Do you think that GT is losing the battle against Forza?

[Mark T]

I think that unless GT steps up to Forza 2's level of gameplay, damage, and online capability ( Auction Houses, etc.)

It will definitely step up to it. No doubt. The gameplay, online capabilities will be on the same par if not better. Damage is in question as it depends on the manufacturers. I can't see them refusing but you never know.

I think PD will take on board the features that have been implemented into Forza 2 and create something even more extroardinary.....I hope. If they fail there is going to be a shed load of disappointed fans. Especially after waiting so long.

 

[Kent]

Well, Forza 2 just lost a major battle in my war.

Went into EB to play a sample of FM2 with full intention of buying the $400 system + $100 wireless xbox connection + $60 FM2 = $560 + tax.

Unfortunately for the store, my buisness was lost the instant they said I could not try FM2 before buying the system. 👎

Even got the Wii60 speech from the fanboy employee who overheard the word 360.

Just majorly disappointed here... I was really looking forward to giving FM2 a chance and now MS and EB will not even let me do that much.

 

[Dave A]

Isn't there anyone you know who has a 360 and FM2? It's worth looking out for if you do get a chance to have a go somewhere. I don't think it was MS's fault EB wouldn't let you try it, but I find that position a bit odd, the shops surely have a demo or an open copy available somewhere. Anyway, don't give up because one shop wouldn't let you try before you buy .

 

[Joey D]

In the whole 30 minutes I had to play FM2 I must say I'm very impressed, it doesn't look real good but that's because my TV is little and a SDTV. The game play is fun and when I get home from work I'm really going to dive in.

 

[Kent]

Actually, EB put the blame squarely on MS.
They said that an MS rep had to give them permission to use certain games as demos and if the rep came in to see FM2 on demo without permission it would be major trouble.
That said, I'm definately not giving up.
Although, I'm going to have a hard time finding a way to play the game since I don't have any friends with game systems (I'm 25 and when my friends and I get together it's not for gaming ).

Also, joey D... I wouldn't blame the bad graphics on your TV alone. According to IGN the game has out-right bad graphics... To quote IGN, "lego Forza Motorsport 2."

 

[dunkee]

Playing videogames w/ friends is actually mighty fun..even at my (older than 25) age. As long as it's not all you do for fun its not loser style.

Oh and only graphic whores can say it looks bad..it's just bland, doesn't fascinate but looks good. It's funny cause you won't trust reviews that say the game is good but as soon as one harps on Forza you stick by it. Good ol Kent

 

[Dave A]

It is, but I have to admit, I'm very much in Kent's basket when it comes to time spent with friends. Occasionally we hook the 360 up to the projecter and play a bit of Pro Evo but that really is occasionally. Most of the time it's to watch movies, play football, go to the pub or for a meal etc. Computers are rarely involved.

 

[dunkee]

I occasionly get on Live w/ my friends during the week..you know after work to BS. But weekends go out party have fun

 

[Kent]

Playing videogames w/ friends is actually mighty fun..even at my (older than 25) age. As long as it's not all you do for fun its not loser style.

Oh and only graphic whores can say it looks bad..it's just bland, doesn't fascinate but looks good. It's funny cause you won't trust reviews that say the game is good but as soon as one harps on Forza you stick by it. Good ol Kent

Dude, you really need to grow up (which is sad for your older than 25 age).
I mean, all I did was say IGN had said it had bad graphics. I didn't say I supported their opinion or anything like that.
For that matter, I didn't do anything to say I agree with the less than perfect review.
If you ask me, the only good ol _____ here is you're poor demeanor. 👎

Fact of the matter is, I still haven't bought any new system and I'm actively trying to play FM2 so I can buy a 360 with good conscious (since I can't trust people like you dunkee, although people like Dave_A and RaceIdiot counter-act your actions).

Bottom line:
You take just about every cheap shot you can when it comes to anything I say that could remotely be viewed as bad for FM2.

 

[shawtyoner]

Forza 2 is out and i still didn't get my 360 back, unbelievable! Anyway, from what i read on IGN, they are really making it seem like they focused primarily on the physics, and how the game plays, more so then graphics and presentation. As far as i'm concerned, i want a game that plays great, sounds great, and looks good, i really don't need SUPER graphics, it's nice but not necessary.

Please send my 360 back already!

 

[Kent]

Forza 2 is out and i still didn't get my 360 back, unbelievable! Anyway, from what i read on IGN, they are really making it seem like they focused primarily on the physics, and how the game plays, more so then graphics and presentation. As far as i'm concerned, i want a game that plays great, sounds great, and looks good, i really don't need SUPER graphics, it's nice but not necessary.

Please send my 360 back already!

Agreed.

Of course, with that said, I do expect good graphics when I'm buying something that cost as much as a 360. However, I'd rather have "OK" graphics and great gameplay (especially with improved physics) over great graphics and bad game play.

As of now it seems like FM2 went with the OK graphics and great gameplay approach. 👍

 

[dunkee]

Dude, you really need to grow up (which is sad for your older than 25 age).
I mean, all I did was say IGN had said it had bad graphics. I didn't say I supported their opinion or anything like that.
For that matter, I didn't do anything to say I agree with the less than perfect review.
If you ask me, the only good ol _____ here is you're poor demeanor. 👎

Fact of the matter is, I still haven't bought any new system and I'm actively trying to play FM2 so I can buy a 360 with good conscious (since I can't trust people like you dunkee, although people like Dave_A and RaceIdiot counter-act your actions).

Bottom line:
You take just about every cheap shot you can when it comes to anything I say that could remotely be viewed as bad for FM2.

It's funny watching you get all worked up. Well hopefully you'll give it a go. I'd love to race the infamous Kent! But I'll leave you alone now..gonna go pick up my copy after I get out of my job 👍

 

[Joey D]

Also, joey D... I wouldn't blame the bad graphics on your TV alone. According to IGN the game has out-right bad graphics... To quote IGN, "lego Forza Motorsport 2."

Meh whatever, I can take poor graphics...graphics don't affect the game play for me.

 

[RacingFreak2k3]

I must take back what I said about the sounds in Forza a week or so ago (me comparing my SRT-4 with the ingame). I found a video on youtube of the in game sounds of 6 cars, and they are amazing. I also saw a video of a Porsche GT3 cup car dyno and in game comparison, and its nearly spot on.....ooo i can only hope GT can make sounds like Forza does.

 

[FoolKiller]

Well, Forza 2 just lost a major battle in my war.

Went into EB to play a sample of FM2 with full intention of buying the $400 system + $100 wireless xbox connection + $60 FM2 = $560 + tax.

Unfortunately for the store, my buisness was lost the instant they said I could not try FM2 before buying the system. 👎

Even got the Wii60 speech from the fanboy employee who overheard the word 360.

Just majorly disappointed here... I was really looking forward to giving FM2 a chance and now MS and EB will not even let me do that much.

If you can wait until a used copy becomes available (amazingly some people do sell games like this and GT back) then tell them you want to try it to make sure there isn't a problem. They'll probably just pop it in to show it works but tell them you want to run it through a track run to make sure it doesn't have any freezing or glitches, etc.

Another thing is to see if there are any independent game stores. We have one locally that runs two stores and they allow you to test any game before playing it and even give you a three-day return policy if you are unhappy with the game, for any reason. I doubt they'd let me bring a system back because I don't like the one game I bought though.

You could always call to a different EB (or any other game store) and ask if they would let you test it when you came in. It could be that the EB you went to are jerks (like most EB employees I meet).

Don't stop just because one store shot you down. Test their excuse.


Or you may want to think about why MS doesn't want a game to be demoed or tested before being bought.

 

[dunkee]

So I finally got it..played for a couple hours last nite. Here is my initial review of Forza 2. I will lower my fanboy flag and give some honest critic

It starts off w/ the same intro as the demo..it's safe, not as annoying as the one in Forza 1. I jumped into Career mode, presentation has the original Forza feel but much more polished. I chose the Japan region and looked for a race mule. This is where the blandness slaps you in the face..none of the cars jump out and make you think, this car looks cool..I want to drive it

I choose the Savanna RX-7 and started the beginner races. It's a real nuetral car and fun to toss around. After you get used to the weight transfer it starts to feel too easy though. I originally started w/ the AI on medium and ABS on so then I changed it to no assists and AI on hard..WOW those little buggers are fast and talented! I really had to push my little RX7 to catch up and it made me appreciate the physics more. The AI has really improved..in one turn I tried to late brake and pass on the outside, then noticed another AI car trying to pass the same car on the inside I was not expecting that..we were three deep in the turn and no one willing to give ground. The middle one eventually fell back and then it was a dash to the next turn. Fun race Brake modulation is much better than the first game..it's real easy to get the right amount of pedal before locking up. The beginner races get annoying after awhile bc it's the same location just different ribbons..so you get the same scenery same lighting, they should have changed it up a little.

The first car I won was the Trueno..kinda ugly so I decided to make it look nice. Changed the 80's style wheels to Work Equips. What I thought was ass backwards was the rim size mod. You have to first buy the wheel, then pay to make them bigger..then pay to make them wider? You should be able to select your rim, height and width from the beggining and pay one price..but that's nitpicking. I love the fact that lighter wheels add to the performance of the car. Heavier wheels can be used as a tool to bring the perf index down if you want to get out of a class. Painting is nice, though when you paint the wheels it paints the whole wheel..so if it has a shiny lip that gets painted too Also some cars are two-toned and only one color can be changed. After I customizing the Trueno that bland feeling started to go away I also won a 240Z (my fav car at the mooment) I customized that one too, took a pic and uploaded it to the FM.net servers and here it is (shrunk it)

So far every car I won has been a blast to drive no perf mods needed. I later checked the leaderboards and was able to toggle and see what lap times my friends were running. It also gives you details as to their perf index and what assists they used. I made sure to be faster then them So far I am satisfied w/ the game. GT did spoil me in the looks dept and it occasionally urks me that Forza doesn't look the same but I'm having fun and for now it's all that matters.

 

[FoolKiller]

I love the fact that lighter wheels add to the performance of the car. Heavier wheels can be used as a tool to bring the perf index down if you want to get out of a class.

Does wheel size also make a difference, or just the weight?

 

[dunkee]

Also helps handling and braking..and increases perf index

 

[97modman]

After a solid week playing Forza2 i must say i am speechless..Theres somethings that do bug me in the game, but they are not that serious..The physics engine is absolutely incredible and the AI will constantly go at you with full force making sure you do not make a mistake..
All performance upgrades are felt for ie., i went from a 275wide tire to a 305(tire not the race slick but street with high grip) for the tricky up hill in Road Atlanta where i need to put down the power, and it gripped the corner but it wasnt a dramatic adhesion as you could still here the tires trying to keep composure. The car customization feature is definitely addicting i always find my self spending a little more time to get the look i want..
Online play is flawless it plays like your in your regular career mode and competition is fierce especially when you get in a room where everyone in the room is worried about a flawless race with minimal bumping..
So far i am enjoying it..fun and sometimes frustrating, but overall its a great game..In game the first car i made was my personal Z32..looks almost identical..here are some random pics i have taken so far..

 

[shawtyoner]

I borrowed my sisters 360 on sunday to finally get my first chance of playing FM2 while i still await the arrival of my own 360, and i for one had a blast with it. Just like what 97modman said, there are some things that bugged me, such as the cars not having the proper animations when turning hard into a corner, the body almost looks as if it stays perfectly level, just as discussed before, cars still do not lean into turns, or nose dive when slamming the brakes from 150 mph, and i am talking about stock cars with super soft suspension. Other than that, i enjoyed it.

As far as the THE RING, i personally feel that its better then last time, it is definitely more narrow, but i still feel it lacks the bumps and undulations which make the ring notorious, i was waiting in anticipation for my wheel to jitter and rumble like crazy, but with no avail, it was a pretty smooth ride. For all you who have had the opportunity to test The Ring, what do you guys think in comparison to GT4's, which i still feel holds the crown?

 

[Dave A]

It's a combination of GT4's and Enthusias that holds the crown. GT4 has the bumps right, the ring is not smooth. But the corenrs and cambers are actually more accurate in EPR. But thoes two stand quite firmly above any version fighting for the third place.

 

[97modman]

I borrowed my sisters 360 on sunday to finally get my first chance of playing FM2 while i still await the arrival of my own 360, and i for one had a blast with it. Just like what 97modman said, there are some things that bugged me, such as the cars not having the proper animations when turning hard into a corner, the body almost looks as if it stays perfectly level, just as discussed before, cars still do not lean into turns, or nose dive when slamming the brakes from 150 mph, and i am talking about stock cars with super soft suspension. Other than that, i enjoyed it.

I dont know about the suspension staying level, when i slam on my brakes(all assists off) and definitely noticed a nose dive..even on my F430 with Race suspension has somewhat of a light nose dive..aslo in the replays using the Trueno i see the most noticeable leaning in one of those 1st gear turns(which i hate)..

 

[red7]

I've never been to the ring of course but gt4 seems to just get it right. Fm2 does it passable I guess but some of those curbs are just so wide and chunky its almost funny.

 

[Wolfe]

I must admit, Forza 2's car selection and engine/drivetrain swaps are really starting to make me jealous of 360 owners. I can't wait for my 360-owning friend to return from his vacation so that I can play the game.

 

[unv412]

having trouble understanding the interest in engine/drivetrain swaps?
whats the point in it? seems that everyone will just put the most powerful engine (ie veyron ) in the lightest car (ie caterham) and just win every race. And how realistic is the whole engine swap thing physics wise??surely tuneing your engine to max is a more realistic option.Engine/drivetrain swaps are just pure novelty for me, but as always its all about options.If its included in GT5, i for one wont be wasting my time on this option.

 

[TopHat]

Erm... It doesn't work like that. Forza 2 has realistic drivetrain swaps. Like putting a new HEMI 540 into an older Charger, its doable.

You are just bieng silly with the "Lets put anything into anything lol" argument.

 

[Wolfe]

having trouble understanding the interest in engine/drivetrain swaps?
whats the point in it? seems that everyone will just put the most powerful engine (ie veyron ) in the lightest car (ie caterham) and just win every race. And how realistic is the whole engine swap thing physics wise??surely tuneing your engine to max is a more realistic option.Engine/drivetrain swaps are just pure novelty for me, but as always its all about options.If its included in GT5, i for one wont be wasting my time on this option.

You forget that Forza encourages players to tune to a specific "class." In other words, if tune up your VW too far, you may find yourself racing against Ferraris that you simply can't keep up with, no matter what überengine and AWD drivetrain you have.

Also, I believe engine swaps are manufacturer-specific. Not that a Veyron-powered Caterham would be drivable anyway (if FM2 is as realistic as some say).

 

[unv412]

oh?......couldnt u just tune the stock 440/426 (ie stroke to 540 etc) to make the same HP/NM?????
Btw sorry for being silly for discussing this, but Im saying that I wont be dissapointed if PD dont include this feature in GT5.
Never missed it in EPR/GT4/FM1!

 

[unv412]

sorry? slow dial up at work!
last post for mista kellah

 

[Wolfe]

Never missed it in...FM1!

Well you must have, because engine swaps are in there.