Forza Motorsport 3 first impressions
October 13, 2009 by George Skentzos
With retail sales just around the corner, we thought it would be a good idea to deliver a rundown on the playable demo of the highly anticipated third instalment for the Forza Motorsport franchise.
The demo features only a handful of vehicles to drive, ranging from an entry-level performance hatch to a purpose-built race car, on a single circuit – the Camino Viejo de Montserrat.
The creators of the game have opted to leave out one of the most exciting and entertaining aspects of previous iterations by not including the car customisation portion of the game in the demo, instead focussing on racing.
The newest addition to the Forza world is the availability of a ‘Rewind’ function which allows players to backtrack in real time through a race to effectively undo any mistakes.
This feature has been added to make the game more accessible casual gamers while maintaining the unforgiving and highly realistic driving style which has made the franchise such a hit with race enthusiasts.
Further evidence of this comes when the player selects the level of assist given by the computer during a race which has been extended to include an autobrake function which slows the car down automatically if approaching a corner with too much speed.
Thankfully all these features can be turned off, making it a far more awarding and real experience for devoted fans of this racing sim.
While the visuals are indeed spectacular, the first ‘wow’ moment arrived as the Audi R8 V10 made itself known on the starting grid with a few rehearsed dabs of the throttle.
The sound is exceptional for a video game and by far the best I’ve heard to date.
The driveable cars in the demo include the MINI Cooper JCW, Mitsubishi Evolution X, Ferrari California, Audi R8 V10 and a race spec Porsche 911 GT3-RSR.
Although come race time, players are given a sneak peek at the rest of the models on offer, racing against the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Nissan 370Z, Aston Martin DBS and everything in between.
For loyal followers of the Forza franchise the latest instalment is certainly no disappointment, with casual gamers now also being catered for.
Forza Motorsport 3 will be available to buy later this month.
Print it: 
“The creators of the game have opted to leave out one of the most exciting and entertaining aspects of previous iterations by not including the car customisation portion of the game, instead focussing on racing.”
What are you guys talking about?! They have increased customisation by 50% over the last game and improved tuning. Agree it is the most realistic simulator, but you guys need to do some research.
Tim, that is in regards to demo – not the full game. Will make it clearer in the article.
if you read the review properly you would have saved yourself some embarassment.
I think you will find Tim, that they are talking about the demo missing out on tuning and modifications. Easily overlooked!!
I’ll pass thanks. Waiting for Gran Turismo 5, the one and only.
Yeah, when I bought forza 2 it was being compared to GT5, since then I’ve finished it a couple of times. Much more fun playing the 2nd best racing game than waiting years for the best one to come out.. Bring on FM3!!
Pre-ordered the game and waiting to be released and posted.
I’ve played the demo and I was very impressed with every aspect of the game.
It has massive graphic updates from FM2 and It’s feel even more refine when you drive the car.
Can’t wait get my hands on full game!
As someone who has used the Logitech G25 in the GTR series. I find it really hard to use any other device. Unfortunately the Xbox doesn’t support the G25.
This is the main reason i won’t be buying FM3 at this stage… They need a decent wheel otherwise die-hard sim fans will stay away.
Check out the new Porsche wheel for the 360. 900 degree rotation, 6 speed manual (paddles and shifter) and clutch. Its great!
Just like the G25, then, but you have to buy a separate controller for what is essentially a PC and should support the most common peripherals :(
Maybe you could arguably draw the conclusion that if it doesn’t work with the G25 it can’t be called a car sim. How are you expected to heel and toe with a standard controller or gently ride the clutch a little to get that perfect launch?
looks fantastic.. but im holding off my cash and time for GT5. havent got the time and money for every car game. :(
Yeah The G25 is a GUN wheel for any racing games.
Gran Turismo 5 should be bigger and better in the long run.
Think about it for a second…. Gran Turismo 5 has been in development for 5+ years.
And previous ones have been masterpieces… and the best one, in my book… GT2… was about twice the game that is of GT1 which was the grand daddy of racing sims.
GT2, took a lot of time to do and it was worth it.
Now, think GT4…. now imagine HD graphics as shown on Gran Turismo Prolouge (PS3)… now multiply that by 4-5 years more of development and fine tuning…
I think you get a racing game that will have EVERYTHING.
Forza is a very good series, but obviously, they cater to get games out a soon as they can…. as opposed to “fine tuning” and polishing….. but still very good games. I just think GT5 will be more complete and in the end be a deeper game.
But it doesnt hurt playing Forza while waiting… assuming u have both consoles. :-)
I’m holding my cash that I usually spend on my car to buy a PS3, GT5 and a wide screen 1080p TV to support it…and maybe the game racing chair…
I can’t believe my luck when I bought the Logitech G25 almost 3 years ago (when first launched) that it can last me this long and that I can use it on PC, PS2 and PS3. XBOX 360 should join the party… =)
the 458 italia is on there!? i am getting this. i was playing forza a few weeks ago and i was a… i foget but i think it was a V8 and i was at the nurburgring and i couldn’t get under 10 minutes XD
IMO GT5 is the more in depth and realistic sim but FM3 has its selling points. I may even convert to the ‘boxside just to play this game, that is if Gt5 is ever released.
I’ll stick to playing my ageing, yet still fun and realistic Live for Speed.