Game Name: Forza 4
Developer: Turn 10
Genre: Racing
Rating: Everyone
Rating: Everyone
Platform: Xbox 360
After an almost a two year hiatus, The Gran Turismo rival finally returns for the Xbox360, and digital gear heads couldn’t be happier. Microsoft Studios and Turn 10 once again let players take their ultimate dream rides and burn fuel and rubber in real life tracks across the world, but this time they are bringing a special guest along with them. Teaming up with Jeremy Clarkson from the popular show Top Gear, the franchise tries to broaden its appeal to its audience with the BBC show’s name. But as Clarkson always asks himself when in the cockpit of a five hundred horse power supercar; is this new entry in the franchise brilliant, or rubbish?
Jaw dropping graphics have always gone hand and hand with Forza, and where I thought the last one couldn’t get any better; this one once again sent my jaw dropping to the floor. If one was to step away from the main fun career mode, and check out the viewing section of Auto Vista, players can check out some of their most desirable cars in what can only be described as absurd detail. Lift up the hood, and you can see every bolt, every wire and connector in its correct place, and the interiors just welcome you to sit inside. It’s honestly a shame that this title doesn’t support 3D because when details are this precise, true sense of depth would just be more icing on the cake.
If there are any pop ups on the surroundings of the track, I have yet to find them. Every recreated track is beautiful and has such depth that you never once feel like you are on a floating island with wallpaper mountains all around you. That is quite the feat considering Forza boast over 500 detailed cars, (excluding Porches thanks to EA’s grip on the licensing), along with numerous large tracks. Some can take over 7 minutes for a single lap.
Simulation and arcade style racers have always been difficult to satisfy together, but Forza has that problem covered. Those who don’t want the fear of sliding off the roads on every corner can let the game assist players with breaking. One can go through entire races not once braking for themselves or one can take the “alls you” approach, having to shift, and brake all on their own. Even ABS can be turned off and if one desires, can go controller free with the Kinect. The choice of playing style is all up to the player, even when online. However, even with all this customability, every car still manages to have a unique feel. Bulky heavy muscle cars still want to push straight, while lighter nimbler rides hug the corners.
When it comes to customizing in forza, it could make or break for players. Need for Speed fans will not get their fix of body kits or large wings in this title. Forza takes a much more mechanical approach as it lets players, upgrade engine components, wheels, drivetrains, even full out engine swaps. So if you want to create a lighter, nimbler, more powerful Alfa Romeo with stiffer suspension you’re all set, but if you want to equip your Honda with nitrous and a wing big enough to lift a 747 look elsewhere. However, one can still create awesome paint jobs and then sell it online in the community store auction style for credits. Ever wanted the Barricade Mustang from transformers? With the right amount of credits it can be yours.
Online is a whole new experience in itself as there is something for everyone. Like drag racing or drifting matches instead of circuit races? Well they are there for you. Ever wanted to play soccer with your Fiat? It’s there too. Even the circuits online are divided into classes so one doesn’t have to worry about picking a stock Mini Cooper and ending up on a track with Ferraris and face palming.
Any Gear head appreciates the beautiful sound of a slow rumbling V8 or the throaty roar of an Italian V10 and Forza conquers this in spades. Every car in the game has its unique, real world sound, all the way down to the whine and whirl of superchargers. Those with nice sound systems will want to crank them up and while in the cockpit of their favorite rides. This feature is done so well that it made me a fan of some vehicles that I never liked before hearing their engines rev with the simulated crowds in the bleaches cheering.
Being a huge fan of Top Gear, this is the biggest disappointment of this title. Jeremy Clarkson is great, contributing witty reviews of some of the world’s greatest cars but that is at the same time the biggest problem. Besides having Clarkson’s voice, the Top Gear test track, and challenges that have players run cars through bowling pins to collect points, there’s not too much offered from the BBC show. Where’s Richard Hammond and James May? It would’ve been great to hear commentary from them as well. With the Top Gear track available for online play, why isn’t there a leader board for the famous “reasonably priced car” from the show that could have players, race a certain model car to compete for the best time? Why aren’t there more silly challenges? This is the one spot that Forza falls way short of greatness as it fails to take full advantage of the Top Gear License. I can only hope that they get better with this feature in future installments because it could be a perfect match.
I’m not one who complains about downloadable content, but Forza struck a nerve with me on this one. After spending real cash to download new vehicles, why in the hell does a player still have to spend game credits to unlock the car they just bought? Once I spend cash, that car should be in my garage ready to go; not cost me another 55,000 in credits too.
As a whole though, Forza 4 is a really nice upgrade from the previous title. Graphics are, sharper, sounds are flawless, and gameplay fits any user’s preference. I just wish Top Gear had more of a presence in it since it was a major part of this title’s advertising. With this said, Owners of Forza 3 may not find enough here to drop another sixty bucks, but to newcomers, this is a must buy.
Ryan Pierce
Rating 8 out of 10
PROS: Jaw dropping graphics
Superior Sound.
Countless replay value
Satisfies players of all styles of racing
New cars always able to be added via DLC
CONS: Lackluster use of the Top Gear franchise
Doesn’t bring much to the table to convince Forza 3 owners to buy again.
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