Review: Forza Motorsport 7: A Revamped Racing Classic Returns with More Realism
Review: With Forza Motorsport 7 the series is back with a fresh take on its renowned racing formula after a nearly six-year break. As one of the most iconic racing franchises since its debut in 2005, Turn 10’s Forza Motorsport has delivered consistent releases with excellent simulations. The 2023 reboot promises a refined driving experience and modern advancements, emphasizing both performance and accessibility.
Evolution Over Revolution: Gameplay and Career Mode
While Forza Motorsport doesn’t completely revolutionize the genre, it builds on its classic appeal with impressive updates. The game’s focus on accessibility and customization has made it approachable for casual racers and pros alike, with tuning options, intuitive controls, and a highly adjustable difficulty level.
The new career mode, called the Builders Cup, offers a fresh twist. In a setup similar to Gran Turismo 7, players compete in various championship tours to gain credits and level up their cars rather than focusing only on expanding their car collections. Winning races earns points to unlock car upgrades, from spoilers to engine parts, encouraging drivers to stick with specific vehicles rather than frequently switching.
A New Take on Car Upgrades
The RPG-inspired leveling system adds depth, allowing players to develop each car by unlocking upgrades as they race. For instance, players earn points for well-executed maneuvers, overtakes, and completing lap times, which creates a rewarding loop and a strong motivation to refine each car’s performance. The system encourages sticking with a particular vehicle to unlock every possible upgrade, leading to stronger connections with each car.
Enhanced AI and Qualifying Options
For each championship event, players can select their starting position to adjust the challenge level, with closer starting spots offering fewer credits. While this risk-reward choice doesn’t replace traditional qualifying, it adds strategy. In multiplayer, however, Forza Motorsport will feature full race weekends, including qualifying rounds, offering a more immersive racing experience.
Refined Driving Physics and Immersive Controls
The physics improvements are among Forza Motorsport’s most impressive features. Players will feel the weight of their cars as they turn, with accurate force feedback and traction changes enhancing realism. The car physics are modeled down to the tire level, with each tire boasting eight contact points, updated 260 times per second. This detail creates a thrilling experience that showcases Forza’s high level of engineering accuracy.
The AI delivers a more human-like experience, making realistic errors like misjudged turns and skidding off-track, adding an extra layer of competition. Though preview tests indicated some issues with runaway AI leaders, Turn 10’s commitment to balance should make each race competitive and exciting.
Impressive Accessibility Features
Forza Motorsport takes accessibility to new heights. It includes numerous customizable settings, from text sizes to an extensive voiceover feature for visually impaired players. Driving assists like ABS, ideal lines, and a rewind function also make it accessible for those new to racing games, ensuring a smooth experience for all skill levels. At the same time, detailed tuning options cater to hardcore racing enthusiasts, allowing them to adjust every parameter, from gear ratios to brake power.
Stunning Graphics with Unrealized Potential
Forza games are known for pushing graphical boundaries, and the new Forza Motorsport holds up well in this regard. Car models boast incredible detail, showing visible scratches, dents, and environmental effects. Tracks also look fantastic, with elements like sun glare and fog adding realism. With a smooth 60 fps frame rate, each race feels fast and fluid.
However, the preview version didn’t yet showcase the full graphical potential, especially since weather effects and time transitions weren’t included. Still, Forza Motorsport demonstrates significant progress from its predecessors and is likely to be a visual standout once the final version arrives.
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