Released back in 1997 on the PlayStation, Gran Turismo instantly made a name for itself as the serious car enthusiasts racing game. Featuring a massive selection of desirable vehicles, and it was for many the first game they had played in which they were made to feel that they were given an inkling of what it might be like to pilot these magnificent beasts for real. Since then, the series has gone for strength to strength, sticking to the same tested recipe of challenging handling, real lice ... more >>

Released back in 1997 on the PlayStation, Gran Turismo instantly made a name for itself as the serious car enthusiasts racing game. Featuring a massive selection of desirable vehicles, and it was for many the first game they had played in which they were made to feel that they were given an inkling of what it might be like to pilot these magnificent beasts for real. Since then, the series has gone for strength to strength, sticking to the same tested recipe of challenging handling, real licensed cars of varying worth and desirability, different classes of races on well designed (and often real) courses, and a huge range of tuning options, all rendered in the most impressive and accurate graphics possible. Microsoft, coveting the flagship title, wanted a similar racing and car glorifying experience to be available on its XBOX console, and it is to this end that Forza Motorsport has been created, to take on the as yet unchallenged self-dubbed Real Driving Simulator.

With over 200 cars, there are plenty to choose from in Forza Motorsport, all rendered with no expense spared to look as near to the real thing as possible. The game features some of the more prestigious marques that have never appeared in a Gran Turismo game, like Ferraris, and some that hadn’t until recently, like Porsches. Cars come from all three major car producing continents: A mostly Italian and German selection from Europe, everything from AE86 Truenos to Evo VIIIs and of course a selection of Nissans from Asia, and Corvettes and other exotica from the US. As far as tracks go there are 17 near photo realistic offering both on track and street, from Laguna Seca to Manhattan. Predictably the cars can be modified in all sorts of ways, from more cosmetic stuff like paint, skirts and decals, to the technical stuff like suspension, turbos and wings. The real trump card over GT4 though, is the online side of things. You can join car clubs online and swap cars you’ve designed, download new tracks and cars, and of course race. Interestingly, your online and offline career become one as your performance against people on the web affects your single player progression. There’s also what is called ‘Drivatar’ tecnology whereby you can train the computer to drive like you and race for or against you. XBOX owners jealous of the PS2 scene finally have the game they’ve been waiting for.
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