One of my local mates, James - recently bought a PS3 allowing me to get some hack-time on the most confused console ever made. There are definitely some strengths to this 'fine' machine but I have a rather large beef list for Sony to take into account when designing their next console - but I digress. At any rate, James is what you call a 'race monkey.' He will forgive even the most humble of racing games if there's at least an ounce of gameplay in it. I recently watched him play the new MX-ATV title on PS3 and thought it rather bland and simple, but he likes it and that's all that counts; it's his money after all.
After a rather long and boring dirt race in a buggy of some sort, he flipped to the 360 and powered up Forza 3. I was half-watching him play as I was sorting the graphics drivers on his PC at the time, but payed attention enough to get a general sense of the game in action. James swears by Forza 3 and I suppose you can't blame him. He's a race fan and Forza 3 is regarded quite highly among 360 owners. For me? I think it's an overrated piece of shit. The graphics lack refinement and the cars seem almost clinical in their movement. Having driven for many years, there's a sense of sway to racing which Forza 3 just doesn't seem to grasp. Sure, it may play by the numbers, but it looks cartoony and for me, it's rather boring.
Noticing that I was watching, James paused the race and offered me the controller. 'Want a shot?' -he asked.
I pursed my lips, 'Naw...carry on, mate.'
Looking almost insulted, James retorted,
'Not fan of driving games, I guess. Are ya?'
-'Umm yeah - don't you remember who recommended Dirt 2 to you?'
'Oh yeah,' says James, 'I forgot about that...'
So am I a fan of driving games? Ab-sol-f'in-lutely!
I like any driving game that feels like..ummm...driving.
Forza 3 sucks.
Let's see if GT5 can give fill the gap.
Lovingly Yours,
The Angry Rabbit.
I disagree. I think that Forza3 is amazing. The handling, car realism, and physics, while just slightly arcady, is the best i've played in a racing game. Not only that, the AI in the game, is great, also some of the best i've seen on any console in its genre.
ReplyDeletePlaying long marathon tracks are super challenging and really rewarding, because the game factors in tire wear and in depth car damage. I love the amount of depth the game has when it comes to the technicalities of driving.
BUT yes, as you said, the graphics are bad.
And thats leaving out sound, customization, and online which are all, for the most part, spot on