Forza 3 is no Gran Turismo carbon copy

It has been literal war between the fans of Forza and those of Gran Turismo. The battle rages on many fronts, from graphics, to physics, to gameplay. Gran Turismo is the racing sim that is synonymous with gamers worldwide as the leader. It should be; the franchise has been around from the original Playstation days. Forza on the other hand is a relatively newcomer, but don't be fooled by its short history, because the game handles and feels totally different from the venerable Gran Turismo.

You may not like Turn 10 because of the lousy statements they've been making which it seems, is to cast a negative light on the GT franchise. However, respect must be given when it's due. There's a gradual progression that Turn 10's been able to manage that's not only impressive, but feels different with every Forza title. If racing is your thing, and you're on the fence considering whether to purchase this game, or should you wait to buy Gran Tursimo 5 instead, We have news for you. Buy both because Forza Mortor Sport is no Gran Turismo carbon copy, here's why.

According to tech analysis done by digital foundry, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue "emerges as a classier looking game" despite technical wins for Turn 10. Not because it can't look better, (this is up for debate) but because the two studios have different priorities and choose to apply resources in areas that would set their games apart.

Examples:

Turn 10 would rather implement a feature like rewind, than spend those resources to try and top the graphical fidelity of GT5. Rewind by the way is very unique feature, and has received unanimous praise from franchise lovers.

Another feature you won't find in GT5 is the ability to swap user-generated content, which by the way is a revolutionary innovation in any racing simulator.

While the GT series has been known for its excellent handling, Turn 10 is no slacker in said department either. Redefining its handling and feedback model is also a very important element.

Digital Foundry gave both games a test on the Suzuka circuit lap in a Ferrari 599, and both felt completely different according to their tests, completely different, but with complete satisfaction. This stands as a testament of the different feel both games offer.

To conclude, this article was not intended to start a flame war of any kind, but rather to celebrate the evolution of two of the best racing sims ever developed. And although GT5 will capture the respect of more individuals because of name recognition, excellent innovation and longevity, the new kid on the block ain't playing no games. And like GT, Forza has contributed tremendously to the racing genre.

11/04/09 Ernice Gilbert

Turn 10: It will be difficult for Polyphony Digital to replicate what we've done with FM3 physics

The boys at Turn 10 just won't quit. Recently, it was Forza 3 project manager Amritz Lay saying, "we beat GT5 on a lot of features," causing a stir in the gaming community. Apparently that was not enough, this time it's Turn 10 game director Dan Greenawalt who voiced his belief that although GT5 is a great game and he will play Yamauchi's racing sim when it comes out, he believes it will be a very difficult job for GT5 to match Forza 3 physics.

"I've got huge respect for Yamauchi and what the Polyphony Digital team does, they're a great developer. But I do personally feel confident that it would be difficult for any other racing game to do this," he said.

"We run physics at 360Hz, I don't know any other game that does that. That takes a commitment to physics, not just about making sure you have beautiful graphics," Dan added.

"Gran Tursimo is a great game and when it comes out I will play it. But I think that without the partnerships and without the commitment, it will be very difficult for another team to replicate what we've done," he concluded.

I'm not sure the Polyphony Digital team is looking at Turn 10's every move trying to replicate what they're doing; it might well be the opposite. In my opinion, Turn 10 should stop all this FM3 GT5 comparisons, it makes them look childish, especially when Yamauchi is not responding.

10/12/09 Ernice Gilbert

Forza 3 Product Manager: We beat GT5 on a lot of features

Think Gran Turismo 5 will be the definitive racing simulator of this generation? Not according to Forza devs it won't. Recently the guys at turn 10 have had choice words for GT5 when compared to their own sim, and most of what was uttered being unpleasant to say the least. Well they're at it again, this time it's Forza 3 product manager Amritz Lay, speaking to EGTV he went on confidently talking up the specs of Forza 3 (which any product manager would do) but what caught me off guard was his direct answer to a question most would dance around.

EGTV: How do you reckon Forza 3 stacks up against GT5?

"We've seen it on the floor, it's a good looking game, in terms of the content feature by feature, you know, I believe we beat them on a lot of the features as well our 400 hundred cars, they're fully built cars, full interiors, uh, fully damageable and deliveries just to mention that user created - user generated content really takes our game to the next level."

The guy's pretty confident in speech and according to him GT5 has nothing on Forza Motor Sport 3, which will be out exclusively for the Xbox 360 on October 23rd 2009. You know what's strange? I have this feeling GT5 fans are laughing their heads off, why? I have no clue, just a feeling. There's nothing to scoff at though, because so far the game's looking sweet. See the full interview now.

10/05/09 Ernice Gilbert