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Xbox One

'Forza Motorsport 5' Is What All Racing Games Should Look Like

No motorsport games even comes close to the Xbox One launch title.

The beauty reaches far further than simply skin deep. That Forza Motorsport 5 looks amazing is just a reputation requirement. Since the racing series’ initial iteration, released on the original Xbox in 2005, Forza has had critics in awe of its visuals. "The most realistic console racer ever made," said critics back then. And single-series-focused developer Turn 10 Studios has continually refined its win-streak formula.

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For its Xbox One debut, the Microsoft-exclusive Forza series has evolved into a multifaceted product of meticulous detail, encouraging all-comers to explore every facet of its gameplay, to put its new handling physics to the test. Absolute beginners can feel their way into a game that goes as deep as they want it to. This is turn-on-and-play gaming that transforms into an addiction when the situation suits. (Those sick days aren’t going to use themselves up, are they?)

The triple-layered paintjobs on these hot wheels glisten realistically, sure – but play Forza 5 and that’s when the advancements become obvious. These cars simply couldn’t be created this way using any other hardware – Forza 5 is doing things on the Xbox One that the same team of experts couldn’t come close to achieving for the 360.

The calculations at play as a vehicle racks up the laps, assessing the suspension situation while simultaneously crunching aerodynamic numbers and balancing tyre wear against track type, makes for the most life-like realisation of modern racing available on a home console. Yet Forza 5’s appeal extends way beyond dedicated petrolheads. That’s its beauty – you pick this up, feel the rumble motors on the Xbox One pad’s triggers and you’re in. Doesn’t matter if you don’t even hold a provisional license – this feels real enough.

A career on Forza 5 begins with the provision of a mid-range sports car, upgradable via a series of sessions, each focusing on a particular vehicle class. Progression is achieved through the acquisition of the appropriate car – and there’s hundreds of cars to get behind the wheel of, including the McLaren M23 and Ferrari 312T2 used in the 1976 Formula One season, as featured in the acclaimed 2013 movie Rush, as well as the new McLaren P1 supercar. As each is unlocked, experts from the Top Gear team explain key features while a first-person perspective allows for the exploration of some exquisitely rendered upholstery, if you’re more into your seating than spoilers. (It takes all sorts.)

As realistic as Forza 5 is, don’t assume it’s a straight-faced simulation. With accessibility paramount in the minds of the Turn 10 team, this is a game that friends and family can play together, split-screen or across the web using efficient, dedicated servers. Players can connect with others’ games, and their individual Drivatar becomes a calling card recognisable across the cloud: both in terms of driver style and ranking success. Your Drivatar can even race on your behalf when you’re offline, accumulating credit that can be exchanged for upgrades next time you log in.

Turn 10 has succeeded in bringing immediacy and longevity together in such a way that both hardcore and casual racing fans can enjoy Forza 5. Turn assistance on and those hard corners become that bit more manageable; go it alone without any help and be prepared to work so much harder for a podium place. Play the game your way. But whatever your style, Forza 5 serves its own up in inimitable fashion.

Find out everything else you need to know about Forza Motorsport 5 on the official website.

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