Microsoft announced a new racing simulation title at E3 2004 named Forza Motorsport. The game will incorporate racing simulation driving play like Sony's Gran Turismo series, but add a full physics damage system and a more robust array of customizable parts.
Forza has been in development for two years and the gameplay shows it. The E3 demo had several tracks on course, including the popular Leguna Seca course. At first glance, the game seems average due to its current 30 frames per second and unpolished textures. However the gameplay is definitely the needle in the haystack.
Driving a Subaru Impreza WRX was very smooth and technical without being a pain. The acceleration and gas is controlled by the L and R analog triggers, and sensitive presses of both gave players exceptional control over the vehicle. The AI handled the courses well and held distinct driving manners.
A most-wanted addition to car fans is a damage system to licensed vehicles and Forza does it very well. Back into a wall and your back end will suffer scratches. Slam into another car head on and the front bumper and hood will buckle with pieces that fly out in the air. The effect isn't overly dramatic and close to what one would expect in a simulation.
Though the graphics are unpolished, there are details in Forza that already look fantastic. The entire inside of the vehicle is viewable from the dash, to the driver, to the driver's hand shifting the manual stick on each gear. There are real time reflections all over the car, though currently they are moving at less than 30 fps. The backgrounds need a little work and look a bit bland.
Forza Motorsport's gameplay is definitely a fine-tuned challenger to Sony's GT series. The graphics still have a ways to go compared to GT and Konami's own new Enthusia racing. But developers have plenty of time to work on it for its 2005 release.
RSS
