Le Mans, Tracks, Cars and Possible release date??

by XboxOZ360

©2009 Grant Smythe – OXCGN.com

Forza 3 Update 17th July

The boys at Turn 10 have released some more images of various vehicles, this time the Supercars and SUV’s that will be included in the game.

I noticed that Maple Leafe is featured in the stills, andthat sent my heart all a flutter, as it’s one of my best loved tracks for flat out speed with ‘bends’ rather than ‘turns’.

Perhaps one of the best track for sheer beauty and immersion, involving detailed environments, trackside detail and even wildlife (that was all in Forza 2 – so expect more in Forza 3). One of my closest “near-misses” came on thattrack when coming out of the downhill run, into the very quick little “esess” just prior to the main straight. Two cars ahead, all doing in excess of 200mph, colided in the main straight under the overpass bridge.

I came sailing into the straight confronted by a huge cloud of smoke, two cars carrering sideways and twisting in both direction. I noticed a gap in between the Porsche and the wall and headed staright for it in the Zonda, and “just” scrapped the wall at 200+mph, while the other two danced with each other.

Went on to win and actually create a new lap record (PB) for that track in the Zonda. It’s these things that make Forza a real racers love come true. The AI makes mistakes and Fk’s up, and you see the results of it, and have to deal with it.

All those that say that Forza 2′s AI did nothing but follow the invisible ‘race line’ obviously have not spent hours and hours at the game like ‘some have’ (I have over 500+ hrs at Forza 2 so far). Grid and Forza 2 have a free thinking AI (well, as free thinking as a compyter game can get) that makes its own mistakes, has crashes and you have to deal with those interactions.

Ideally Forza 3 will have an even better AI for those cars, and be even more unforgiving on the sim-settings.

Yes yes, I know, some simply want to ‘play boy-racer’, and Turn 10 have taken that into consideration, and even given them free run of the track with their new “Auto-brake” feature (have no idea why anyone would want to use that, but hey, whatever rocks-your-socks people.) as well as Brake aids and other various drive assists.

From the cars revealed this week, we can see that each class of racer will have something to play with. However, I can hear the moaning starting already about some cars not being included in the game, or this model not being there etc.

One has to learn that you can not have everything, and what these guys are doing with Forza 3 is nothing short of brilliant. One needs only to check out the ‘actual in-game screen’ to see the huge shift in detail, both outside, as well as inside now.

Some of these shots show superb detail right down to the stiching in the leather trim and buttons. Why, for pure immersion reasons, that’s why. I want to feel that I belong in that car when I’m screaming down the straight at over 200mph.

Sure, I won’t be checking out the upholstery at that speed, or the sideline details, while navigation a set of essess with two other cars barking right up my backside. But when I do slow down to take in the view, I can. I can check out the great interiors, amazing vistas, trackside detail, and even swing my head around and check out the passengers seats if I want to.

A game does not need 900 plus cars to make it the best, nor does it need every manafacturer that ever built a car as well as every model of Japanese imports . . . What it needs is those select number that represent the best in their fields, that can be changed and tailored to suit the racers needs.

And that is what makes Forza different from the others, UGC – (User Generated Content) and a huge sense of “community” – something that Forza has in spades.

So check out the screens and let you mouth begin to water, we’ve only just started to show some of the 400 cars that will be available when Forza 3 is release on 23rd October 09.

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Forza 3 Update 9th July

We are currently working on two ventures or schemes with Forza 3. One is building what we term as The Ultimate Mid Priced OXCGN Forza 3 Cockpit which we plan on showing the construction over 2 – 3 installments. This will be aimed at true enthusists who can afford the space and gear needed, but not as expensive as some of the more elaborate systems out there.

The second is a Hands-On for OXCGN staff and my evaluation of the game in its current form. But until then, here’s the latest Forza 3 video dealing with the excellent coverage at Le Mans. If this video doesn’t make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up in anticipation, or bring a smile of glee or enthusiasm, then nothing ever will – enjoy.

• Forza 3 Le Mans

Forza 3 Update 4th July

Not a great deal to share at the moment, other than the following screens and a video from Forzamotorsport net.

The screens show some older tracks which will be a welcomed return, as they provided some of the best close racing competition in Forza 2. Plus we have the inclusion of Le Mans of course. It is an excellent high speed track and will lend its self to some of the tried and proven vehicles of all time.

Sure, many are returns, but like all racing linage, many cars race for years before moving on, and in some cases, still race in current form. We should be pleased to see the addition of Le Mans, and the high speed monsters. It would be nice to see some of the other stablemates in there like the Courage etc, but we’ll have to wait and see what is in store for us as the months unfold.

With over 400 cars (with DLC packs expect to see in excess of about 450 cars in Forza 3) the numbers of different models is going to be high. While Forza 2 was “advertized” to have 300 cars, it shipped with 305 and by the time the various packs were released, had a stable number of 350 cars all up, including all models and makes.

With Forza 3 being greater than Forza 2, we can expect more, based on a similar delivery style as previous. It worked then, it’ll work again. Extending the playability of the game over many months after release. We have the return of the different R Class cars again, which are brilliant. For those who complain about them, sorry, but that IS what racing is about.

Pitting your equally powerful car against others, where only droving and tuning skills separate the better drivers. Not the size of your turbo or how much rubber you have on the road. The bullshit stops when the flag drops is the old saying, and it has always been proven to be quite true. So get over it, the R1′ through to the R4′s will be in there – again.

We’ll have the UGC (User Generated Content) taking front stage much more than in Forza 2′s art styles that were applied to vehicles. These puppies are very well detailed now, with a huge increase in definition, clarity and detail not only in the cars themselves, but the trackside and interiors. Personally I’ll not be looking at how good my ride is at 200mph, I’ll be more focused on the next 2 corners approaching rapidly at a huge rate of knots in cockpit view thank you very much.

We have not only an advanced paint editor, but the new Video Editor and areas that Turn10 have some special things planned in the area of UGC . . Ideally, OXCGN may get its hands on a disc soon, and will publish my own personal hands on with the game, and even do a hands on comparison with several other new titles coming up to see how they all rank . . .

In the mean time, enjoy the screens above and the video from Turn 10 which will be included shortly today.

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Forza 3 Update 25th June

Not a great deal to report at the moment people, Tuurn10 and MS are keeping very mum right now on the Forza 3 front. We ‘almost’ had a Forza 3 event here in Sydney yesterday (24th June) but was canceled at the very last moment by Microsoft’s PR arm Pulse.

We were invited to attend, and were to be privy to some new info, but alas, the pin was pulled at the eleventh hour. But we did learn that they are planning something big here in Oz, and we’ll definitely be part of it. There are things a-foot, but we are not allowed to mention those at the moment.

So to help those of you who haven’t had a chance, here’s the latest Forzamotorsport 3 Podcast for your enjoyment all the way from Turn10.

Forza 3 Update 15th June

As we predicted, Le Mans IS part of the new Forza 3, here’s the details of it, and the first listing of some of the 100 cars to be featured in Forza 3 due out in October 09.

Check below for OXCGN’s predicted release date news?!

With so many new racer games these days taking on the major tracks, it was almost a certainty that Forza 3 would have the wonderful, but extremely scary Le Mans.

Many who have raced it in Grid did not like it, mainly because it takes a great deal of skill to handle the cars at 300k plus without slipping off the track, let alone keeping up with the pack.

Many gamers will have something to say about these levels of cars being involved yet again, but to be honest, the game needs these classes to weed out the wanna-be’s from the hardcore will-bes. We need these classes in such a pure racing game to ensure it retains its character, and doesn’t become an arcade racer. There will be lower classes and easier tracks for all levels of gamers who enjoy racing. Be that a 6yr old or a 60 yr old.

As one of our team in LA at E3 this year commented to John Wedl when being interviewed, that he thought “Forza 3 is Car Porn in motion”, pure and simple . . that is what it is about . . . John must have really liked Aaron’s comment or term, as John now uses the statement in his press comments . . . heheh.

All we ask is that you be patient, yes yes, big ask isn’t it. However, the rest of the 100 tracks will be announced over the following months, as well as the other 388 cars that will appear in Forza 3.

But Le Mans is probably one of the most loved, and feared tracks in the racing scene. It really takes it out of the racers who spend hours going around this track. The main trick in any racing game is to remember all your entry and exit spots, know those “blind curves” and be a man, drive the In-car-view. Not a pussy and fly on the magic carpet meters above it so you can admire the acr and see ahead  and over hills.

I look at that as basically cheating really, if you want to experience the game, then plonk your arse in the drivers seat . . not take the easy way out and become a spectator, rather than a racer.

Yes, the view is restricted. Well hello, welcome to the real world. You can only normally see what is directly in front of you, not what is over the next hill or around the next corner. So be a man, not a mouse, set yourself in the drivers seat this October, if you’re game to that is.

Possible release date news announcement to be made around 8th Oct 09????

I have a very sneaky suspicion that the game will have its launch date announced the Thursday BEFORE the great Australian  Bathurst 1000 in October.! Which would place the release in the later part of October, rather than mid month . . ideally the 22nd – 29th October, which is the last 2 Thursdays of the month. The announcement would be made before the official race weekend which runs October 8th through to the 11th.

Why . . well because last year, Microsoft ran a great competition which involved 12 racing Karts and was held at Bathurst during that weekend. It was a major CAMS Approved event, and got MS involved in the actual racing scene here in Australia.

Being that the case, it would make perfect sense to release news of the game the Thursday night prior to the Start of the Official Race weekend on which begins on Friday 8th Oct, as there’s a 99.5% chance that Bathurst will also be in the game this time around.

Making even more sense to announce the Australian tracks, plus the list of the V8 Supercars that could be included in the game. Basically couldn’t buy better advertsing than that, as several of million people that watch the race every year without fail, spending most of the weekend glued to the TV.

In a move that was basically very similar to the announcement coming out of Le Mans this week about it being included along with ‘some’ of the cars included in the game.

Makes perfect sense to me, so you heard it first hear at OXCGN, if it turns out to be true, you owe us a beer at the local pub.

Note: OXCGN may even be running a series or 3-4 articles on “Building the OXCGN Forza 3 Racing Cockpit” . . but more on that later

Le Mans Circuits to Debut in Forza Motorsport 3

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 15, 2009 – October 2009 sees the introduction of the eagerly awaited “Forza Motorsport 3”, giving fans the ultimate driving simulation with more than 100 race cars and previously unseen tracks on offer.

Petrol-heads will be able to experience first hand the winding corners and speedy straights of Le Mans, one of the oldest and most prestigious endurance races in the world. The famed Le Mans, Le Sarthe and Bugatti circuits debut in the next installment of the hugely popular Forza Motorsport franchise.

The “Forza Motorsport 3” experience is enhanced through finely tuned and highly engineered racing machines designed by the world’s most prestigious racing teams. Among the 100 plus set of race cars available are the Peugeot Sport 908, Audi FSI Companion Racing R8 and even the Ferrari MOMO Doran Racing F333 SP

With impressive graphics and more competition and variety, “Forza Motorsport 3” captures the thrill of Le Mans and lets fans exercise their love of motorsport like never before.

• For more information and vids and screens of some of the excellent cars in Forza 3, slip over to here, or here.

The following are some of the 100 plus race cars featured in “Forza Motorsport 3”:

• Audi

• #2 Audi Sport North America R10 TDI
• #2 FSI Champion Racing R8
• #8 Audi Sport Team Joest Audi R10 TDI

Bentley

#7 Team Bentley Speed 8

BMW

#15 BMW Motorsport V12 LMR

Cadillac

#6 Team Cadillac Northstar LMP-02

Peugeot

• #8 Peugeot Sport 908
• #3 Peugeot Talbot Sport 905 EVO 1C

Porsche

#17 Racing Porsche AG 962c

Toyota

#3 Toyota Motorsports GT-ONE TS020

Ferrari

• #12 Risi Competizione F333 SP
• #30 MOMO Doran Racing F333 SP

And for gods sake, do not complain that your precious Nissan tin-top, or ATV isn’t in there, or truck. These ate Le Mans cars in this years Le Mans . . . more cars and tracks as we get them from Microsoft.

• For more information and vids and screens of some of the excellent cars in Forza 3, slip over to here, or here.

More Forza 3 news

Make sure you check out the great Fantec Sports Wheels and the set that OXCGN will have up for grabs later on when Forza 3 arrives in October 23rd (Aust Release date) . . . as well as other OXCGN Forza 3 pages of info on the game.

• Forza 3 October Info #11 Curvaceous Chevy Camaro SS
• Forza 3 250 Gig Xbox 360 Bundle Official – OXCGN News & Special Offer
• Forza 3 October Info #10 Classic American Muscle ’79 Z28
• Forza 3 October Info #9 Saleen S331 Supercharged Supercab
  
• Forza 3 October Info #8 Build Your Own Chevy-Dodge-Ford
• Forza 3 October Info #7 Sleek, Sexy & Swift 2009 Scriocco GT
  
• Forza 3 October Info #6 – Complete car listing
  
• Forza 3 October Info #5 Primetimes’s #11 Viper R3 Class
  
• Forza 3 October Info #4 2006 Slippery Evo & HKS Time-Attack Mitshubishi
  
• Forza 3 October Info #3 Black Beast – #41 Gulf F1 Mc Laren GTR
  
• Forza 3 October Info #2 Mad Mazda Lola #16 Comin’ Through
  
• Forza 3 October Info #1 Here Comes The BMW E34 Z4 Coupe
• Forza 3 September Info #12 Bell Motor’s #11 DB9 Aston Martin R2 Coupe
• Forza 3 September Info #11 Presenting The Koenigsegg CGT
• Forza 3 September Info #10 Skyline Driftin’ Madness
• Forza 3 September Info #9 Fugimi Kaido Returns
• Forza 3 September Info #8 2nd DLC Pack – Ferrari’s & 2010 Italia 458
  
• Forza 3 September Info #7 More Ferrari Mayhem
  
• Forza 3 September Info #6 250 gig Forza 360? & Farrari Madness
  
• Forza 3 September Info #5 Forza Dyno Tunes Ford GT400
  
• Forza 3 September Info #4 Bugatti Veyron & Avatar Cloths
  
• Forza 3 September Info #3 Media Update – V8 Supercars Event Slideshows
• Forza 3 September Info #1 & 2 V8 Supercars Officially Announced
  
• Forza 3’s V8 Supercars In-game screen & info V8 Supercar Image found
  
• Forza 3 August Info #5 Video Walkthroughs
  
• Forza 3 August Info #4 Forza Dreams, Gadget Show & Puma
  
• Forza 3 August Info #3 LE Information
• Forza 3 August Info #1 & 2 Cars, cars & more cars & Le Mans
  
• Forza 3 coming in 2009 OXCGN’s Official Major Forza 3 Page
  
• Forza 3 June info E3 Video Interviewwith Developer
  
• Forza 3 June-July Info screens & vids
• Official Australian Xbox Forza 3 site game info
• Fantec Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel for Forza 3
• Fantec Wheel Stand and Turbo Wheel kit up for grabs – info
• OXCGN’s Forza 3 on its way in 2009
• OXCGN confirms Aussie cars in Forza 3
• Fantec Prosche 911 Wheel for Forza 3
• Forza 3 Official – Gentlemen, Start Your Engines

©2009 Grant Smythe-oxcgn.com

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