Forza Motorsport 2

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Forza Motorsport 2



The roar of engines, the click of ratchets and the wonder of physics — Forza Motorsport 2 has all of these things and more as it races its way to the top of the Xbox 360's already excellent stock of racing games.

Forza 2, the follow-up to the Xbox-based original, is more simulation than arcade games, but unlike its main competition — Microsoft's other great racer, Project Gotham Racing 3 — it manages to bring real fun into focus and offers a game that both the hardcore racing fan or the casual Sunday driver can embrace.

The game includes more than 300 licensed cars and rates them by rarity, from the typical street vehicle like a Chrysler PT Cruiser to a high-end Porsche 550 A Spyder.



Racing through the game's single-player mode centers on you as the racer in a fledgling street-racing team.

You begin by setting a geographic region or country, determining not only the tracks you initially compete on but also what cars are available and what manufacturers give you a discount on purchases as you climb up the racing classes into pro racing divisions.

Players quickly build a stable of cars that they can then customize to their hearts' content, down to the suspension and performance level.



The real application of parts and physics as well as the flexibility to modify the look of the cars adds options that any true racing fan or car freak will enjoy. The visual options will satisfy those of us who are not-so-into performance but prefer an awesome-looking ride.

Online play is tightly integrated into the game and players can even auction earned vehicles across Xbox Live. Looking for a 2002 Chevy Camaro 35th Anniversary SS? Why not simply log into the auction house and put a bid on one?

The ability to race against real people adds a layer of challenge that the decent AI drivers can't match. The integrated Forza Motorsports 2 TV allows you to pick up some tricks from the best while watching their races live online.

Gamers who own the Microsoft 360 Racing Wheel will get some extra fun while racing, but the game controls just as well with a standard wireless controller. Unfortunately, thanks to some design oversight, the wheel accessory does not have all the functionality of the controller, so modifying and customizing cars should be handled with the standard interface.

Forza Motorsports 2 is a great entry in the series with an unbelievable level of customizations and options for racing fans.

It's less simulation-focused in its gameplay than, say, the Project Gotham Racing games, and nowhere as approachable as an arcade racer like Burnout. But anyone who likes the smell of NO2 and burnt rubber should check out this game.


Source: Columbus Alive

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Screenshots taken from Forza Motorsport forum.
PT Cruiser Drifting in Forza 2.