Forza Motorsport 3

I finally got to sit down and play this over this weekend. I have previously played both Forza games (the first one being on the original XBOX) and was really looking forward to this one.

I used to play Grand Turismo and ever since Forza 2 I simply don't understand all the hype around GT. Forza 2 was already better than of the previous GT games and this version is simply an update that makes it the best racing game ever (so far that is). Obviously the graphics are simply stunning (something we've all been spoiled with on both the HD patforms). The thing that this has though (aside from A LOT of cars)is the simple playability. You are in complete control how much detail you want to get into... do you want to spend hours painting your car? no problem. Do you want to spend hours tuning your car? no problem. Or do you simply want to race? again, single, double, or even double split screen... no problem.

There are many events to choose from. You usually want to sign up for a World Championship, but those don't happen that often so you sign up for sub-championships in between to keep you busy (and to get more points). I love how easy it is to acquire new cars and new upgrades. I also love the amount of drivers assistance you can have. With fewer enabled you earn more points each time you race, but sometimes controlling some of these cars is close to impossible without all the electronics turned on.

This on is a MUST HAVE for any driving enthusiast and I would even go as far as to say it's a system seller. For anyone who's been waiting for GT on PS3... forget about it. Pick up an Xbox360 just for this game (they have a great combo pack available) and you'll look back. This is the next level of driving and what I find difficult is to figure out what they can improve in the next game (except for the obvious like updated cars, more tracks) but the framework is as close to perfect for a driving game that I've ever seen (or played).

5/5 stars!

Forza Motorsport 2

I'll be the first to admit, I'm MUCH more of a motorcycle nut than a car nut MUCH MUCH more. Though, as a guy... I do like my car games as well. I play Ridge Racer 6 and Project Gotham Racing 3 (two completely different types of games) and enjoy them both. I even have Test Drive Unlimited which I've own for 9 months but have played only once (I'll get to it someday).

When I heard about Forza 2 coming out I wasn't sure if they would do it right, if it would become the new king of racing games (well until MotoGP 07 but that's motorcycles and a different level). Well let me tell you... it's THAT good. Forza 2 has in fact become the standard for car racing games moving forward... perhaps you've heard of the last "standard"... you know, the default best racing game from a few years back. I'm talking about Gran Turismo of course, and Forza 2 has completely leap frogged GT in a way I don't think Sony will be able to get back. That's too bad too, though I wasn't a huge fan of GT (probably due to the fact that I'm not a car nut) I could understand how people loved it so much. Well Sony was very good a dropping the car-racing ball so bad that I doubt they will get it back. The continued delays on GT sequels (the PSP version STILL hasn't come out) and the obvious invenstment that Mircrosoft has done with Turn 10 Studios has paid off, and boy has it paid off.

This game has it all, graphics, framerate, control, options, and all the little details that make it legendary. In fact I spent at least 2 hours yesterday just painting my car and making it look the way I want it (2 HOURS!!!!). Oh course the wonderful Xbox Live features don't hurt either as nothing beats racing with real people.

So overall, I would recommend this game to car nuts, and motorcycle nuts, and ANYTHING nuts! Every Xbox360 owner should have this title in their library. The only bad thing about this game is now someone has to come up with some even better and I'm just not sure how they are going to do that. :-)

5/5 Stars