TeamXbox FORZA review

[Dave]

It should be hard, challenging and realistic, but not impossible, especially for someone experienced with console road racing sims such as the Gran Turismo series, F355 and TOCA.

As long as the throttle application isn't as much of a b*tch for me as it is with the Aussie V8s when racing online (and I haven't had the same problem offline, btw).

The key is that it needs to be forgiving in the right ways. But the XBox controller is by far the best racing controller I've used (never was a Dreamcast owner).

I'm pretty pumped to see how my drivatar works out. Out of the box, it should be a power-sliding, brake-locking idiot that carries way too much speed into the apex of corners.

[WillHunting]

What's Forza? Is it a new Gamecube game??

[Parker]

That's good to hear. I also hope the game has adjustable brake bias, which it must, because all of the cars in the demo seemed to have big-time front brake bias.

I don't know if it was the touchy trigger controls or the excessive front brake bias, but the cars in the demo would nosedive and get really light in the rear end, causing big-time braking oversteer, with even a moderate touch of the brake trigger.

The game should not be impossible to drive with a controller and all aids off. It should be hard, challenging and realistic, but not impossible, especially for someone experienced with console road racing sims such as the Gran Turismo series, F355 and TOCA.

Take care,
PK

Why don't you just ask someone here who has played the game. I'll check on the brake adjustments you can make later today.

I think most of you will find the game too easy without adjusting the difficulty. With everything on default, I was able to complete 10 percent of the career mode, only having to repeat a few races to finish in the top 3.

A 9.8? It's a very good racer no doubt, but I think a racing game should have to do something revolutionary to earn that score. Other than the Xbox Live features, Forza borrows heavily from previous racing games. But enjoyable nonetheless.

I really wish the drivatar would just learn your driving style without having to train it. Career mode is so time consuming without doing that, I can't force myself to spend time on it.

[dbdynsty25]

Why don't you just ask someone here who has played the game.

Probably because no one believes a word you say...you haven't figured that one out yet?

You SAY you will be gone for good when you lose a bet, yet here you are. Your reputation for being "full of sh*t" has been fortified.

[pk500]

Why don't you just ask someone here who has played the game. I'll check on the brake adjustments you can make later today.

Because I'd rather get hands-on feedback from someone whose opinion and knowledge of racing games I trust, thanks. And I don't think I'm alone, judging by the sparse amount of feedback from your Forza PAL first impressions.

You've proven yourself to be one of the least-credible, most biased people on this board, so why should anyone trust you or your opinions?

Have you forgotten the two lost bets and the promises to leave here, never to return, in addition to all of the other BS you've slung in here with the regularity of a short-order cook at a diner during breakfast time?

Take care,
PK

[Parker]

I won't help you turn this thread into something non-Forza related. If you really think I have time to try to fool everyone by not actually having the game or lying about it for some reason, more power to you.

[pk500]

I won't help you turn this thread into something non-Forza related. If you really think I have time to try to fool everyone by not actually having the game or lying about it for some reason, more power to you.

That's not the point at all. No one doubts that you downloaded the game from BitTorrent or IRC last week.

But very few trust your opinion or credibility on anything in here -- that's the point. Just look at your Forza impressions thread -- zero follow-up questions about the game.

Of course, your ego will interpret that as you providing such thorough feedback that follow-ups aren't needed. The truth lies somewhere else.

Take care,
PK

[Parker]

Why don't you just ask someone here who has played the game. I'll check on the brake adjustments you can make later today.

Because I'd rather get hands-on feedback from someone whose opinion and knowledge of racing games I trust, thanks. And I don't think I'm alone, judging by the sparse amount of feedback from your Forza PAL first impressions.

Take care,
PK

Yes, it really takes a racing guru to go into the tuning menus and see what you can adjust.

I didn't see any negative feedback in my impressions. No, they weren't focused on the driving physics, because only a fool would try to evaluate its engine after only a few hours of play with all the aids still on. Now that the races are getting more difficult, I am getting a better feel about how realistic the handling is.

[pk500]

Why don't you just ask someone here who has played the game. I'll check on the brake adjustments you can make later today.

Because I'd rather get hands-on feedback from someone whose opinion and knowledge of racing games I trust, thanks. And I don't think I'm alone, judging by the sparse amount of feedback from your Forza PAL first impressions.

Take care,
PK

Yes, it really takes a racing guru to go into the tuning menus and see what you can adjust.

I didn't see any negative feedback in my impressions. No, they weren't focused on the driving physics, because only a fool would try to evaluate its engine after only a few hours of play with all the aids still on. Now that the races are getting more difficult, I am getting a better feel about how realistic the handling is.

Great. Share those impressions with the one or two people in here who care about your opinion and think it's credible. We're all going to have the game tonight or tomorrow, so patience is a virtue here.

Take care,
PK

[Parker]

Because I'd rather get hands-on feedback from someone whose opinion and knowledge of racing games I trust, thanks. And I don't think I'm alone, judging by the sparse amount of feedback from your Forza PAL first impressions.

Take care,
PK

Yes, it really takes a racing guru to go into the tuning menus and see what you can adjust.

I didn't see any negative feedback in my impressions. No, they weren't focused on the driving physics, because only a fool would try to evaluate its engine after only a few hours of play with all the aids still on. Now that the races are getting more difficult, I am getting a better feel about how realistic the handling is.

Great. Share those impressions with the one or two people in here who care about your opinion and think it's credible. We're all going to have the game tonight or tomorrow, so patience is a virtue here.

Take care,
PK

I'm sure people will be advancing in the game faster than I have been, but by the time you have 10 percent completed, I should have 20 percent done, and a much better perspective on how to evaluate the game.

You wanted this game to be a sim. You can't evaluate sims in a few days, which is why I distrust early reviews when I know final builds were only recently mailed out. It's hard for me to truly evaluate the opponent AI for instance when I have until recently, not seen much of them because of the difficulty or lack thereof.

[pk500]

Yes, it really takes a racing guru to go into the tuning menus and see what you can adjust.

I didn't see any negative feedback in my impressions. No, they weren't focused on the driving physics, because only a fool would try to evaluate its engine after only a few hours of play with all the aids still on. Now that the races are getting more difficult, I am getting a better feel about how realistic the handling is.

Great. Share those impressions with the one or two people in here who care about your opinion and think it's credible. We're all going to have the game tonight or tomorrow, so patience is a virtue here.

Take care,
PK

I'm sure people will be advancing in the game faster than I have been, but by the time you have 10 percent completed, I should have 20 percent done, and a much better perspective on how to evaluate the game.

You wanted this game to be a sim. You can't evaluate sims in a few days, which is why I distrust early reviews when I know final builds were only recently mailed out. It's hard for me to truly evaluate the opponent AI for instance when I have until recently, not seen much of them because of the difficulty or lack thereof.

As I said for the 14th time, I could care less about sources of information that I consider less than credible. In other words, most mainstream Web site reviews and any comments from you.

I'll wait until the rest of the group gets the game or better yet, when I get my mitts on it tomorrow.

Hugs and kisses,
PK

[dbdynsty25]

I'm sure people will be advancing in the game faster than I have been, but by the time you have 10 percent completed, I should have 20 percent done, and a much better perspective on how to evaluate the game.

And we still won't give a f*ck what you say about the game. Congrats.

[Parker]

I'm sure people will be advancing in the game faster than I have been, but by the time you have 10 percent completed, I should have 20 percent done, and a much better perspective on how to evaluate the game.

And we still won't give a f*ck what you say about the game. Congrats.

LOL if you only knew how many people do care.

[Parker]

Great. Share those impressions with the one or two people in here who care about your opinion and think it's credible. We're all going to have the game tonight or tomorrow, so patience is a virtue here.

Take care,
PK

I'm sure people will be advancing in the game faster than I have been, but by the time you have 10 percent completed, I should have 20 percent done, and a much better perspective on how to evaluate the game.

You wanted this game to be a sim. You can't evaluate sims in a few days, which is why I distrust early reviews when I know final builds were only recently mailed out. It's hard for me to truly evaluate the opponent AI for instance when I have until recently, not seen much of them because of the difficulty or lack thereof.

As I said for the 14th time, I could care less about sources of information that I consider less than credible. In other words, most mainstream Web site reviews and any comments from you.

I'll wait until the rest of the group gets the game or better yet, when I get my mitts on it tomorrow.

Hugs and kisses,
PK

Even if you think I downloaded the game, or if you consider that I only stayed away for 4 months out of my lifetime ban, I fail to see what that has to do with my ability to review a game.

[pk500]

I'm sure people will be advancing in the game faster than I have been, but by the time you have 10 percent completed, I should have 20 percent done, and a much better perspective on how to evaluate the game.

And we still won't give a f*ck what you say about the game. Congrats.

LOL if you only knew how many people do care.

Ah, yes, they're posting here in droves. I suppose it's your personal fan club overflowing your Inbox with private messages, as usual. The new silent majority.

I'm done feeding the troll. Back to real Forza discussion from credible sources.

Take care,
PK

[pk500]

Even if you think I downloaded the game, or if you consider that I only stayed away for 4 months out of my lifetime ban, I fail to see what that has to do with my ability to review a game.

God damn, you are a delusional prick. First, it wasn't a BAN. You volunteered and promised to leave if you lost the bet -- TWICE. And you welched on that promise -- TWICE.

Second, that lack of keeping your word with those bets -- among other ridiculous backtracking and other statements you've made in here -- taints any credibility you may have.

Enough. No one buys your Clintonian parsing of words any more. Your schtick is more tired than a comedian at a summer club in the Catskills.

Take care,
PK

[Spooky]

Lock it up!!!

[ScoopBrady]

I'd just like to point out that I was not in the middle of an argument with Parker for a change! Thanks for the link Aceman. I'm hoping I get my copy tonight. Toys R Us said it should be available today.

[mixdj1]

To help try to steer this thread back on topic I present the following information from the Prima Forza Guide:

Braking

By controlling the relative distribution of hydraulic pressure between the front and rear brakes, brake balance affects which tires lock up first under heavy braking. This in turn affects braking distance and understeer/oversteer balance while braking. Optimum brake balance is affected by grip and weight transfer. As you upgrade and tune your car for better performance, you'll likely need to adjust brake balance to maximize stopping ability. Taken too far to either extreme, brake balance can impact braking distance negatively.

The pressure adjustment to the brakes tunes the overall brake pressure for your car. Note that if you reduce this too much, the tires won't lock up under any braking condition. If you increase it too much, the tires will lock with only slight pressure application on the pedal, which is even more dangerous.

Designed initially to be used only in emergencies when the normal braking system fails, the handbrake also can be used to impart some added horizontal rotation of the car (oversteer) while cornering by acting solely on the rear brakes to induce a highly volatile oversteer condition. Tune handbrake force to adjust the sensitivity of the hand brake system and thus the amount of added rotation imparted by its use.


So, it looks like the brake pressure and balance is fully adjustable.

[Parker]

Even if you think I downloaded the game, or if you consider that I only stayed away for 4 months out of my lifetime ban, I fail to see what that has to do with my ability to review a game.

God damn, you are a delusional prick. First, it wasn't a BAN. You volunteered and promised to leave if you lost the bet -- TWICE. And you welched on that promise -- TWICE.

Second, that lack of keeping your word with those bets -- among other ridiculous backtracking and other statements you've made in here -- taints any credibility you may have.

Enough. No one buys your Clintonian parsing of words any more. Your schtick is more tired than a comedian at a summer club in the Catskills.

Take care,
PK

You always have to bring politics into everything.

You probably should get to know some of these mainstream reviewers better. If you want to judge their ability to objectively evaluate a game by the character and morality they display in other facets of life, many of them have far worse track records than I do. Not to mention with some of them, I have seen better writing skills displayed on the walls of bathroom stalls.

[Parker]

I'd just like to point out that I was not in the middle of an argument with Parker for a change! Thanks for the link Aceman. I'm hoping I get my copy tonight. Toys R Us said it should be available today.

I don't think I've ever been an argument with you. At least not one where I felt the need to respond.

[pk500]

To help try to steer this thread back on topic I present the following information from the Prima Forza Guide:

Braking

By controlling the relative distribution of hydraulic pressure between the front and rear brakes, brake balance affects which tires lock up first under heavy braking. This in turn affects braking distance and understeer/oversteer balance while braking. Optimum brake balance is affected by grip and weight transfer. As you upgrade and tune your car for better performance, you'll likely need to adjust brake balance to maximize stopping ability. Taken too far to either extreme, brake balance can impact braking distance negatively.

The pressure adjustment to the brakes tunes the overall brake pressure for your car. Note that if you reduce this too much, the tires won't lock up under any braking condition. If you increase it too much, the tires will lock with only slight pressure application on the pedal, which is even more dangerous.

Designed initially to be used only in emergencies when the normal braking system fails, the handbrake also can be used to impart some added horizontal rotation of the car (oversteer) while cornering by acting solely on the rear brakes to induce a highly volatile oversteer condition. Tune handbrake force to adjust the sensitivity of the hand brake system and thus the amount of added rotation imparted by its use.


So, it looks like the brake pressure and balance is fully adjustable.

Outstanding. Thanks, Mix!

Take care,
PK

[Parker]

There are 3 sliders in the braking tuning menu.

The first is brake balance (bias). You can adjust the braking bias to the front or back.

The second is total brake pressure. You can adjust the force rates either to the lower or higher end.

The third is e-brake. You can adjust its rate to either be slower or faster. By default, at least on many cars, the slider is more toward the slow end.

[TheTruth]

I'd just like to point out that I was not in the middle of an argument with Parker for a change! Thanks for the link Aceman. I'm hoping I get my copy tonight. Toys R Us said it should be available today.

I don't think I've ever been an argument with you. At least not one where I felt the need to respond.

Damn guys.. I don't post much but I read the boards daily. To PK and everyone else responding to Parker. DO NOT FEED THE PARKER MONSTER! Look at his quote above. He loves to get a rise out of people. Just ignore the guy and eventually he will go away. True, he may not realistically go away but eventually you will have trained yourself to ignore the Parker Monster.

Anyway, hope to catch you guys on live for some racing.

[dbdynsty25]

Jared...you need to just enable the "ignore" portion of the forum software. Then we can just put him on ignore and go on with our lives.