There is a very simple reason why the Forza Motorsport series is now the best racing game on the market. In today’s high paced world, we all tend to want things now, without delay. This seems to be the mentality and driving force behind the Gran Turismo series. Gran Turismo 6 now offers over one thousand cars to choose from. Considering many of those vehicles in GT6 use models from GT3 and don’t offer in-car camera views, I’d say Polyphony Digital is sacrificing quality for quantity.
Don’t get me wrong. I grew up playing the GT series just like the next guy but there’s always been something missing. The in game engine noises could have been mistaken for something out of Atari Pole Position. As a simulator you want to not only see but take in the whole experience of sitting the driver’s seat and putting your right foot down.
If it’s one thing that’s always lacked in the GT series for me it’s the emotion. The feelings brought upon by a rumbling V8 or the intense pitch of a screaming inline six.
The guys at Turn 10 showed the world what the racing game experience could be like with the release of Forza Motorsport. They actually recorded sounds of cars on a dyno under varying throttle position and engine load to use for the in-game audio. And boy did it ever pay off. The exhaust note is the one thing that will always catch my attention. It’s the same thing that makes so many cars thrilling to experience first hand. It’s not the stance. It’s not the sleek design or body lines. It’s that exhaust note. Forza, Forza 2, Forza 3, Forza 4 — just pick one. They’re all masterpieces for their time.
No Gran Turismo gaming experience has ever made me want to go out and buy another car for my real-fucking-life driveway. The Forza series does. And I’m still making payments on my M3. I can not wait for Forza Motorsport 5!