Tech Blog

[#1]

Last month at the X'09 Canada event I was given the rare opportunity to test drive Turn 10's new racing simulation game Forza Motorsport 3.  Not even a week later I was given a second opportunity to play the game at the Future Shop Red Carpet Event.  I feel a bit spoiled though because both preview events had the racing game connected to fully equipped racing cockpits with built-in force-feedback driver seats and 5.1 surround sound.  The X'09 set-up even came complete with three HD monitors that served as your front windshield and side windows providing a realistic, panoramic experience.  Above is a picture of the souped-up racing seat.

While at the Future Shop Red Carpet Event I couldn't resist filming a short one minute clip of the Forza Motorsport 3 racing seat, check out what it looks like in action:

I must say, racing in that kind of environment was thrilling and completely immersive.  It's a shame that the Forza station probably costs several thousand dollars.  Maybe it's a blessing in disguise though, I'd probably never leave my gaming room if I had that monster installed in it.

By now you've probably heard the hype surrounding this game, it's hard not to considering how often Microsoft has been touting the game features.  This exotic racecar game will come packed with more than 400 fully customizable automobiles on over 100 renowned real-world tracks and road courses from around the globe.  During an interview at E3 2009, Turn 10's Director, Dan Greenwalt, revealed that the updated physics engine in the game will allow for much more realistic collision detection, damage calculations, and even the ability to flip your car over.  The development team has painstaking modeled each in-game car after its real-world counterpart, including authentic interiors, how each car handles through corners, how the engines rumble at top speed or how different tires impact your car’s performance.

Forza Motorsport's graphics have long been a series draw and this iteration features ten times more polygons in each car model and four times the texture resolution than Forza 2.  The game runs at a smooth rate of 60 frames per second and a native resolution of 720p.  From my time with the game what this means is one of the most realistic looking racing game to date on any home console.  The only simulation racing game I've played that even comes close to matching the graphics of Forza Motorsport 3 would be Sony's Gran Turismo 5: Prologue. There have already been a number of comparison videos circulating the internet, such as this one on GameTrailers, but really, graphically they're so close I call a tie.

Aside from all the games on display at X'09 Canada, the coolest part had to be the real-life Forza Motorsport 3 automobile that awaited just outside the exit -- a high performance Audi R8 V10 sportscar.  The vehicle was freshly waxed and gleamed no matter what angle you looked at.  After standing in awe for a minute or two it was a little disheartening knowing that I'd be riding home in a dingy subway car.  Le sigh.

To help build anticipation for Forza Motorsport 3, Xbox Canada is giving Canadians the opportunity to get behind the wheel before the game launches and have a chance to win the ultimate Drive Your Dreams experience consisting of an Xbox 360 Elite Console, an Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel, and a Limited Edition Forza Motorsport game, and a 12-Month Xbox LIVE Gold Membership.  Not only that, the grand prize winner will also receive a gift certificate for the “Thrill of a Lifetime” package at the Bridgestone Racing Academy located in Lindsay, Ontario redeemable at a time of the winners choosing and an Expedia Travel Voucher to be used for travel to Bridgestone Racing Academy.  The approximately retail value of the total prize is $3,660 CAD.

To enter the contest, all you need to do is register onsite  at the Forza 3 Drive Your Dreams Experience occurring at the Canadian National Exhibition in parking lot #2 in Toronto, Ontario on October 24^th, 2009.  

There will also be ten secondary prizes which include a Limited Edition Forza Motorsport 3 game (approximately retail value of $89.99).

Toronto
October 24th 2009
12:00 – 17:00
The Better Living Centre, CNE Grounds

Click here for a map

For more information you can check out the official contest website or the event page on Facebook.

Forza Motorsport 3 is developed by Turn 10 Studio and published by Microsoft Game Studios.  The game will release in North American on October 27, 2009.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forza Motorsport 3 Image Gallery: