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Developer/Publisher: Take 10

Platform: XBOX 360

Players: 1 - 8 (Online)

Rating: A

Ever wondered what it is like behind the steering wheel of a million dollar plus high performance racing vehicle? Many have pondered but very few will ever know that feeling. With the release of Forza Motorsport 3 (Microsoft / Turn 10), any gamer can rip up race tracks worldwide in this racing simulation.

At first look, one can’t help to notice the mass amount of detail that went into this game. Forza 3 features over four hundred fully upgradeable vehicles from fifty of the world’s leading manufacturers including Aston Martin, Audi, Lamborghini, Ferrari and more. Choices range from exotics like the 2004 Saleen S7 and the immaculate Bugatti Veyron to every day rides like a Scion xD and Nissan Sentra. And the best part is all the aforementioned cars unlocked for purchase from the start.

As far as visuals, Forza delivers in every way. The graphics are stunning. Every automobile has an immense amount of detail; with each car model coming with its unique exterior and interior designs. Your racing environment is top notch too. Scenery like the rocky Montserrat region in Spain, the Italian Amalfi Coast and the infamous Sebring International Raceway are all beautifully presented.

With any racing title, the game flies or dies on its mechanics. Forza 3 shines brightly with an incredible physics system. Once you get behind the wheel you get a true sense of how much went into this driver. First off each car drives entirely different from the next. Players will have to take this into consideration with hitting any corners as every track will provide a different experience with each car. We also get real time tire distress, all types of wear and tear from collisions and very credible artificial intelligence.

What sets Forza 3 apart from other driving releases is its accessibility. Newbies can easily grow their skills with helpful assists such as auto-braking, and a helpful rewind feature that lets players replay any slip-ups on the course. Other great features include a very deep career/season mode and seemingly infinite choices of car customization.

One obvious eye sore is the multiplayer or lack thereof. Its predecessor featured a bunch of ways to get busy online. Now matchmaking is no longer, along with specific criteria searches while looking for some competition.

Nonetheless, very rich with customization coupled with a near flawless attention to detail¸ Forza 3 is in pole position to be king. It provides a great balance for hardcore fans of racing sims and casual gamers alike. Buckle up.

Forza Motorsports 3 Official Trailer