it tries to replicate your style. Players wishing to take advantage of the Drivatar will have to reach into their winnings to pay to use the option. Yet, you will likely find that it is will worth the cost especially if you have taken time to carefully train the CPU to handle the race as you feel it should be handled.
Graphics
Forza Motorsport boasts impressive visuals that are darn near photorealistic. The relative power of the XBOX renders each car far more accurately than the PS2 can with Gran Turismo. Every aspect of the presentation is top notch, featuring finely detailed environments, fluid animations, and some seriously sexy cars.
Sound
Every engine purr sounds as it should, from the low whine of the 1990 Honda Accord to the powerful roar of the suped-up Audis. Forza sounds so authentic, in fact, you may suspect a Chevrolet Corvette C6 has suddenly driven into the next room. I hope all gamers get a chance to experience Forza on a capable Dolby Digital surround sound system. This game is a gift for the eye as well as the ear.
Depth
There is an overwhelming amount of depth to this game. The variety of cars, race options, game modes, and customizable features provide a fantastic degree of boredom insurance. I love the creative control Forza gives players over the most intimate details of each car. And the online career mode is something I hope to see implemented in other sports games.
Fun Factor
Forza is a ton of fun to play and provides gamers with a richly rewarding racing experience. I have no gripes where this game is concerned. In my humble opinion, it eclipses Gran Turismo as the racing game of choice for racing enthusiasts.
Overall Comment
This is a no-brainer. Buy this game. The sooner you do, the more happiness you will have known by the end of your days.