FORZA MOTORSPORT 2 (Xbox 360)

Forza fans in Australia have been subject to inhumane torture as we watched the rest of the smug world bathe in itsown glory — posting lap times, photos, livery designs and doing business in the online auction house buying and selling their own custom vehicles — as if the constant delay in release date wasn’t painful enough!
Earlier this month we were set free from our tormentors and given the chance for retribution with the Australian release of Forza Motorsport 2 for the 360.
When Forza came to the original Xbox it was far and above the biggest and most popular racing sim on the platform.
It created a fierce rivalry between Sony’s Gran Turismo 4 on the PS2 and, despite GT’s numerous sequels and domination of the racing niche on consoles, Forza was still able to elbow its way in when it revolutionised car racing on the Xbox.
This was mostly due to the fact that Forza catered for a wide range of motor racing fans, from the tuner freak through to your hardcore realistic simulation nut, by offering big variations in difficulty.
On one end of the scale drivers can push their skill to the limit by tackling Forza’s advanced real world physics and turn off all electronic driving aids, (this means no traction control, no stability management, no ABS and manual gearbox).
For gamers after an easier, more simple driving experience, all assists can be left on together with the option to switch to cosmetic damage only, no fuel and tyre wear, easy AI opponents and even a suggested line which guides you around the track and indicates where to brake and accelerate.
Jumping into the new game, full simulation mode is where Forza 2 first flies its colours. Despite having fantastic driving physics, the cars in Forza 1 had a somewhat generic feel, while immediately in 2 you notice a vast improvement with each vehicle possessing a distinct feel on the road and behaving how you imagine they would in real life.
The main thrust of Forza 2 is online gaming where you can compete in races all around the world and, as mentioned, trade vehicles and post pics taken with the new photo mode.
For those without an Xbox LIVE account, a solid career mode is still on offer, together with arcade races, time attack and free run modes.
The career mode hasn’t changed much, but one new introduction is vehicle reputation.
As you win races with individual cars they gain rep and in return sponsored discounts are offered in the upgrade shop.
As in Forza 1, race earnings can be spent on flash new rides and on upgrades for your cars. The upgrade shop has improved markedly, with a massive range of fully licensed aftermarket parts all with a comprehensive description of what you’re buying and what they do.
Alongside the parts is the paintshop which has had a solid make over as well.
It’s difficult to think of any substantial complaints about Forza 2 and the only one worth a remark would be the lack of tracks with only a dozen on offer, although shortened variations and reverse courses are included as well.
The graphics are beautiful and, despite lacking some close-up detail in the track environment, Forza 2 runs at a slick 60 frames a second, creating an awesome sense of speed.
The 300-plus cars are meticulously modelled and look fantastic on and off the track.
Any gamer who has even a fleeting interest in car racing must have Forza Motorsport 2 — no other game offers such an in-depth racing experience.

WE RATE IT
Graphics: 9
Sounds: 8.5
Gameplay: 9.5
OVERALL: 92