Forza Motorsport launched in the summer of 2005 and turned out to be a huge hit, astounding gamers with its unmatched physics engine and well-crafted game play. Since then, the sequel for the Xbox 360 was delayed, knocking it back from its initial November 2006 release date. No worries, however -- Forza Motorsport 2 arrives for the Xbox 360 next month, just in time for the summer gaming season.
As expected, the visuals should see a significant boost over the original game. Forza Motorsport 2 features a number of technical upgrades, moving at sixty frames per second with two times the regular full-screen anti-aliasing. That means crisper car models and photo-realistic tracks. While the game doesn't support 1080i or 1080p, it does support 720p, which makes it still worth looking at on a high-definition TV. Other little improvements include car damage and lighting. It should be quite nice to see, whether racing during the daytime with the sun shining on the hood or driving at night with track lighting on full display. Racing enthusiasts should also appreciate the game's authentic sounds, such as the distinct roaring of car engines and the squealing of tires. Expect a few nasty crash sounds as well... SCRUNCH!
Developer Turn 10 Studios knows that the game's physics hold great importance to fans of the original. Over the course of each race, players have to determine certain aspects of their car in order, while also avoiding wear and tear over time that could prove costly in later circuits. Furthermore, the vehicles should match the feeling of their real-life counterparts, each with their own precise handling meaning players won't find much similarity in how a Ferrari handles in comparison to a Nissan Maxima.
In addition, players must judge weight transfer and aerodynamic load to keep their tire and suspension models from underperforming. Most importantly, the cars sustain real-time damage, which eventually must be repaired to prevent them from worsening. Arcade driving fans may not get into a game with such depth, but those who appreciate a deep simulator will find lots to toy around with -- especially with the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel, which Forza 2 fully supports.
Thus far, the game contains about 40 tracks, spread across 12 different environments. These include a number of real Forza circuits, including Tsukuba, Suzuka, New York, Laguna Seca and Silverstone, among others. Forza 2 also features an outstanding selection of vehicles, with over 300 to race and modify. Ferrari, Porsche, Nissan, Volkswagen, Generator Motors and Lamborghini-licensed rides are chock full of modification options. Want to see how a car performs with different suspension settings? Or how about messing around with gear ratios for a faster speed incline? It also expands with various customization tools, letting players shape, paint, and add onto their car. Aftermarket and regular performance parts can be purchased over the course of a career, and the selection of decals and paint colors go into the millions.
Those eager to show off their highly decorated rides have the option to do so. The Photo Mode lets players take pictures of their cars in action, so they can set up their own personal gallery to show off to their friends. Forza 2 also offers strong Xbox Live support, where gamers can take their custom creations and race against others. Competitive racing can unlock credits to buy car parts and other goodies. Finally, if players need a break, they can turn on Forza Motorsport 2 TV and watch others compete.
Forza Motorsport 2 won't fit everyone's racing desires. The simulation approach might turn off simplistic arcade race fans, and the real-time damage and part maintenance could be a little too much to bear for someone who has never dealt with a car in their life. All the same, it should be a huge technical leap over the original game, both in terms of presentation and game play. Look for Forza 2 to finally cross the finish line this May.
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