Synopsis
by T.J. Deci
Microsoft's premiere driving simulation series revs up with its second high-definition release for Xbox 360, Forza Motorsport 3. The third in the series enhances or improves upon nearly all the key features of earlier games, while adding new driver-assisting functions to make play more accessible to a wider audience. Central to Forza 3 are detailed, virtual re-creations of more than 400 models of automobile, from 50 different manufacturers. Races may be run on more than 100 tracks, including old favorites and some new to the series, based on actual locations around the world. Graphically, the cars are built from over ten times the number of polygons used to create the cars in Forza 2. The game's physics model refines the systems used in the previous game, and developers worked with other driving-game experts as well as with representatives of several auto manufacturers, in their efforts to build-in authentic cause-and-effect elements in minute detail.
For more casual drivers, Forza 3 offers features such as auto-braking and computer-assisted tuning, allowing for a freer driving experience without the constant danger of a crash around each tight corner, or concerns about inefficient settings for the current road conditions. When accidents do happen, the game's new "rewind" feature allows the player to stop, roll back time, and try again. Meanwhile, the hardest-core of driving aficionados can eschew the computer assistance for realistically demanding experience, just as gearhead gamers are free to do their own custom tuning, with the ability to make essentially any adjustment to their virtual auto that could be made to its real-life counterpart, for realistic performance tweaks. Xbox Live-connected Forza 3 players can race against others online in a selection of events, and show off their favorite tunings and custom paint jobs.
Screenshots
Features
Drive more than 400 models of automobile
Race through 100 international locations
Challenging simulation play or casual computer assists
Use the "rewind" feature for second-chance precision
Race, trade, and share online over Xbox Live
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Extra Creditsby T.J. Deci
The Xbox's Forza games have come to be considered among the most realistic driving simulations available for game consoles, and in a relatively short time. With Forza 3's autumn '09 release, the Microsoft-exclusive franchise which began, in the eyes of many, as an answer to Sony's showcase Gran Turismo driving game series, has produced three full titles since the February '05 release of Gran Turismo 4 for PS2, and reaches store shelves months before Gran Turismo 5, the high-definition debut of Sony's critically acclaimed series.
Game Trailer
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Also Available On
Platform
Publisher
Developer
Year
Xbox 360
Microsoft Game Studios
Turn 10 Studios
2009
Xbox 360
Microsoft Game Studios
Turn 10 Studios
2010
Extra credits by T.J. Deci
The Xbox's Forza games have come to be considered among the most realistic driving simulations available for game consoles, and in a relatively short time. With Forza 3's autumn '09 release, the Microsoft-exclusive franchise which began, in the eyes of many, as an answer to Sony's showcase Gran Turismo driving game series, has produced three full titles since the February '05 release of Gran Turismo 4 for PS2, and reaches store shelves months before Gran Turismo 5, the high-definition debut of Sony's critically acclaimed series.
Game Trailer
-->
Click here to get the Flash Player
-->
Also Available On
Platform
Publisher
Developer
Year
Xbox 360
Microsoft Game Studios
Turn 10 Studios
2009
Xbox 360
Microsoft Game Studios
Turn 10 Studios
2010
Controls: Joystick/Gamepad, Steering Wheel
Flags: Features Dolby Digital Sound, Custom Soundtrack Support, Downloadable Content
Included in Package: 16-page Instruction Manual