It won't be long before avid racing fans get their hands on Forza Motorsport 2, as the game hits stores on May 29th. Before it ships, GameDaily revved up with a demo to get an idea of what to expect.

Like the original game before it, Forza Motorsport 2 leans heavily on different driving classes and systems. Players enjoy three types of cars, with many vehicle types set aside for each. The C class features a number of sport production vehicles, such as the 2005 Ford Mustang GT and the 2003 Dodge SRT4. The A class brings about high performance production class cars, lavish rides like the 2005 Lamborghini Gallardo and the 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo. Those daring to go with something a little more serious should take note of the R2 class, consisting of real meat-and-potatoes race cars. Even the names speak volumes, with cars such as the 2005 Maserati #35 Risi Competizione MC12 and the 1997 McLaren $45 Team BMW Motorsport F1 GTR. They may not be pronounceable, but they sure handle nicely.

Before getting to the racing action, players use various assist tools, which can be turned on or off. Suggested brake lines appear on each course in bright orange, advising the driver where to begin and finish their braking in order to avoid a loss in performance. An anti-lock braking system aids with slowing around corners, although the player still needs to take speed under advisement. Activating the traction control system can save heavy wear and tear on tires, while using a stability system assists with keeping balance. Last but not least, players can go with manual shifting or let the car do it automatically with each increase in speed.

An easy-to-use control system simplifies the racing. The left analog stick steers while the right operates the "free look" camera system, similar to the one in Project Gotham Racing 3. Players can look to the sides and behind their car with ease and simply release the stick to go back to the main view. The right bumper button moves between four different separate angles, two in the cockpit and two behind the car. Pressing the left bumper button reveals a small sketch of the car with close attention to heat or damage, which can make all the difference between first and last place. Everything else works like clockwork, including acceleration, braking (regular and emergency) and shifting (in manual mode).

The racing feels very realistic. Players must learn the tricks of realistic car handling. Those who go near Forza Motorsport 2 with an arcade-oriented attitude will be shot down in a hurry, left to drift in a spin-out or careen into a wall. It requires precise attention, particularly with keeping a proper speed, avoiding severe damage to the car and braking around turns. The game feels great with an Xbox 360 pad, but those with access to Microsoft's pricey steering wheel peripheral should make use of it.

Forza 2's vivid graphic engine, offers exquisitely realistic looking cars and tracks, right down to the glare off of the windshield and the fluttering of a piece of debris hanging off of the car after a nasty collision. The game moves at a smooth 60 frames per second, even with several competitors appearing on-screen. (The final game should keep up this pace, although playing online may knock it back to 30.) Players should find the menus very easy to use with numerous options on the cars, tracks and the various assist systems as well as vehicle class, judging each car's speed, acceleration, power and more. The soundtrack features a number of smooth and alternative rock selections, although drivers have the option of providing their own custom tunes to the mix.

Overall, the demo left a very good impression, and GameDaily will review Forza Motorsport 2 next week.

Related Links

Forza Motorsport 2 Game Guide

Microsoft