Format: Xbox 360
Price: Around £40
Review score: 9/10
I’ve long been a fan of the racing series Forza Motorsport on the Xbox and then Xbox 360. The latest variant, Forza Motorsport 4, demonstrates that it is more than deserving of the name. In order to establish a difficulty setting, the game throws you in at the deep end and you are plunged behind the wheel of a Ferrari 458 Italia in order to test your skills. Then the game opens up showing you the real depth that’s on offer.
Track and other racing
Forza Motorsport 4 has incredibly strong roots in track racing and it’s really evident in the way that cars handle. Each seems to behave differently and even better, the difficulty level is easy to change depending on your experience or lack thereof. Over 80 manufacturers are in the virtual roster along with 500 cars. The choice is yours, as is the location of the race.
The ‘Top Gear’ connection
As with Gran Turismo 4, Forza Motorsport 4 has identified the popularity of Top Gear and integrated some rather special features such as the Autovista mode, where you can look in huge detail at a number of cars whilst Jeremy Clarkson narrates. Furthermore, the Top Gear Test Track being present means you can be your own ‘Star in a Reasonably Priced Car’.
A host of features
Perhaps the greatest compliment I can pay to Forza Motorsport 4 after the brief look at it I’ve had is that it is seemingly packed full of features. The sheer range of options on offer is staggering. For example, tuning, painting, drifting, time trialling, track racing, photography, video making and much more is included. If you’re a fan of motor racing then there’ll be something in the Forza Motorsport 4 experience for you.
Any negatives?
Perhaps the only thing I can say is that the ‘World Tour’ is immediately recognisable to any players of Forza Motorsport 3. The old saying though “if it’s not broke don’t fix it” comes to mind, as the game is improved in almost every area I cared to look at after a few hours of play time.
Final verdict
If you have an Xbox 360 and enjoy cars, you NEED this game. It is a must purchase. Oh and if you like to add a bit more depth, you could try out the Microsoft Speed Wheel. It is very tactile and responsive.
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