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Forza Motorsport 2 Preview

Writer: Gordon Craick » Blog
Posted: 12th May, 2007

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer: Turn 10 Studios
Website: http://www.forzamotorsport.net/
Release: TBA

The demo of Forza 2 has just been released, so we've sat down, given it a good few hours, compiled a list of our thoughts, and done some research into the final game. Before we start, we should point out the demo only features one track, and is more the arcade part of the final game, so it is a little hard to judge completely the final game.

First of all, the graphics are definitely a step forward, and offer a crisp and realistic racing environment. Puffs of smoke come off chicanes as you brush the dust, tyre marks stay on the track, and there are a lot of the small things that make a game seem polished. Everything moves at a very smooth frame-rate in the demo, and the super cars really do feel like you're flying along the track, especially in the in-seat view where the frame rate is a bit faster. We're glad the frame-rate does not suffer with the improved graphics over Forza1. The free swinging camera, available during the game, or during the replays, also works wonders to get a proper sense of those cars around you – just like swinging your head around in a real car.

The main criticism so far is that things are almost a little too coloured and bright. That works well to attract attention at first, but my thoughts are that it detracts a little from the real feeling of muted colours at a racetrack. Reflections are also nice to look at, but no car is really that shiny. The crowd is also a little wooden, although they do move a little. These are only minor criticisms, and some may disagree. So far I found the best option was simply to tune down the colours on the TV and problem solved.

Handling wise, by default, the handling is a little 'kid gloves'. It seems not too bad at first, but for anybody who's ever driven a fast RWD car, either on the street, or on a racetrack – you realise it's all a little simplified in most games. With TCS, ABS, and 'stability control' on, the cars are fairly hard to lose control. You can generally brake, turn hard, and hammer on the accelerator without having to worry too much. It's a good way to get used to the game, but where the real challenge (and fun) starts when you turn off these aides, drive the real world, and experience the tight physics the game has to offer. Those that have an extra $150 to spend, you can also get the real Forza 2 experience via the Official Wireless Xbox 360 Steering Wheel and pedals.

With the aides off, no longer can you simply apply full stick out of a corner, or off the line – if you do the tyres spin, your car's ass will hang out, and ... (continued next page)