Review: Forza Motorsport – The Ultimate Xbox Car Simulator 

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Since the inception of the Forza game series, Microsoft and the developers at Turn 10 have shared a singular mission: to create an accessible car simulator for all. Their latest offering, Forza Motorsport, continues this legacy while setting the stage for a new era as a live-service game. What does the future hold for this Xbox title? 

Campaign 

In true simulation fashion, Forza Motorsport features a campaign mode where your progression hinges on unlocking cars and categories. Various championships grant you access to a diverse array of vehicles, from sedans to high-powered engines and even conceptual automobiles. The initial package includes up to 500 cars and 20 different environments, each with its own track. A robust offering for a live-service game. 

Earning credits isn’t solely tied to your leaderboard position. Within each circuit, race segments offer opportunities for time improvements. As you master these segments, not only will your lap times improve, but your car will also level up. Another credit-boosting method involves starting farther back in the race. The lower your initial position, the greater your potential reward. However, the challenge to achieve victory will also be greater. 

Multiplayer 

Given its transition to a live-service model, Forza Motorsport will periodically release racing events. These events reward participants with valuable prizes such as car parts, credits, and racing gear. However, it is crucial that Turn 10 maintains the interest of the audience, so its future success is up in the air. A packed calendar is what keeps these types of games afloat. 

Gameplay 

As emphasized earlier, player adaptation is everything in Forza. Its gameplay is fully customizable, catering to individual preferences. Would you like assistance in handling curves, immunity from vehicle damage, and automatic upgrades? Or do you prefer to showcase your prowess by cranking up the difficulty to its maximum? The choice is yours. This title can guide you gently or plunge you headfirst into the deep end. It’s always your call.  

The handling of the cars is unique, and you can palpably feel the difference between categories. Small, low-drift cars contrast with high-horsepower monsters, each with its own distinctive feel. Turn 10 showcases its expertise in the realm of automotive physics and design. One standout feature is the tactile feedback through the controls. Whether you’re slamming the brakes or navigating rough terrain, it enhances immersion significantly. 

Graphics & Sound 

Forza consistently outperforms its predecessors, and this edition is no exception. With meticulous attention to detail in shadows, models, and ray tracing, the series has never looked this spectacular. Every frame exudes an unparalleled level of realism, making it one of the most visually stunning games to grace Xbox platforms. For our review, we tested it on both Xbox Series X and a PC, where the improvements are equally notable. However, one drawback is the 60fps cap at 4K resolution. Our test PC configuration included: 

• Intel Core i5-13600K Processor 
• Asus ROG Strix LC 240 RGB Liquid Cooling 
• Asus ROG Strix Z690-F GAMING WIFI Motherboard 
• Kingston FURY Beast Black DDR5 RAM, 4800MHz, 16GB 
• NVIDIA RTX 4090 Graphics Card 
• Windows 11 
• Hisense 55″ ULED 4K UHD U7 TV 

Another test we attempted was running it on the Steam Deck, although it was not possible to run it at the moment. Hopefully, the development team can adapt it in the future, as Forza Horizon 5 was a delight to play on this platform, even reaching 60 frames per second. 

Conclusion  

Xbox’s beloved car simulator continues to shine in its latest installment. While the improvements may not be revolutionary compared to its predecessors, Forza Motorsport feels seamlessly integrated into this console generation. Only time will reveal whether the transition to a live-service model can be successfully maintained in the long run. Are you seeking a title that offers unparalleled realism and top-notch graphics? Look no further. For series veterans, there may not be groundbreaking innovations, but there’s still that unmistakable new car scent. Start your engines. 

Rating: 8.5 

By Rolando Vera for LOS40.