Forza Motorsport Review – A Ballad For Petrolheads

As a car enthusiast, I have always believed that the world of motorsports transcends borders, united through a shared love of speed, precision, and the exhilarating thrill of the race. In the latest installment of the legendary Forza Motorsport series, this passion is celebrated like never before. As I dove headfirst into the virtual racing realm, I couldn’t help but be captivated be this newly visualised take on sim racing. With the addition of the iconic Kyalami race track, this South African petrol head was in a digital petrol head heaven.

Forza has always been known for its stunning visuals and attention to detail, and the latest iteration of Forza Motorsport doesn’t pull any punches. From the moment the game loads, you’re greeted with a breathtaking lineup of meticulously rendered high-performance vehicles from all corners of the globe. Each car is a testament to the artistry and engineering that goes into automotive design, capturing the essence of every make and model with astounding precision. For a car enthusiast, it’s like stepping into a dream garage filled with automotive masterpieces.

One of the standout features of Forza Motorsport is its impeccable attention to realism. The new physics engine brings each car to life in a way that’s nothing short of mesmerising. As you grip the virtual steering wheel and put your foot on the gas pedal, you can feel the weight of the car, the responsiveness of the tires, and the nuances of handling that make each vehicle unique through the controller. It’s a testament to the developers’ dedication to authenticity and their unwavering commitment to delivering a true-to-life racing experience.

But what truly sets Forza Motorsport apart is the emotional connection it fosters between players and their cars. The game’s career mode is a journey of passion and perseverance, a testament to the enduring love affair between humans and machines. As you progress through the Builders Cup career mode, you’ll acquire, upgrade, and customise a diverse range of cars, each with its own personality and challenges. This sense of ownership and attachment to your virtual fleet is something that’s hard to put into words. Whether it’s fine-tuning your favourite machine to perfection or proudly displaying your custom liveries, every moment spent with your cars is an emotional investment in your racing legacy. With 500 cars to choose from, creating a bond between a piece of automotive history and a player through a digital environment is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

As a South African, I was particularly thrilled to see the inclusion of the Kyalami race track in Forza Motorsport. Kyalami holds a special place in the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts in our country, a track with a rich history dating back to the 1960s. The digital recreation of the newly revamped Kyalami in the game is absolutely phenomenal. From the undulating terrain to the distinctive corners that demand precision and skill, it’s clear that the developers have poured their hearts into recreating this iconic circuit. Racing on Kyalami in Forza Motorsport is not just a game; it’s a poignant reminder of the passion and dedication that South Africans have for motorsports and the indelible mark our country has left on the global racing stage.

The racing experience in Forza Motorsport is nothing short of a symphony of speed and precision. Each race is a thrilling dance of strategy and skill, where split-second decisions can make the difference between victory and defeat. The AI opponents are intelligent and unrelenting, pushing you to be at your absolute best. The sensation of racing wheel-to-wheel with a pack of equally determined competitors, the roar of engines, and the screech of tires, as you push your limits, is an adrenaline rush like no other. It’s the kind of experience that leaves you breathless, heart pounding, and palms sweaty — a testament to the game’s ability to evoke the true spirit of racing.

While I have yet to fully experience the multiplayer in Forza Motorsport, the gameplay has given me more than enough reason to willingly invest my time to see what racing skilled drivers online could be like when the game launches. While one could imagine this as being chaotic, the penalty system in Forza Motorsport promotes clean driving and penalises those who choose to be a little too aggressive with their driving line.

Yet, it’s not just about the competition; it’s about the community. Forza Motorsport‘s online community is a love-letter to the power of shared passion. From car clubs and livery designers to content creators and event organizers, the game’s community is a vibrant ecosystem of like-minded individuals who live and breathe the world of cars and racing. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the culture, learn from the best, and share your own experiences and creations with the world. It’s a testament to the incredible power of the automobile to bring people together, transcending boundaries and uniting us in a shared love for speed and precision.

Much like the beautiful cars that Forza Motorsport embodies, this game isn’t without its flaws. Progression issues in the career mode were persistent throughout my playthrough. It is worth noting that the review was done on an Xbox Series S, and the game has yet to receive its day one patch. While gameplay has been seamless, and without issue, this bug has broken the immersion that the new Forza Motorsport embodies so beautifully.

Forza Motorsport‘s sound design deserves a special mention. The soundscapes in the game are remarkable, immersing you in a world of high-performance engines, screeching tires, and the symphony of the race. The meticulously crafted soundtrack, a perfect blend of adrenaline-pumping beats and atmospheric melodies, complements the gameplay wonderfully. It’s an audio experience that elevates the overall immersion, making you feel every rev, every gear shift, and every pulse-pounding moment of the race.

In the grand finale of this emotional journey through Forza Motorsport, I’m left with a burning desire to share this incredible experience and run back for more. This game is more than just a piece of entertainment; it’s a celebration of the love we all share for cars, racing, and the indomitable spirit of competition. It’s an invitation to immerse yourself in a world where dreams of speed become reality, where precision is the key to victory, and where the thrill of the race knows no bounds.

So, fellow speed enthusiasts, I implore you to dive headfirst into the world of Forza Motorsport. Experience the beauty, the passion, and the excitement for yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a newcomer to the world of motorsports, this game has something to offer everyone. It’s a journey that will ignite your need for speed, test your skills to the limit, and immerse you in a community of like-minded individuals who share your love for all things automotive. It’s time to take the wheel, embrace the thrill, and make your mark on the virtual racetrack. Forza Motorsport awaits, and the adventure of a lifetime begins with a single click. Don’t just play the game; live the dream of speed and the pure joy of racing.

Forza Motorsport releases on Xbox Series X/S and PC on 10 October 2023 starting at R1299.