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Forza Motorsport 3

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Game Reviewed: Forza Motorsport 3
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Turn 10 Studios
Reviewer: Luis
Platform: Xbox 360
Category: Racing
ERSB Rating: E

 

Game Summary

 

Some games change the way people view other games of its kind.  They make you stop, and say “Wow, nothing like this has been done before.”  There was a game from the mid 90’s that did just this, it was called Gran Turismo, but it was an exclusive Playstation title.  In response to such an amazing game, Microsoft published the first Forza Motorsports.  When Forza was released it was the most advanced racing simulation to date.  The physics blew everything else out of the water and the experience was incredibly realistic.  Just like the original, Forza Motorsport 3 is by far, by FAR, the most realistic thing with four wheels in console video games to date. 

 

Now, what makes it realistic?  Physics.  That is, complex algorithms that let the console react to the environment that you are in and how you interact within that environment.  It takes in account for weight of vehicles, how hard you turn the wheel, the size spoiler you have and even how the sun reflects off of the metallic paint you just applied to your new car.  All of the game’s physics makes it incredibly realistic.  The best part, however, is that it is not impossible to play.  You would think to yourself “I do not have the ability to drive a $1,000,000 car and do it well.” This game, however, with all of the assists, the difficulty levels and the changes you can make with the artificial intelligence, makes this a very playable game for everyone.

 

Something immediately noticeable in Forza 3 is that nothing in the game is locked.  From the start you have access to over 400 cars and what seems like a countless amount of races.  That means you do not spend hours in a Toyota Celica trying to make enough money to buy a Ferrari.  There is a new career mode that can be amazingly simple or surprisingly challenging depending on the settings you choose.

 

One thing for sure about this game, it is all about the options.  Play it like you are driving on the street or play it like you are an F1 driver.  Drive any car you would like, make it look like any way you would like and even race it any way you would like.  There are so many options in this game that it takes two discs to hold it all.

 

What Parents Need to Know

 

This is not an arcade game.  It is a simulation, which means there is a fun level only to be had if you enjoy real life racing.  One big plus is that there is a narrator that will help you understand how to play just in case you need that last bit of help.

 

Violence

 

The only violence in this game is the damage your car takes.  It is physical, and just like in real life, it does affect how your car drives.

 

Language

 

There is no bad language in this game.

 

Sexual Content

 

There is none.

 

Spiritual Content

 

There is none.

 

Reviewer’s Thoughts

 

While there is no doubt that Forza 3 is a great package with a lot of options, personally I found the game to be a little boring.  Although there are a ton of tracks, they all started to feel the same after a while.  Also, the realism of the game almost made it too difficult at times, especially if all the assists were off.  For gamers who enjoy realistic racing, Forza Motorsport 3 is a great pick. The amount of cars, options, and graphics are amazing. For gamers like me, however, who prefer a more arcade style of racing, Forza 3 may be just a little too realistic for their tastes.