Aggro Aggregation: Forza Motorsport 2

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Author: Ben Karl
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Forza Motorsport 2 raced onto the Xbox 360 this week. Will the stylish new visuals and accurate car detail be enough to take this franchise to the next level? Hear what critics have been saying.

Sweet ride.

Two years ago Forza Motorsport made a huge impression with racing sim fans. With accurately recreated cars, tuning capabilities and realistic damage, Forza easily competed with more established racing franchises like Gran Turismo. Now Microsoft has produced Forza Motorsport 2, a next-gen sequel that has many racing fans clamoring. The sequel definitely does justice to its predecessor, but don't take my word for it. Here's what critics from other major sites have been saying.

Gamespot doesn't hesitate to give Forza 2 an excellent rating of 9.2 because the game seemed to improve in almost every aspect while sticking with the original formula that gave the original Forza success.

"What Forza 2 ultimately achieves is the precise brand of evolution you'd want from a sequel to the original Forza. The driving model has been made even better with the tweaks and adjustments made to it, and the features set is so remarkably deep that you're likely to lose large chunks of your free time buying, customizing, and racing your favorite cars. [sic] If you've got even an inkling of a theory that you might like driving games, you need to play Forza 2."

1up raves that Forza 2 is a step in the right direction for an overall limited sim. With an 8.5 rating 1up seems less convinced that Forza 2 will lapping the competition any time soon.

"Forza 2 is the best sim racer out there right now, no question, and it continues to lead the way online. But aside from the cool online auction and community stuff, it's pretty much Forza 1 with updated graphics."

IGN follows up with a stark account of Forza 2. While giving the game an above average 8.2, Hilary Goldstein has some less than flattering comments about it's over all appeal.

"The only personality you'll find in Forza 2 are the custom skins created by fans. While it's certainly an enjoyable and well-made game, it just doesn't have the spark of energy and excitement found in almost every other racer. Cars are supposed to be sexy, but they aren't sexy in Forza 2. Sure, they are accurately recreated and have spot-on physics, but Forza 2 is the Ed Asner of racers. It's talented, but you wouldn't want to take it to bed."

The reviews are definitely mixed. If you're a racing fan in any way I suggest taking this game for a test drive before making the purchase.

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