While racing games seem to enjoy more popularity on the PC these days, there have been a handful of titles that have flourished on the console platforms. The Forza series from Microsoft developer Turn 10, happens to be one of the series which has done just that, by combining a strong physics package, a deep career mode, and a great online experience.

Turn 10 released the first Forza, respectively titled Forza Motorsport, in 2005 on the original Xbox, and did so with so with incredibly positive reception from both critics and the community. The game sported 231 cars, 6 real world circuits and multiple fantasy courses.

The series continued to grow stronger as the much anticipated sequel, Forza 2 dropped in 2007, and upped the ante by delivering next-gen graphics on the Xbox 360, all while delivering over 340 cars, and 8 real world courses. Turn 10 also included real life drivers to race against, and was also one of the first games to prominently feature vehicles from the American Le Mans Series.

Enter October 27th, 2009, Forza 3 hits retail shelves with lofty expectations, and even loftier promises from Turn 10. The game included an in-car driving view, drag racing, stock cars, and the ability to paint and upgrade all cars, not just production and tuner cars. Forza 3 now sported over 500 cars (Ultimate Collection Version) and over 100 different track variations.

 

I took Forza 3 out for another spin recently, and wanted to see what how well it holds up to today’s racing titles, and if there is still some life left under the hood.

 

 

What Holds Up

Forza 3 won multiple awards in 2009, and rightfully so. Even four years later, the game looks and drives phenomenally well. The depth of Forza 3 is still greater than most current console racing titles hitting the shelves today. Whether you are an experienced digital racer, or just finding your way into the genre, Forza 3 delivers on almost all fronts.

The game allows a multitude of assists to ease someone through, or simply turn them all off and race as close to sim as possible. The handling feels great either way, but racing with all assists off forces the driver to really understand the mechanics of the car they are driving, the course they are driving on, and the elements that are surrounding them.

The visuals hold up just as well as the feeling of blazing down the track at 120mph, as the car models still look great, as well as the venue of choice. The Forza series has always been a leader when it comes recreating the look of the some of the most famous vehicles and locations in the world, and Forza 3 delivers on all aspects.

I would also be remiss if we didn’t mention the lengthy career mode which allows you to jump in and race in a huge variety of races and cars. The depth of the Forza 3 career mode is a grind, but in a good way. It is as deep, if not deeper, than anything that is offered up today and will hold your attention for a long while.

What Doesn't Hold Up

If I am being completely honest, there isn’t a whole lot that doesn’t hold up from this title. If I had to pick something it would be the odd choices the AI drivers make sometimes. It’s not that the AI is necessarily bad, but in a game which shines in so many areas, the AI is one area which would be categorized as acceptable to good – but not great

 

 

Should You Pick Up Forza 3

If you have never played the Forza Series, the 3rd installment is a great place to start off with. It excels in almost every way possible, and it doesn’t matter how you like to race, because Forza 3 does everything it can to accommodate you. This game holds up extremely well, and the standard edition can be had for under $10 in stores. With the next installment in the Forza series just around the corner, now is the perfect time to give Forza 3 a chance, and see if it’s a series which will suit you.

 

I have a feeling you won’t be sorry.