Getting ready for the upcoming release of Forza Motorsport on October 10? Let’s delve into all the information we have about the newest installment in the Forza series.
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Release Date & Early Access
Forza Motorsport is set to launch on October 10, marking the return of this series after Forza Motorsport 7 in 2017. During this interim period, there were releases of two Forza Horizon games and the closure of the mobile game Forza Street.
In a manner akin to the early access offered for Starfield, players opting for the Premium Edition or Premium Add-ons Bundle will have the opportunity to commence their Forza Motorsport experience on October 5, granting them a five-day head start. This early access perk is also available for those accessing the game through Xbox Game Pass.
The pre-orders for the game are currently open and the title will be released on the following platforms:
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC
Prices & Editions
Forza Motorsport offers three editions with varying content and pricing:
- Standard Edition ($69.99) – Includes the base game only.
- Deluxe Edition ($89.99) – Includes the base game, Car Pass, and additional in-game content.
- Premium Edition ($99.99) – The most comprehensive package, including the base game, Car Pass, VIP membership, Welcome pack, and the “Race Day” car pack.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Forza Motorsport represents a significant advancement from its predecessors. It remains true to its simulation-focused, serious racing roots, but with a notably enhanced simulation engine.
This time around, the physics of each tire are meticulously sampled at six points, a substantial improvement from the previous single point, and this sampling occurs at a rate eight times faster. This translates to a remarkable 48-fold increase in physics calculation fidelity per tire compared to Forza Motorsport 7.
Exciting new gameplay features include the ability to choose different tire compounds, manage tire and fuel usage, and engage in ‘car-building’ — all of these weaving a deep level of customizable mechanical modifications.
In the realm of multiplayer, there’s a comprehensive revamp. Full free practice sessions and qualifying rounds are now on offer, along with the option for players to strategize their fuel usage for a more immersive experience. The addition of real calendar-based race times aligns Forza Motorsport 2023 with the approach seen in Sony’s Gran Turismo 7. Additionally, there have been official hints at ‘all-new, different game modes’, although specifics remain undisclosed for now.
New Features
Car Upgrades
Forza Motorsport has introduced a significant overhaul in the franchise’s progression and car customization mechanics. The traditional approach of buying and upgrading cars using in-game credits and levels has been replaced.
Now, you progress by leveling up your cars, with each car having a maximum level of 50. You accumulate XP for a particular car by participating in practice sessions or completing races with it. Cleaner and faster races earn you additional XP, introducing an RPG-like element not much seen in racing games.
To equip parts and make upgrades, you use Car Points, which are distinct from Car XP. These Car Points are earned by achieving various goals and successfully finishing races. Each car has its own set of Car Points, which are essential for purchasing unlocks and new parts.
The significance of upgrades is tied to your car’s level, meaning substantial enhancements like changing the drivetrain or performing an engine swap require a higher car level compared to installing smaller parts like an air exhaust. Fully leveling up a car is expected to take a few hours of gameplay.
Revamped Career Mode
Forza Motorsport is returning to its original career mode structure, where players start with slower cars and progress to faster ones gradually, reminiscent of earlier game entries. The career path is divided into tours, each imposing restrictions based on your car’s discipline, type, nationality, and performance class.
Within a tour, there are five cups, and each cup comprises five distinct races, providing a total of about 25 races per tour. Additionally, post-launch, more tours will be introduced, featuring new cars and tracks for an ongoing and evolving experience.
Tracks Coming To Forza Motorsport
At its release, Forza Motorsport will feature 20 racing environments, each with multiple layouts. This is a decrease from Forza Motorsport 7, which offered 33 different locations to race on.
Here’s a list of confirmed tracks that will be available in Forza Motorsport upon its launch. Additionally, there are plans for post-launch track updates:
- Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
- Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
- Eaglerock Speedway
- Grand Oak Raceway
- Hakone Circuit
- Homestead-Miami Speedway
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
- Le Mans – Circuit International de la Sarthe
- Lime Rock Park
- Maple Valley
- Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
- Mugello Circuit
- Nürburgring GP
- Road America
- Silverstone Circuit
- Suzuka Circuit
- Virginia International Raceway
- Watkins Glen International Speedway
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
Post-launch, there will be updates to the track roster, although specific details about these updates will be revealed later.
Cars
While a comprehensive car roster is yet to be unveiled, we already have information about 37 cars in Forza Motorsport. Among the showcased vehicles, the spotlight shone brightly on the BMW M8 GTE, donning a captivating ‘Mission-8’ livery. Notable additions to the lineup include the Nissan 370Z Nismo, Audi RS E-Tron GT, and Brabham’s high-performance BT62 hypercar.
Returning classics such as the 2019 McLaren Senna GTR, the 2020 Lamborghini Huracan EVO, and the elegant 1966 McLaren M2B are making a comeback. Leading automotive brands like Ferrari, Mercedes, Audi, Aston Martin, Chevrolet, and Porsche are prominently featured. Additionally, enthusiasts were treated to an up-close view of the iconic 1991 Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B.
The emphasis in the game will be on contemporary cars and the world of motorsport. The revealed selection provides a glimpse of what players can anticipate in terms of the car variety in the game.
Damage Modeling
While Forza Motorsport won’t reach the extreme levels of vehicular destruction seen in games like Burnout or Wreckfest due to its focus on realistic representation of licensed cars, the showcased gameplay highlighted a revamped damage system. The car bodywork demonstrates noticeable dents and scratches, especially along metal edges and alloy wheel spokes, showcasing a modest level of damage from collisions.
However, when questioned about the broader impact of damage and dirt beyond aesthetics, the Creative Director, Chris Esaki, didn’t provide specifics. Instead, he emphasized the narrative that a car’s scars can tell, hinting that mechanical damage might not play a significant role in Forza Motorsport, focusing more on the visual story of the car through its ‘scars’.
