Forza Impressions: Was It Worth The Wait?

[ThaMaskedGamer]

Time to start a dedicated Forza thread. I've never been more excited about game, not even Halo 2. Right now the game is averaging about a 93% on gamerankings, the bigger sites have yet to weigh-in, but every single source so far says the game easily dethrones GT4. I expected as much and would have been disappointed if this wasn't the case. I expect much more than what GT4 offered, so any and all opinions are welcomed.

The question though is, who is onboard for this game. We only have about 5 or 6 dedicated posters on this site for XBOX games, and I don't think everyone is sim racing fans or car fans. I don't even if know if its worth trying to start a VGR car club or league, in the past I would have suggested it, but everytime we try we can't get right. For those who will be dedicated to the game, I suggest you get an XBLGAMES.COM membership as this game will be heavily supported on that site. If we do come up with something, then i'll be happily surprised.

Any feedback about the Fanatec racing wheel will also be appreciated. I'm planning on taking the splurge and buying the wheel. I've checked and a local Gamestop has 1-3 units in stock in my area, as of today. Interesting thing is they will not be getting more restock. So, this will be a hard to find item. EB games will not be carrying the wheel. Not many US retailers will. It is $150 dollars and does not use true force-feed, but simulates force feedback. Its not the wheels fault, its MS' fault. They basically disabled force feedback for licensing reasons, so XBOX is not capable of the feature. Other than that, the wheel is great according to a few reviews, notable Gamespots.

Far as the price, its hefty, but I definitely want to play this game with the challenge of a wheel, and since this will basically be the only game i'll be playing this summer, I want to enjoy it the best way possible. I should have the wheel tomorrow afternoon, even though Forza won't be available widely till Wednesday, i'll test it out on TOCA2 and post my comments.

Come on guys, get hyped. By all accounts this will be the best racing game this generation! And likely until GT5 and Forza2 come out some time around late 2006. Oh, far as reviews, check out any of them, so far they all offer great insight, but the TEAM XBOX and AUSSIEWORLD reviews go into great lengths and detail. TEAMXBOX has an 8 page review and rated the game 9.8/10.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Gamespy gave Forza 4.5 out of 5 stars, and Gamespot gave the game a 9.2 score. While I read the articles that go along with the scores, the 8 pages from TeamXbox was too much for me to read this early in the day.

I'm definitely picking up this game, since I've grown tired of the arcady racers like Burnout 3. This is one game that makes me feel like the devs really tried to look out for gamers who like various game modes: offline career mode, online career mode, arcade, up to 4 players offline (splitscreen), the drivatar thingy, etc. These features are something I want to see in more next-gen Xbox games, unless the genre doesn't make it necessary for some of these modes.

Considering the custom soundtracks option, I'm surprised a couple of the reviews are pointing out the so-so music for the game. I'm also not surprised that the car graphics may not be as detailed as the GT series, since this is the first Forza game.

Hmm.....should I prepare to make a Rice-Mobile, or should I pick out a good ole Ford?

[The Prince of Darkness]

Considering the custom soundtracks option, I'm surprised a couple of the reviews are pointing out the so-so music for the game. I'm also not surprised that the car graphics may not be as detailed as the GT series, since this is the first Forza game.


Isn't that funny. The Gamespy review says that the music and lack of detail of the drivatar are negatives of the game, yet the game allows for custom soundtracks and nothing like the drivatar has ever been done prior so...sounds to me from the reviews like the game is just absolutely stellar in all of the ways that really matter.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Time to start a dedicated Forza thread. I've never been more excited about game, not even Halo 2. Right now the game is averaging about a 93% on gamerankings, the bigger sites have yet to weigh-in, but every single source so far says the game easily dethrones GT4. I expected as much and would have been disappointed if this wasn't the case. I expect much more than what GT4 offered, so any and all opinions are welcomed.

The question though is, who is onboard for this game. We only have about 5 or 6 dedicated posters on this site for XBOX games, and I don't think everyone is sim racing fans or car fans. I don't even if know if its worth trying to start a VGR car club or league, in the past I would have suggested it, but everytime we try we can't get right. For those who will be dedicated to the game, I suggest you get an XBLGAMES.COM membership as this game will be heavily supported on that site. If we do come up with something, then i'll be happily surprised.

Any feedback about the Fanatec racing wheel will also be appreciated. I'm planning on taking the splurge and buying the wheel. I've checked and a local Gamestop has 1-3 units in stock in my area, as of today. Interesting thing is they will not be getting more restock. So, this will be a hard to find item. EB games will not be carrying the wheel. Not many US retailers will. It is $150 dollars and does not use true force-feed, but simulates force feedback. Its not the wheels fault, its MS' fault. They basically disabled force feedback for licensing reasons, so XBOX is not capable of the feature. Other than that, the wheel is great according to a few reviews, notable Gamespots.

Far as the price, its hefty, but I definitely want to play this game with the challenge of a wheel, and since this will basically be the only game i'll be playing this summer, I want to enjoy it the best way possible. I should have the wheel tomorrow afternoon, even though Forza won't be available widely till Wednesday, i'll test it out on TOCA2 and post my comments.

Come on guys, get hyped. By all accounts this will be the best racing game this generation! And likely until GT5 and Forza2 come out some time around late 2006. Oh, far as reviews, check out any of them, so far they all offer great insight, but the TEAM XBOX and AUSSIEWORLD reviews go into great lengths and detail. TEAMXBOX has an 8 page review and rated the game 9.8/10.

What a complimentary review by Gamespot. It really does sound like the extra development time paid off on this one. Hell I was juiced for Forza after I tried the demo for the first time. It sounds like they improved every aspect of the game since then. Bring it on baby!

[ThaMaskedGamer]

I picked up the wheel today, its $149 bucks. Let me tell you if you are interested in the wheel, go today and pick it up. Gamestop is the major retailer that's carrying it and they are only getting limited supplies for each store with no further future orders. Go to Gamestops webpage, look under just arrived to find the wheel. Click on the wheel and put in your zip code for the store finder, to see if they have it in a store near you. One store had it near me, and it said they had 1-3 units on hand. I called the store they had 2 units received, I put it on hold.

I got the unit and the guy in the store gave me a Forza demo out of their kiosk to practice on, I already had the demo but took it anyway cause he said this demo is newer. Seems the same to me. Anyway, about the wheel. Its expensive. Okay, that's outta the way. The thing is sturdy and built very well. The buttons don't stick out like they do on normal wheels, they are integrated as part of the wheel, like the buttons on a real steering wheel in a high-end car, great attention to detail. The unit is sturdy and heavy. I had doubts about being able to use it on the lap. But you can, its great on the lap and I won't use a table with it. It comes with a pre-set configuration for Forza, so I selected that. The dead-zone was balls on accurate. The steering sensitivity was at 1, and it was slightly too strong, so i modified that on the fly to zero and its perfect. Unless i'm doing a sharp turn, I can just guide that baby gradually. It honestly feels better than my real car. You have about 6 or 7 settings you can configure. It is very easy to do.

The wheel doesn't turn over 200 or something degrees, but I was surprised this is not an issue at all. Even on a sensitivity setting of zero, I can turn as tight as I normally would. The pedals are a lot harder to get use to from a racing stand point. They don't press straight down, they go down at a slight angle, and the gas pedal has more range than the brake pedal. They are comfortably spaced apart, and I can sit in a normal chair and rest my feet as I do in my real car. It feels so real in fact, I keep searching with my foot for the clutch pedal, cause i'm use to driving sticks in real life.

I popped in Forza and was off to the races, I just did about an hour with the demo and the pedal. My gosh it feels so real. The naked resistance on the wheel is set at maximum for Forza 3/3, and I think its perfect. You definitely feel resistance that feels like a normal car. The force feedback or simulated feedback I think is great. I can't compare it to the Logitech wheel, and i'm sure the force feedback isn't as good. But absent comparison its great and different than the rumble of a controller. Hit a curb or rumble strip, it feels like it should, go off into the sand and the effects start to feel a little contrived, but still effective. If you crash there is a great jolt to the unit, I didn't try and hit anything on particular sides to see if cause a reaction in the opposite direction. I will do this though, but frankly, I don't care to be crashing in game. On the road under normal circumstances this is definitely a great wheel.

About the lap thing, if you are large or have big thighs it might be restrictive for you, if you have slender legs or are normal size it will be perfect and you won't need a table, after an hour straight I felt no fatigue.

Racing with the wheel is definitely a challenge. It is infinitely easier with the controller, but 100% more satisfying with the wheel, in fact I had doubts but no more. While I don't know if I will ever be as fast as I was with a controller, I know I can scrub down my times. In fact I was using the Lancer and was running 2:15 a lap the first time, with all assist off and manual gears, my last run yielded a best lap time of 1:53. The other cars were running 1:55, I came in last, but if I can get consistent with the wheel, I should be okay. Online, I know I'm gonna get smoked with the wheel, but I can not go back to the controller at this point, this wheel is too much fun.

Is the wheel that much better than the Mad Catz and Logitech Nascar wheels which are much cheaper, I can't say, never tried them. I know the way it is constructed is better and more polished. I read reviews on all three and I don't see this wheel having the problems those wheels have. In fact, you can't use the Logitech Nascar with Forza according to TeamXBOX's review, it is undrivable. And many people have reported they can't get the force feedback function to work with the Mad Catz wheel, and both the others have limited configuration capability. Not the case here, you can play with the settings all day, and you can configure it on the fly basically, the readouts are all digital.

I took the splurge cause Forza is the only game I plan on playing and I plan on playing it a lot throughout the summer. Maybe if you are only going to play it casually and for not that long, you might not want to invest in this. Especially since we don't if it will be supported on XBOX 360.

[Glockstar]

Gamespy gave Forza 4.5 out of 5 stars, and Gamespot gave the game a 9.2 score.

First off... when did those reviews come in?! I was just checking out the GameRankings yesterday, and I swear the only the reviews that were in thus far were the Xbox-dedicated-site reviews.

Second off... holy cow! A 9.2 from GameSpot! Dayum!

Of course... and I don't mean to sound like a pessimist here... it was not - I repeat, it was not - reviewed by that ass-clown Kassavin (like Unreal Championship II was not; which, coincidentally, is another 9.0 game). I hope they fired that guy. No, better yet, I hope they sent him over to the PS2 cubicles.

The game comes out tomorrow right? Well, I've got mine reserved... which means I'll probably be picking it up sometime in June. :rolleyes: See you guys next month, eh!

[The Prince of Darkness]

The game is nowhere to be found in the state of Maryland. I just plopped the purchase price down at Gamestop to secure my copy for tomorrow.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Isn't that funny. The Gamespy review says that the music and lack of detail of the drivatar are negatives of the game, yet the game allows for custom soundtracks and nothing like the drivatar has ever been done prior so...sounds to me from the reviews like the game is just absolutely stellar in all of the ways that really matter.

I'm sure that MS Studios weren't sweating the music, since most Xbox owners know how to use custom soundtracks and will be using that option 95% of the time. If any reviews took off points because of that, then they really were looking hard to find faults in the game.

Also, booooooooooo first place Baltimore O's. They will be swept by Minnesota next time they play.


First off... when did those reviews come in?! I was just checking out the GameRankings yesterday, and I swear the only the reviews that were in thus far were the Xbox-dedicated-site reviews.

Second off... holy cow! A 9.2 from GameSpot! Dayum!

Of course... and I don't mean to sound like a pessimist here... it was not - I repeat, it was not - reviewed by that ass-clown Kassavin (like Unreal Championship II was not; which, coincidentally, is another 9.0 game). I hope they fired that guy. No, better yet, I hope they sent him over to the PS2 cubicles.

The game comes out tomorrow right? Well, I've got mine reserved... which means I'll probably be picking it up sometime in June. :rolleyes: See you guys next month, eh!

I was surprised to see the Forza reviews this morning, but even more surprised that IGN didn't have one up. They are usually the first to post reviews for games, yet they may be last.

Is Kassavin the same guy who reviewed Jade? I thought the game was scored too low.

I also have my copy reserved....at GameRush, which means I will see it sometime between tomorrow and next week. It's odd they don't seem to know a definite day when they get things.

[Darwin]

Second off... holy cow! A 9.2 from GameSpot! Dayum!

The game comes out tomorrow right? Well, I've got mine reserved... which means I'll probably be picking it up sometime in June. :rolleyes: See you guys next month, eh!

Yes, and the gamespot review is well-written. For anyone interested in the details of the gameplay, check out the gamespot review.

Poor Glockstar. There seems to be some kind of delay in getting games out to your area of the country. You always seem to get the new releases later than everyone else.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Also, booooooooooo first place Baltimore O's. They will be swept by Minnesota next time they play.

You had better hope that they are not still on the roll that they have been on. That lineup has gelled even quicker than I had hoped, and the pitching has been pretty steady so far. You do know that if the O's continue to get good pitching it could be lights out---not to even mention the fact that Sammy's bat has not really taken off yet.




I was surprised to see the Forza reviews this morning, but even more surprised that IGN didn't have one up. They are usually the first to post reviews for games, yet they may be last.


Swami says 9.6 or so.

[Darwin]

Havok, you'll be interested in this. After reading the gamespot review, I was quite pleased at what they had to say. However, one thing did disapoint me. Apparently the host CANNOT turn off the racing-line feature for the gamers in the room. There is a "best-fit" line feature that gamers can turn on, basically a driving-assist. The line tells gamers when to brake and how to take corners. Hosts cannot force this to an off setting for the gamers in the room. I also wonder if this applies to the other driving assists as well.

Still, I wonder if gamers who choose not to use these assists online will be given more money or a better rating.

[Darwin]

Taken from the Prima Strategy Guide:

"Use the copy feature to make team cars for car clubs on Xbox Live. By buying cars from your friends, you can copy your design onto other cars, then sell them back to the original owner. This way you can all represent your club."

So it looks like it would work in this fashion:

1) You make the design for your car club on your Honda Civic (we'll use a Civic as an example). Save your design to your hardrive.
2) Your friends in your club all need to buy a Honda Civic of their own.
3) You buy your friend's Civic.
4) Use the copy feature to place your design on the newly purchased Civic. Now it becomes a clone of your original Civic.
5) Sell this clone Civic back to the original owner. No net cost on either side.

[ThaMaskedGamer]

Havok, you'll be interested in this. After reading the gamespot review, I was quite pleased at what they had to say. However, one thing did disapoint me. Apparently the host CANNOT turn off the racing-line feature for the gamers in the room. There is a "best-fit" line feature that gamers can turn on, basically a driving-assist. The line tells gamers when to brake and how to take corners. Hosts cannot force this to an off setting for the gamers in the room. I also wonder if this applies to the other driving assists as well.

Still, I wonder if gamers who choose not to use these assists online will be given more money or a better rating.

I read that also, it sounds like the host can turn off driving assist, but not the race line indicators. It also appears that the host will not be able to force everyone to use a manual gearbox. Not happy about either of those items. I just hope that the automatic gearbox doesn't act like a perfectly shifting manual gearbox, otherwise nobody is going to race manual. As far as the lines, we will just have to see if people will be gentlemen and turn them off. Actually, there will be no way to verify it, unless as you suggested, they don't get as much credits if its on. Also, even though it is an assist, you gotta figure it will slow you down some trying to "read" the colors and follow the line instead of racing.

But i'll definitely be taking a different approach to this game than TOCA2. I mean you and I both would normally go to the back of the pack, i'll continue to do so and be even more cautious, I don't want to be catching a lot of damage and losing credits.

What region are you starting in, I want to start in Europe, but part of me wants to start in N.A. for the Mustang(your favorite). Are you going to race online a lot to gain credits? I don't see why not. Heck I may just spend all day painting my ride!

[ThaMaskedGamer]

First off... when did those reviews come in?! I was just checking out the GameRankings yesterday, and I swear the only the reviews that were in thus far were the Xbox-dedicated-site reviews.

Second off... holy cow! A 9.2 from GameSpot! Dayum!

Of course... and I don't mean to sound like a pessimist here... it was not - I repeat, it was not - reviewed by that ass-clown Kassavin (like Unreal Championship II was not; which, coincidentally, is another 9.0 game). I hope they fired that guy. No, better yet, I hope they sent him over to the PS2 cubicles.

The game comes out tomorrow right? Well, I've got mine reserved... which means I'll probably be picking it up sometime in June. :rolleyes: See you guys next month, eh!

Why don't u send me or Meth $50, plus about another $10 and we can overnight ship it to you. Heck, you'd have it sooner.

[Glockstar]

Why don't u send me or Meth $50, plus about another $10 and we can overnight ship it to you. Heck, you'd have it sooner.

I should. ;)

No, I would, if I were really hawking the game. But... I'm patient. I'm so swamped with awesome new games right now that I don't really have any other choice but to be. And while I don't like the idea of giving you guys a head start, I know deep down that it won't really matter anyway. Heck who am I fooling, you guys could give me a months head start and still blow by me within a week.

Still, I appreciate the offer. (I might have to take you up on that for Advent Rising.)

And I am kind of exaggerating about not being able to pick it up till June. I reckon the game will be everywhere by the end of this week. But no sooner than tomorrow. Actually, I just got the call from Aris (is that how spell her name?) - GameStops automated new game announcer - this evening letting me know that my copy will be in tomorrow afternoon. (How the heck do you guys have yours already?!) I forgot that I even had the game reserved with them. Oops. :p But I'm not going to collect from them anyways, as I've also got it reserved at GameRush - where I got it for less. I may have to wait an extra day or two before I pick it up (I don't know) but if that's what my bargain-hunting azz has to do to get the best value then that's what I gots to do. ;)

-

Poor Glockstar. There seems to be some kind of delay in getting games out to your area of the country. You always seem to get the new releases later than everyone else.

Yeah... I know. And it really does irk me. It just happened to me again with Raze's Hell. You know how I was looking forward to that game. Right? I had it reserved - with GameStop even - and everything. Well I just picked up the game tonite. It was supposed to be out last Wednesday - and I'm just now getting it!? Fat lot of good the reservation did me this time, eh? And then the guy has the gall to ask me if I want to reserve anything this evening while I'm there. "Pfffft", I says, "yeah right... I don't think so!"

-

Anyways, saw an ad for this...

http://www.toysrus.co.uk/Content/Product/products8/883239_l_a.jpg

... at GameCrazy, and thought of you guys. :D

[Fivespot]

I have to wait until tomorrow to pick-up my copy but can't wait. I read a couple reviews and the game sounds like it will live up to its hype. So few games accomplish this task now-a-days. Man, I've been burned a few times by hype (State of Emergency comes to mind - that game was awful).

Anywho, I'm not an avid car buff nor enthusiast but I like racing games. Hopefully it will be user friendly so non-gear heads can step right in and understand how to best modify your rides. I played GT3 on the PS2 but didn't get too far due to boredom..

I like the online capabilities in PGR2 with the instant updates via LIVE to the leaderboards which Forza will have. That alone makes it more interesting than GT3 plus online multipalyer, online single player, etc... I'm hoping it satisfies me enough that I can take it for the long haul. Sounds like this game is going to be huge!!

[Darwin]

What region are you starting in, I want to start in Europe, but part of me wants to start in N.A. for the Mustang(your favorite). Are you going to race online a lot to gain credits? I don't see why not. Heck I may just spend all day painting my ride!

Come-on, now. You know where my loyalty lies. I'm a Honda fanboy, through and through. I have decided to start in the Asian region.

I have the online strategy guide. All the regions are going to have a wide variety of cars to choose from. Ultimately, the fastest cars in the game (the R-class) are dominated by European cars. Those germans have some really fast prototype cars. That's also where you'll see your DTM cars.

As far as racing for credits, yeah I will do a mix of off-line and on-line racing. Either way, I think we should try at least a few races online tomorrow just to see how it runs online.

[Darwin]

GameStops automated new game announcer - this evening letting me know that my copy will be in tomorrow afternoon. (How the heck do you guys have yours already?!)

We don't have our copy of the final version of Forza today. We all get our copy tomorrow afternoon, the same as you. Trust me, if I had my copy today, you wouldn't see a single post from me this afternoon, and I would have forgotten to eat a meal.

I have the online strategy guide and have been reading up about it. And Havok has the driving wheel and is using it on the Forza Demo. That's why we're talking about the game. But we don't have the actual game yet.

[Darwin]

Anywho, I'm not an avid car buff nor enthusiast but I like racing games. Hopefully it will be user friendly so non-gear heads can step right in and understand how to best modify your rides. I played GT3 on the PS2 but didn't get too far due to boredom..

From what the reviews have said, the game gives simple explanations about what settings do what to your car. Also, the cars default settings are supposed to be pretty decent.

Besides, you can always ask us. I am not a car expert, but I have played a lot of sim-based car games with car setups and have a basic understanding of them. Also remember that you can download other people's car setups from the online scoreboards.

Here are some simple things to remember about car setups:

- Gear ratios are quite important. They will allow your car to reach it's optimum speed. By adjusting the final gear ratio, you will solve the majority of your gear problems. That's pretty much the only thing you'll need to fiddle with, gear-related.

- Lower the ride-height of you car to improve it's overall handling.

- Tires are VERY important. They are the interface between car and road. If I could choose only one upgrade for my car, it would be tires.

[Fivespot]

IGN has posted their review of Forza. They also wrote four pages of comments explaining the ins and outs of most aspects. One comment from the review sticks in my mind, "the graphics are good but not great". From the pics I've seen lately, I disagree!

Beyond that, IGN rates it a 9.5.

I realize IGN is pretty easy on games often rating a tad high in my opinion, but this is yet another reputable video game source rating the game in the excellent category. I favor Gamespots reviews the most and even they rated the game high. I'm interested in seeing what Game Informer and EGM rate the game.

Regardless of all the media and ratings, I'm still getting my copy tomorrow and plan on enjoying it best I can. I don't mean to put too much credence in review scores - just excited to get a new racer FINALLY

[ThaMaskedGamer]

First, sorry to mislead you guys, I don't have the game yet. I am testing my wheel using the demo. I can not wait to get the real thing tomorrow, I have some running around to do in the AM and will pick the game up around 11 or 12 in the afternoon. I'll puts around offline for a minute, then i'll log into LIVE.

This game is only going up in the ratings as the reviews pour in, right now I think it is close to 95% after 16 reviews. That is just a phenomenal score, easily surpassing GT4's score. I never thought a sim racing game would get so much love from console reviewers, i'm quite shocked.

Methadone i'm actually quite fatigued of the Asian import scene, i'm ready for some Audi's, BMWs, and Porches. But this is great you can sell me a nice Skyline GTR and I can get you something in the European region. Now if someone can get me a 2005 Mustang, my plate will be quite full. Actually, i'm easy to satisfy the only cars I really want in the game are an Audi, Skyline and Mustang, i'm sure i'll plenty more that interest me, but ironically i'm not interested in the most powerful cars.


Okay, so let's get roll call started and see what we might be working with. Thus far, we have:

Myself, Codename Hav0k, European Region
Darwin, Methadone Man, Asian Region
Fivespot, FiveSKI, ?
P.O.D., Bemore, ?
Rogue Bounty Hunter, ?, ?

all committed. Then we have Glocky on the sidelines....get in the game man.

Glockstar, MrUnlucky, ?

Rogue Bounty Hunter are you online and interested in doing some VGR racing? If so, then let us know your gamertag.

Correct anything that might be wrong, and add anyone not on your friends list.

If you guys are all getting the game tomorrow come online and look for Methadone and myself. Now if we can get Tappy to put down Burnout3 and DTM to get back online, we'd almost have a car club.

[Darwin]

Just remember that I work today, and that I won't get the game till early evening. I'll be home by about 8, 8:30 pm Eastern

[The Prince of Darkness]

First, sorry to mislead you guys, I don't have the game yet. I am testing my wheel using the demo. I can not wait to get the real thing tomorrow, I have some running around to do in the AM and will pick the game up around 11 or 12 in the afternoon. I'll puts around offline for a minute, then i'll log into LIVE.

This game is only going up in the ratings as the reviews pour in, right now I think it is close to 95% after 16 reviews. That is just a phenomenal score, easily surpassing GT4's score. I never thought a sim racing game would get so much love from console reviewers, i'm quite shocked.

Methadone i'm actually quite fatigued of the Asian import scene, i'm ready for some Audi's, BMWs, and Porches. But this is great you can sell me a nice Skyline GTR and I can get you something in the European region. Now if someone can get me a 2005 Mustang, my plate will be quite full. Actually, i'm easy to satisfy the only cars I really want in the game are an Audi, Skyline and Mustang, i'm sure i'll plenty more that interest me, but ironically i'm not interested in the most powerful cars.


Okay, so let's get roll call started and see what we might be working with. Thus far, we have:

Myself, Codename Hav0k, European Region
Darwin, Methadone Man, Asian Region
Fivespot, FiveSKI, ?
P.O.D., Bemore, ?
Rogue Bounty Hunter, ?, ?

all committed. Then we have Glocky on the sidelines....get in the game man.

Glockstar, MrUnlucky, ?

Rogue Bounty Hunter are you online and interested in doing some VGR racing? If so, then let us know your gamertag.

Correct anything that might be wrong, and add anyone not on your friends list.

If you guys are all getting the game tomorrow come online and look for Methadone and myself. Now if we can get Tappy to put down Burnout3 and DTM to get back online, we'd almost have a car club.

Well outstanding. It has been a really long time since I have even signed onto Live, but I will definately look for you guys. I think that all of you are still on my friends list. Btw I will definately be starting in Asia. I can't wait to mod out my STI.

[DrunkenThumbmaster]

First, sorry to mislead you guys, I don't have the game yet. I am testing my wheel using the demo. I can not wait to get the real thing tomorrow, I have some running around to do in the AM and will pick the game up around 11 or 12 in the afternoon. I'll puts around offline for a minute, then i'll log into LIVE.

This game is only going up in the ratings as the reviews pour in, right now I think it is close to 95% after 16 reviews. That is just a phenomenal score, easily surpassing GT4's score. I never thought a sim racing game would get so much love from console reviewers, i'm quite shocked.

Methadone i'm actually quite fatigued of the Asian import scene, i'm ready for some Audi's, BMWs, and Porches. But this is great you can sell me a nice Skyline GTR and I can get you something in the European region. Now if someone can get me a 2005 Mustang, my plate will be quite full. Actually, i'm easy to satisfy the only cars I really want in the game are an Audi, Skyline and Mustang, i'm sure i'll plenty more that interest me, but ironically i'm not interested in the most powerful cars.


Okay, so let's get roll call started and see what we might be working with. Thus far, we have:

Myself, Codename Hav0k, European Region
Darwin, Methadone Man, Asian Region
Fivespot, FiveSKI, ?
P.O.D., Bemore, ?
Rogue Bounty Hunter, ?, ?

all committed. Then we have Glocky on the sidelines....get in the game man.

Glockstar, MrUnlucky, ?

Rogue Bounty Hunter are you online and interested in doing some VGR racing? If so, then let us know your gamertag.

Correct anything that might be wrong, and add anyone not on your friends list.

If you guys are all getting the game tomorrow come online and look for Methadone and myself. Now if we can get Tappy to put down Burnout3 and DTM to get back online, we'd almost have a car club.


Man I haven't been online much and when I have it's been during the day. I've bought so many single player games this between the 3 systems. I've come to a conclusion that next gen I may only play on one console. I probably won't get the game to Friday so I should be on this weekend (when I'm not watching the play offs). I'm telling you I'm a straight newb when it comes to sim racers so you guys will have to bear with me. But I like how this game seems to ease in the newbs so I'll be there. What's everybody plans for saturday?

[DrunkenThumbmaster]

QUOTE=ThaMaskedGamer]First, sorry to mislead you guys, I don't have the game yet. I am testing my wheel using the demo. I can not wait to get the real thing tomorrow, I have some running around to do in the AM and will pick the game up around 11 or 12 in the afternoon. I'll puts around offline for a minute, then i'll log into LIVE.

This game is only going up in the ratings as the reviews pour in, right now I think it is close to 95% after 16 reviews. That is just a phenomenal score, easily surpassing GT4's score. I never thought a sim racing game would get so much love from console reviewers, i'm quite shocked.

Methadone i'm actually quite fatigued of the Asian import scene, i'm ready for some Audi's, BMWs, and Porches. But this is great you can sell me a nice Skyline GTR and I can get you something in the European region. Now if someone can get me a 2005 Mustang, my plate will be quite full. Actually, i'm easy to satisfy the only cars I really want in the game are an Audi, Skyline and Mustang, i'm sure i'll plenty more that interest me, but ironically i'm not interested in the most powerful cars.


Okay, so let's get roll call started and see what we might be working with. Thus far, we have:

Myself, Codename Hav0k, European Region
Darwin, Methadone Man, Asian Region
Fivespot, FiveSKI, ?
P.O.D., Bemore, ?
Rogue Bounty Hunter, ?, ?

all committed. Then we have Glocky on the sidelines....get in the game man.

Glockstar, MrUnlucky, ?

Rogue Bounty Hunter are you online and interested in doing some VGR racing? If so, then let us know your gamertag.

Correct anything that might be wrong, and add anyone not on your friends list.

If you guys are all getting the game tomorrow come online and look for Methadone and myself. Now if we can get Tappy to put down Burnout3 and DTM to get back online, we'd almost have a car club.[/QUOTE]


Man I haven't been online much and when I have it's been during the day.I've been swamped me and some partners I have recently started a small real estate firm so that's where most of my time has been. There and my real job plus I've bought so many single player games this year between the 3 systems. I've come to a conclusion that next gen I may only play on one console (for the first couple of years anyway) just don't have the time. I probably won't get the game till Friday so I should be on this weekend (when I'm not watching the play offs). I'm telling you I'm a straight newb when it comes to sim racers so you guys will have to bear with me. But I like how this game seems to ease in the newbs so I'll be there. What's everybody plans for saturday?

[ThaMaskedGamer]

Yeah DTM don't sweat it man, i'm sure everyone will be just trying to learn the ropes and make it around in one piece. I know that's my plan. Saturday is a tough call, i'll be online at some point, maybe around 7pm after dinner.

Alright guys looks like for tonight it will be myself, Bemore, and Methadone, if anybody else can join us you are more than welcome. Most likely some of our XBL buddies will also be in the room, but they are cool guys too.

I'll post some impressions, lata!

[Fivespot]

Ok - I'll take the American class of cars since no one has spoken for it yet (or wants to :)

Like DTM, I'm also a newb w/sim racers so please be patient with me. On another downer note, I work my tale off and don't have too much time for gaming - so it may take me longer to reach milestones, earn cars, etc...

Regardless of all of that, I'm in there and can't wait to start playing it. I'll be online tonight at some point so please look me up if you do any multiplayer racing (and I'll do the same).

Later.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Rogue Bounty Hunter are you online and interested in doing some VGR racing? If so, then let us know your gamertag.

I'm not online with my Xbox, but I'm still getting the game, whenever GameRush decides to have it delivered :mad:

[Cuddly Knife]

I'm in the same boat as RBH. I'll have the game but D'OH! on the no LIVE.

Question about LIVE
Can you play and download all older titles that no one plays anymore?

[ThaMaskedGamer]

Answers about LIVE, no you can't download games or things from other people. That would be a cool feature, but nope.

About Forza, well we played last night from about 8pm until about Midnight. The game is incredibly incredibly smooth online, even smoother than TOCA2. No lag, NONE. No cars bouncing across the screen, no invisible contact zones. The only thing is each race takes about 30 seconds to load all the data from all the drivers. I was hosting for much of the night, then lost my connection, but the room didn't shut down, it automatically switched over to Methadone as the host.

We raced a variety of cars and tracks toward the end. At first the racing was really good as we were only doing one track and sticking to class D and C cars, which are slow. As we moved to new tracks and more powerful cars, the racing got a little sloppy, but only cause no one knew the tracks. We had ELO turned off and everyone was able to choose their own level of game assists. This is going to be a tricky option. Its going to be hard to tell when someone has game assists on or off, unless the room is rated. Tonight, I'll host a rated room, and maybe a career room, so that people can get points and cars while we race online.

Methadone, myself and FiveSKI showed up. Then we had a bunch of XBLGAMES guys show up also and some new guys. The room pretty much stayed full all night.

The game is excellent and i'm up early this AM so that I can eat, workout, play some guitar, take care of a little business, and then play FORZA till my kids come home. I think I was dreaming about the damn game.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Answers about LIVE, no you can't download games or things from other people. That would be a cool feature, but nope.

About Forza, well we played last night from about 8pm until about Midnight. The game is incredibly incredibly smooth online, even smoother than TOCA2. No lag, NONE. No cars bouncing across the screen, no invisible contact zones. The only thing is each race takes about 30 seconds to load all the data from all the drivers. I was hosting for much of the night, then lost my connection, but the room didn't shut down, it automatically switched over to Methadone as the host.

We raced a variety of cars and tracks toward the end. At first the racing was really good as we were only doing one track and sticking to class D and C cars, which are slow. As we moved to new tracks and more powerful cars, the racing got a little sloppy, but only cause no one knew the tracks. We had ELO turned off and everyone was able to choose their own level of game assists. This is going to be a tricky option. Its going to be hard to tell when someone has game assists on or off, unless the room is rated. Tonight, I'll host a rated room, and maybe a career room, so that people can get points and cars while we race online.

Methadone, myself and FiveSKI showed up. Then we had a bunch of XBLGAMES guys show up also and some new guys. The room pretty much stayed full all night.

The game is excellent and i'm up early this AM so that I can eat, workout, play some guitar, take care of a little business, and then play FORZA till my kids come home. I think I was dreaming about the damn game.


You guys played until Midnight??? I finally booted the game up at like 9:30, and I saw that you guys were online. After playing just one race on arcade I was effing up so badly that I felt I better practice some races before playing with you guys. I only played by myself for like 1/2 hour, and when I signed on Live you guys showed up as offline. Did you guys put your settings to off-line after like 10:15 or so? I guess that I should have just sent out an invite, but I figured that it was getting late. Btw---you must have wiped me off your friends list because you were not on my list, but Meth and Fiveski were still there.

Anyway, the game is extremely well-done, easy to pick up and play, but man is it tough to get used to. I am going to have to use the assists for a while, but I did warm right up to the manual transmission. I was pissed that I could not buy my STI right off the bat, though. I am stuck with a damn Civic Type R to start.

[ThaMaskedGamer]

You guys played until Midnight??? I finally booted the game up at like 9:30, and I saw that you guys were online. After playing just one race on arcade I was effing up so badly that I felt I better practice some races before playing with you guys. I only played by myself for like 1/2 hour, and when I signed on Live you guys showed up as offline. Did you guys put your settings to off-line after like 10:15 or so? I guess that I should have just sent out an invite, but I figured that it was getting late. Btw---you must have wiped me off your friends list because you were not on my list, but Meth and Fiveski were still there.

Anyway, the game is extremely well-done, easy to pick up and play, but man is it tough to get used to. I am going to have to use the assists for a while, but I did warm right up to the manual transmission. I was pissed that I could not buy my STI right off the bat, though. I am stuck with a damn Civic Type R to start.

As I said, I was hosting the room initially, but I got disconnected. When I came back online, I couldn't see Methadone Man online. I thought he got disconnected also, but it turned out he took over host of the room, I just couldn't see him. So maybe that's why you couldn't see him either. I was able to get back into the room via someone else who was in there on my list. I may have removed you prior, only because these lists fill up kinda fast and i've never played online with you. I'll make some space for you and add you back in, but I asked Meth and he didn't see you, we only saw Glocky and FiveSKI.

Don't sweat using assists, most of the people in the room were using some or all of the driving assists. I personally don't. Methadone had a good example as to one reason why it may be disadvantageous to use them. Once you take them off, the game is gonna be different. If you get use to driving with them off initially, you'll be good after a day or so and won't have to wean yourself off. Plus, you get more money.

I'll be online tonight, but probably not until 10pm or 11pm at night.

[The Prince of Darkness]

As I said, I was hosting the room initially, but I got disconnected. When I came back online, I couldn't see Methadone Man online. I thought he got disconnected also, but it turned out he took over host of the room, I just couldn't see him. So maybe that's why you couldn't see him either. I was able to get back into the room via someone else who was in there on my list. I may have removed you prior, only because these lists fill up kinda fast and i've never played online with you. I'll make some space for you and add you back in, but I asked Meth and he didn't see you, we only saw Glocky and FiveSKI.

Don't sweat using assists, most of the people in the room were using some or all of the driving assists. I personally don't. Methadone had a good example as to one reason why it may be disadvantageous to use them. Once you take them off, the game is gonna be different. If you get use to driving with them off initially, you'll be good after a day or so and won't have to wean yourself off. Plus, you get more money.

I'll be online tonight, but probably not until 10pm or 11pm at night.

You know you guys may be right about those assists. I am going to have a nice long session with the game tonight. At least better than last night for sure. I will be doing some serious experimentation with all of the options, as well as, trying to win some money. I did not earn too many credits last night so...

10pm-11pm huh? Well you may see me out there. It really depends how the evening goes. It is probably 50/50 that I will still be at it that late because I plan on hitting it hard early. If not when do you guys usually play on the weekend?

[Glockstar]

Sorry guys... didn't mean to be rude, but I don't have the game yet. I'll call up GameRush to see if they got it in for me today, but I'm not holding my breath.

The Raze's Hell instruction booklet says that I can leave voice messages - but I didn't see that option when I got your invite, Havok; alls I could do was either except it, decline it, or let it go. I'm guessing the message thing is available once you go into online multiplayer.(?)

And yeah, Bemore, I didn't see you online last nite either. I saw Havok, Methane, and Five, but I didn't see you.

-

Question about LIVE
Can you play and download all older titles that no one plays anymore?

Um... sorry CK, but I don't really understand the question.

If you mean, 'are all of the downloads that were made previously available, still available?',
then the answer is yeah.

If you mean, 'are all of the older XBL games (like Ghost Recon 1, MechAssault 1, and MotoGP 1) still supported by Live?', then the answer to that is yes, too. But it's questionable as to whether you'll find anyone playing one of those older games.

The <a href=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/live-top25games.htm?level1=enuslivehome&level2=topgames&level3=top25gameslist>Official Xbox website</a> tracks and posts the Top 25 most popular Live games, and here's the way that list looked as of 5/2:

Worldwide Rank This Week - Title - US Rank
1. Halo 2 - 1
2. Tom Clancy�s Splinter Cellc Chaos Theory - 2
3. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2 - 3
4. Tom Clancy�s Rainbow Six 3: Black Arrow - 4
5. DOOM 3 - 5
6. Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict - 6
7. Counter-Strike - 7
8. Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition - 9
9. Project Gotham Racing 2 - 18
10. Madden NFL 2005 - 8
11. MVP Baseball 2005 - 10
12. Tom Clancy�s Rainbow Six 3 - 14
13. MLB 2K5 - 11
14. ESPN NBA 2K5 - 12
15. ESPN NFL 2K5 - 13
16. Pro Evolution Soccer 4 - x
17. NBA Live 2005 - 17
18. WWE WrestleMania 21 - 15
19. MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf - 19
20. FIFA Soccer 2005 - x
21. Need for Speed Underground 2 - 17
22. Star Wars Battlefront - 23
23. Dead or Alive Ultimate - x
24. Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge - 21
25. World Championship Poker - 20

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Sorry guys... didn't mean to be rude, but I don't have the game yet. I'll call up GameRush to see if they got it in for me today, but I'm not holding my breath.

I think that's the main catch of wheeling and dealing with GameRush...the delivery date. My local GR should have my copy in today or tomorrow, but I honestly don't even feel like making the extra trip to get it right away. Unlike EB and Gamestop, GR doesn't sell your pre-ordered copy. It stays there until you get it.



So far, do you guys feel like Forza is the best Xbox racer?

[Fivespot]

You know you guys may be right about those assists. I am going to have a nice long session with the game tonight. At least better than last night for sure. I will be doing some serious experimentation with all of the options, as well as, trying to win some money. I did not earn too many credits last night so...

10pm-11pm huh? Well you may see me out there. It really depends how the evening goes. It is probably 50/50 that I will still be at it that late because I plan on hitting it hard early. If not when do you guys usually play on the weekend?

I'm in the same boat as you - Assists be me for awhile but MG & Meth are probably right, the more you get used to them the harder it may be to eventually switch over.

I'm new to sim racing altogether & also need to invest some more time to get up to speed with the other dudes (no pun intended). Wait, take that literally - I even got lapped last night although my first time playing Forza was online. I hadn't even fired up a single player match but had an invite the moment I threw the disc in. How can you resist that?

[Fivespot]

Oops, I didn't add my impressions.

Online was smooth as butter. I played only one race but it didn't even hiccup. The lobby was decent, but the gameplay was better. Multiplayer is going to be a blast when everyone learns how to play a little more as the tracks are kind of tight so the racing is pretty intense when trying to pass folks.

Played awhile on single player and the menu system is easy to use yet flashy and sophisticated with regard to all of the available options, stats, online stats, online ghosts, leaderboards, etc...

A couple of single player modes are available- Arcade where you can earn cars for winning a series of races (3 for the one I tried). Career mode with the usual sim like qualities except for that you can play single player online against others (haven't tried that yet).

Was it worth the wait and my $50 bucks? The answer is a definate yes. And finally - nothing is coming out for a little while so I can actually focus on one game exclusively without switching to every new game comin' at me. Of course I'll still play some Halo2 and Fight Night Rd 2 online as well.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Here's my impressions:

I SUCK AT THIS GAME!!!

Actually, I'm not so bad when it comes to the low power cars. Give me anything with more horsepower, and watch out wall, here I come. I'm not even talking about scraping the wall, it's full on smash. I seem to have a habit of neglecting the map in the upper left corner until it's too late. It may be due to enjoying the look of the game and trying to keep opponents from passing me.

Two things that stand out for me, besides the actual racing, is the fact that the music will keep playing, regardless of what you're doing. Also, the fact that there's a lot of cars already unlocked is a plus, especially when traveling with the game to a friends. I got sick of playing racers with a couple of cars unlocked and one or two tracks available at the start.

My only complaint? I think the game needed one more view that a little bit farther from the car.

[Darwin]

There might be something wrong with the friend's list and a few other Live features when logged into Forza. I noticed this last night and a little bit tonight.

There seems to be a delay in the friends list. I.e. friends stay appeared as "online" or in a room, even long after they've left. For example, last night I did stay logged onto Live until around 1:30 AM. There were still about 15 people on my friends list playing Forza right before I ejected the game disc ... or so it said. Then, after ejecting the game disc, I went into my friends list in the Xbox dashboard, and only 4 friends were online. It went from 15 friend to 4 friends in a matter of a few seconds. Obviously, these friends did not all log-off at the same time. I beleieve there is some kind of delay.

The delay also occurs when people quit out of a room. They will still be listed as participating in a room, long after they've actually left. Also, when codename HAVOK left the game and I became the new moderator, the game still listed codename HAVOK as the name of our room.

Another interesting phenonia tonight: I got an invite, but declined it, and then all the sudden my friends list seemed to "update". It's almost like this: whatever the status of all your friends are when you first log in, that is what remains on your list ... until you do something to update it.

Another problem: the feature to download people's replays and setups is not working.

Anyway, try this for yourself. The next time you decide to shut-down the game, take a look at your friend's list before you shut the game down. Then eject the disk and go into your dashboard and see if there is a difference.

[ThaMaskedGamer]

Yeah I couldn't make it online last night, but tonight I'll be online mos def. What kind of racing did you guys do last night Meth? ELO, CAREER, or just practice? If ELO or CAREER does it reward according to assist being on or off to at least even out if guys are using those features?

Rogue this weekend is looking good, probably Saturday evening for me. And Sunday afternoon, if I don't end up watching a game or going to do something outside. Its still kinda cold here in the Northeast, and the playoff's aren't heating up yet, so i'll likely be online Sunday afternoon.

For those guys struggling with the game, I don't really think you can bother with map. You are just gonna have to learn the tracks, and until you do, then you gotta just go slow. I wouldn't be concerned about winning yet, especially in a practice room. Just hang back and pick up the nuances of the track. You really don't have to be the fastest when we were racing most everyone went off the track multiple times, if anyone could've stayed on the track for a complete race, they would have been near the top or the winner.

[The Prince of Darkness]

I'm in the same boat as you - Assists be me for awhile but MG & Meth are probably right, the more you get used to them the harder it may be to eventually switch over.

I'm new to sim racing altogether & also need to invest some more time to get up to speed with the other dudes (no pun intended). Wait, take that literally - I even got lapped last night although my first time playing Forza was online. I hadn't even fired up a single player match but had an invite the moment I threw the disc in. How can you resist that?

I have pretty much gotten to the point of half on half off. I have the best line off and the traction control off, but I have to go with stability and abs on or things are just way too tough right now. Also, I am fully graduated to the manual transmission. Ski, I'll race with you man. I am pretty lame at the game too. I have not even tried Live yet, so I give ya kudos for that. Plus, I just read one of MG's posts in which he said that they are playing in a practice room. Right now I think that you are better off playing for credits because at least you can upgrade your car. Even if you finish lame in a race you will still get some credits for it. Hell, I put a new suspension in my Civic, and it is keeping me on the road a little better.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Yeah I couldn't make it online last night, but tonight I'll be online mos def. What kind of racing did you guys do last night Meth? ELO, CAREER, or just practice? If ELO or CAREER does it reward according to assist being on or off to at least even out if guys are using those features?

Rogue this weekend is looking good, probably Saturday evening for me. And Sunday afternoon, if I don't end up watching a game or going to do something outside. Its still kinda cold here in the Northeast, and the playoff's aren't heating up yet, so i'll likely be online Sunday afternoon.

For those guys struggling with the game, I don't really think you can bother with map. You are just gonna have to learn the tracks, and until you do, then you gotta just go slow. I wouldn't be concerned about winning yet, especially in a practice room. Just hang back and pick up the nuances of the track. You really don't have to be the fastest when we were racing most everyone went off the track multiple times, if anyone could've stayed on the track for a complete race, they would have been near the top or the winner.

Yeah it was single player for me last night. I have 2 questions for you. When you and your boys race on Live are you racing in career mode or what? Right now I don't see a whole lot of point to just racing in the free race mode. I mean even if you have an awful race you end up getting some credits especially if you have some of the assists off. They really don't deduct too much for damage(at least not yet for me anyway). Secondly, I just got an engine tune that increased my speed and acceleration, and I noticed that it bumped me up to C class. Does that mean that I now have restrictions when it comes to racing on Live? Should I have passed on that upgrade until I am a little better at the game?

[The Prince of Darkness]

Here's my impressions:

I SUCK AT THIS GAME!!!

Actually, I'm not so bad when it comes to the low power cars. Give me anything with more horsepower, and watch out wall, here I come. I'm not even talking about scraping the wall, it's full on smash. I seem to have a habit of neglecting the map in the upper left corner until it's too late. It may be due to enjoying the look of the game and trying to keep opponents from passing me.

Two things that stand out for me, besides the actual racing, is the fact that the music will keep playing, regardless of what you're doing. Also, the fact that there's a lot of cars already unlocked is a plus, especially when traveling with the game to a friends. I got sick of playing racers with a couple of cars unlocked and one or two tracks available at the start.

My only complaint? I think the game needed one more view that a little bit farther from the car.


You are not alone RBH. The game is a challenge beyond belief so far for me too. You have to scratch and claw for everything that you get, and man the AI is tough too. I mean once you finally get to the point where you can keep your car out of bad damage situations for the most part then you have to deal with those aggressive speed demons. I think that we should form the VGR Sucky Car Club, and that way we don't have to get spanked by all those 12 year olds out there on Live that just game all day long. Btw thanks a whole lot man. As soon as you brought attention to my O's they get shut down by the BlowJays.

[Fivespot]

I have pretty much gotten to the point of half on half off. I have the best line off and the traction control off, but I have to go with stability and abs on or things are just way too tough right now. Also, I am fully graduated to the manual transmission. Ski, I'll race with you man. I am pretty lame at the game too. I have not even tried Live yet, so I give ya kudos for that. Plus, I just read one of MG's posts in which he said that they are playing in a practice room. Right now I think that you are better off playing for credits because at least you can upgrade your car. Even if you finish lame in a race you will still get some credits for it. Hell, I put a new suspension in my Civic, and it is keeping me on the road a little better.

Sure, lets play some online - look me up or I'll do the same. I'm racing w/the manual tranny but are still using the other assists. Plan to ween myself off of them soon however.

A bud and I jammed multiplayer for an hour last night and I'm getting the hang of it now (assists aside). I also played single player for about 2 hours yesterday.

From now on, I'm going to read instructions before playing games. I often buy a new game & will never even open the instructions (why? I have no idea). So when I was racing the first night, I didn't realize it at the time but I was hitting the emergency brake thinking it was the regular brake - no wonder I kept sliding all over the place :)

Maybe we can all hook-up and play some over the weekend. I will certainly be online when time permits or at least will be available playing single player. XBOX Live Aware is a wonderful thing.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

You are not alone RBH. The game is a challenge beyond belief so far for me too. You have to scratch and claw for everything that you get, and man the AI is tough too. I mean once you finally get to the point where you can keep your car out of bad damage situations for the most part then you have to deal with those aggressive speed demons. I think that we should form the VGR Sucky Car Club, and that way we don't have to get spanked by all those 12 year olds out there on Live that just game all day long. Btw thanks a whole lot man. As soon as you brought attention to my O's they get shut down by the BlowJays.

One thing I did is try a free run around an oval track, using one of the cars that's one step down from being the best cars (the section with the really sporty looking cars that the Lamborguini would have been in). A few laps around that gave me a good impression of just how sensitive the Analog stick is for the game. I just hope I can apply that to an actual race.

Who was pitching for the Jays? If it was Roy Halladay, I can understand how the O's would get shut down. I don't know of anyone else from the Jays rotation that would give the Orioles offense a lot of problems.

[The Prince of Darkness]

One thing I did is try a free run around an oval track, using one of the cars that's one step down from being the best cars (the section with the really sporty looking cars that the Lamborguini would have been in). A few laps around that gave me a good impression of just how sensitive the Analog stick is for the game. I just hope I can apply that to an actual race.

Who was pitching for the Jays? If it was Roy Halladay, I can understand how the O's would get shut down. I don't know of anyone else from the Jays rotation that would give the Orioles offense a lot of problems.

The Jays took 2 of 3 from us. Halladay beat us in game 1 and Josh Towers(the former O) beat us in game 2. They were both lame low scoring games. In fact, in game 3 we were actually down 1-0 in the bottom of the 8th and we rallied for a 5-1 win. Oh well, the important thing is that we can score in bunches. Btw---the Twins come to town on Monday.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

The Jays took 2 of 3 from us. Halladay beat us in game 1 and Josh Towers(the former O) beat us in game 2. They were both lame low scoring games. In fact, in game 3 we were actually down 1-0 in the bottom of the 8th and we rallied for a 5-1 win. Oh well, the important thing is that we can score in bunches. Btw---the Twins come to town on Monday.


So the Twins come to town, huh? Well, I see a 3-game sweep coming in favor of Minnesota, especially if Santana and Radke are pitching. To be honest, besides Jones and Mauer, I'm not sure who is hot for my team. I do know that a pitcher failed the new 'roid test, though he should be suspended a lot longer.

[ThaMaskedGamer]

About the upgrades. You wanna be careful, if you move your car into another class, make sure it is what you intend to do, because you will be racing against class C cars now. If you did not intend to bump yourself up to the next class, then just remove the part that pushed you over the edge.

About racing in career mode online, yes, I think that is a good idea. The reason why we were practicing the first night, was just so guys wouldn't feel intimidated or feel the need to try and be number #1, I thought it would lead to more relaxed racing.

I'm actually about to go do some Forza now, probably online, so i'll see how career mode works out. Hope to see yous guys. Peaaace.

[Darwin]

Plus, I just read one of MG's posts in which he said that they are playing in a practice room. Right now I think that you are better off playing for credits because at least you can upgrade your car. Even if you finish lame in a race you will still get some credits for it.

When you play "online career" for credits, you only earn credits if you finish in the top 3. 4th and below get aboslutely nothing. At least that is what happened to me when I tried it.

[Darwin]

I guess I forgot how difficult these types of games are for people not used to them. I've done hundreds of hours of sim-based racers so it feels natural to me.

We could start up a private room and use it as a "training" room for the guys who are new to sim-based racing. Not meant to humiliate or to patronize, but to really teach. I remember that the relics on xblgames did this for MotoGP2 for any racers that were new to that game. Even after just a few hours, the new guys were getting much better. I will say this: you will learn faster if you get tips from guys online than if you just play through single player. I'm not saying that I am the greatest driver out there, but what tips I have I can certainly share.

It's just like when I pick up and play a fighting game or an arcade FPS like Halo 2. I am a total noob at these types of games.

[ThaMaskedGamer]

A few things. Online in career mode you can actually earn points after 4th place. Once I came in 6th place and earned points. Often in fourth I earned points. I think the trick is you have to finish the race, meaning once the winner crosses the line, everyone else has a limited amount of time to finish the race. The other trick I think might have to do with the assists you have on. Since I have all assist off I was still getting points for finishing out of the top 3.

Another thing, we really need to start a car club. I know we can count on Meth, and Glock its nice to see you with the game too. We also have a guy named Variance who is pretty solid, Liquid Arcadia(I think). Then if we can get FiveSKI and Bemore we'd be pretty solid to start off. The thing is i'm tired of having to race watching my back, I know I did this and Meth did this for TOCA2, and it really is annoying not knowing if you can trust the guy behind you. For the new guys, who are trying to learn, this will frustrate you when you race online. Its okay to be slow, the faster guys should be able to pass you cleanly, not bump you outta the way. And if you always have to worry that the guy behind you will bump you in a turn, it affects the way you drive.

We can either start a club, or just race some private, invitation only rooms.

Here is another thing you guys should all do. Get a least one, preferably two cars topped out for each class. At the moment I have two D-Class cars, one C-Class car, and one B-Class car. Now, I have other cars, but these are cars i've worked on. What you want to do is have a D-1 car, C-1 car, B-1 car etc. that you can rely on, that you've tweaked so that it feels solid for you.

My feeling is racing is about doing the best you can do, its not about winning. If you're good, then you will win, but maybe not everytime. If you are slow or learning, you should still be able to come and race and not feel intimidated. After all, like Meth said. If you can't race with people who are better than you, you won't get better, you won't pick-up tips. But if you race with people who are better and they just bump you outta the way, then you get frustrated and want to quit.

Early on, we always go through these initial problems. It happened with Motogp2, Toca2, and now Forza. But once we get rolling, we'll be able to log on in private rooms and race all night, start some competitions.

[Darwin]

We must be thinking alike. I started the process of choosing a primary car for each category. In fact, I think I'm going to try to do a front, rear, and all-wheel drive car for each category.

The nice thing about the upgrades is this: if you find a car that you feel handles well for you, you can just upgrade the hp to get your car into another class, while still retaining most/all of it's original handling. In fact, you can actually keep two copies of a car, keeping each in a different class. I found that I performed well in the Honda S2000. I maxed it out for the C class. I have enough extra money and will probably get a second S2000 and upgrade it with a turbo to put it in the B or A class.

Getting acess to the S and R classes for your own personal garage is going to take time. Most of these are locked and not available for purchase initially. You have to level up in order to be able to buy them. And then some are only available by winning something in career mode.

Want to earn a lot of money real fast? Start up an online career mode, pick that shorter oval track, set it to 10 laps. First place gets something insane like 60,000 credits. Other places still get a lot of money. And the race only takes about 8 - 10 minutes, depending on the class of car. (Just be sure to set your car up for oval racing before you start the room. Also, stay in the draft during the race).

In online rooms that have collisions on, there is a certain equilibrium that is achieved naturally. It occurs as the room does more and more races. What I mean is this: when you first start racing in a random room, you see more problems in the early races. Invariably, there is usually one or two guys who cannot race clean no matter what. And the rest of the guys are your average racers who do a moderate amount of contact. And, since nobody knows each other, there are a lot of assumptions at the start of a room. As the races go on, the host kicks the total idiots out, and the other guys do a little bit of bickering here and there. But this is natural and helpful. Sometimes all's it takes is a simple comment to someone (respectfully), and they realize they need to race a little cleaner. Also, as you race more and more, you get used to the other guys and begin to develop more respect. That also causes everyone to be more cautious. Also, you learn some of the guy's patterns, like if someone brakes later than you or moves over at a certain area. You then learn how to adapt if you are behind that person.

There are actually a few people on my friends list who I got into confrontations with upon my first races with them. But we learned to race together and now they are on my friend's list.

[Darwin]

Another thing, we really need to start a car club.

There are already several car clubs available for me to join right now. I am already thinking about what to do. Here are my thoughts on the subject.

Bottom line is this: I think any of us VGR guys who are wanting to be in a car club should go over to Xblgames.com and join their car club. Now, there are actually several car clubs based as xblgames, many are for members of a specific subset of that site (the Relics, the Younguns, for example). But, there is a general xblgames car club that already has 4 members, one of them a guy named Aldanex that I raced with a lot in Toca 2 and is considered to be a very clean driver. I believe this xblgames car club is open to any members of that site. And, signing up for the site is free.

The reason I say this is:
- xblgames.com is a site specifically dedicated to online gaming. They offer a better place to talk about Live gaming. Not dissing on VGR, but VGR is more of a generalized gaming forum, whereas xblgames is specific.

- previous attempts at doing clans or even setting up Live events through VGR have failed. Xblgames has a much higher sucess rate of getting Live events going, and even has a callendar to post events. Do you think we would have been able to sucessfully run the MotoGP2 and Toca 2 leagues on VGR?

- the VGR guys here that have Live and HAVE NOT yet seen xblgames should definitely check that site out. There are a lot of really cool gamers to meet on that site. You will find a lot more opportunitites related to Live on that site.

I don't think we should spread ourselves too thin. I just think it would be more sucessful to get anyone here at VGR who is interested in doing a car club to get an account at xblgames and ask to get into that club. I'm not saying we stop posting here. Not at all. I just think xblgames would service our Live needs better. And, joining a car club is not a major comittment. You can be a casual member of a club.

[ThaMaskedGamer]

<b>
In online rooms that have collisions on, there is a certain equilibrium that is achieved naturally. It occurs as the room does more and more races. What I mean is this: when you first start racing in a random room, you see more problems in the early races. Invariably, there is usually one or two guys who cannot race clean no matter what. And the rest of the guys are your average racers who do a moderate amount of contact. And, since nobody knows each other, there are a lot of assumptions at the start of a room. As the races go on, the host kicks the total idiots out, and the other guys do a little bit of bickering here and there. But this is natural and helpful. Sometimes all's it takes is a simple comment to someone (respectfully), and they realize they need to race a little cleaner. Also, as you race more and more, you get used to the other guys and begin to develop more respect. That also causes everyone to be more cautious. Also, you learn some of the guy's patterns, like if someone brakes later than you or moves over at a certain area. You then learn how to adapt if you are behind that person.</b>

Yeah this is all true, the problem is, you don't want to have to go through this process each session on LIVE. This is why private sessions is going to be the way to go. Far as the car club, XBL is always going to have more guys interested in this type of game, I agree. But it seemed like we were getting a lot of interest here and I don't know if the guys here would like to race against the XBL guys, they are mostly ultra competitive. But here is something that always had me scratching my head about the XBL games guys, they are ultra competitve, but in the past would never turn off assists, or use manual transmissions etc. But yes, we tried to do something with Motogp2 here and it failed, call me foolish, I was hoping Forza would be more popular.

Did you have success finding the wheel? You can actually still order it from Gamestop. I had to turn down the steering resistance, even though I liked it taught, I realized it was actually so strong it was costing me seconds in sharp turns. I set to a lower setting and its good now. Its funny about the car classes. I think you and I are alike in this manner, we both hate choosing the most powerful car, in terms of hp/accel/speed. I do not know if its cause I know everyone will eventually get it, or if I feel its cheating or too easy to win with a fast car. I have a seriously underpowered C-car(MR-2) and B-Car(NSX), yet I do not want to get a faster car. I know I must for online purposes though.

[Darwin]

Did you have success finding the wheel? You can actually still order it from Gamestop.

Its funny about the car classes. I think you and I are alike in this manner, we both hate choosing the most powerful car, in terms of hp/accel/speed. I do not know if its cause I know everyone will eventually get it, or if I feel its cheating or too easy to win with a fast car. I have a seriously underpowered C-car(MR-2) and B-Car(NSX), yet I do not want to get a faster car. I know I must for online purposes though.

No wheel anywhere in the WinterPark area. I tried 4 different stores, and they were the places that would have it. They had lots of other steering wheel, including the Madcats wheel ... but once you've played on a true force-feedback wheel like the logitec wheel for PS2, you just cannot use an inferior wheel. Besides, I've never liked any of my Madcat's peripherals. The Madcats wheel for Xbox is just like the Dreamcast one, and was rather mediocre.

Yeah, I've been trying to get cars that I want as opposed to what is considered the fastest. Apparently, there is one guy (a beta tester) going around setting all the top scores with just 3 or 4 cars in the game. I.e. he's got top scored with a CRX for all the D and C class scores of lap times on ALL of the tracks. I'm assuming that the CRX is very light and he has done some kind of engine swap. So now, everyone else is trying to copy that.

But, I have seen guys online racing that CRX and not all of them are winning. It depends on how well a person drives with that particular setup. For example, last night I purposely picked a car in the C class that not a lot of people are using: the Honda S2000. I then played around with the settings. I managed to get a lap time that placed me around 300 ranking for the C class at Laguna. 300 out of 8 or 9 thousand. Pretty darn good. And I took a look at the scoreboards and noticed that only one other player was using the S2000 who scored better than me. I also took a look at the other guys around me as well as my friend's scores. I was beating other guy's times with their CRX's. I.e. The CRX was not necessarily the best car. It also needed the driver to properly tune it and run it. I think that there is a lot of "sheep mentality" on racing games on Live. Early on, gamers see the top ranked guys using a particular car and then just copy that, instead of experimenting with their own. I remember in MotoGP 2 where the NSX seemed to rule the scoreboards for months .. and then someone named Eddy??? started pulling top times using an RC211. The Forza ranked system is pretty well ballanced. Yes, there may be one particular car in each class that may ultimately give the best lap time. However, I think you can still get a very good lap time using other cars as well. Look at Mr. Domino ... he's using an Impressa WRX in the C class and posting top-ten lap times, beating out a lot of guys using the CRX.

I have found more success with buying a car in the lowest sub-group of a rank (D4 or C4, for example) and then upgrading it to the top of it's class. I found this to be superior to buying a car that is already at the top of it's class. Why? Mostly because of the tires. If I buy a D1 car and put better tires on it, it usually bumps it up to the C class. I like the grippier tires. So, by buying a low sub-group car, it gives me more room to add stuff I want.

I also tend to buy cars that have a low weight. I learned many valuble lessons from GT4, one of them being this: hp don't mean **** if your car is a tank. Look at how versitile the CRX is. Its light weight makes is a great baseline car to start with. See, you can always add a ton of hp to any given car with upgrades. And, yes, you can do weight reductions. However, you can increase hp more than reduce weight in the upgrades. So, it is better to start with a lighter weight baseline car. Power to Weight ratio is so important.

[ThaMaskedGamer]

Well, looks like the VGR effort has run out of steam. After an entire weekend, the only person i've raced against online from VGR is Methadone Man. Ah well, I feel like Linus with the Great Pumpkin already. Well we had a good night of racing tonight, we raced D-Class cars once again. I think for VGR guys we might be reaching that point of no return because this was probably the last night we will do D-Cars for any significant amount of time. Next up is C-Class.

Methadone if you really want the wheel you should order it online from Gamestop's website. I think Gamestop is the only US retailer carrying the wheel if they don't have a store near you, you can get it online. You won't be able to trade in any games for it, I traded in a lot of stuff, but at least you don't have to pay taxes if you order online.

If you haven't raced it yet, practice Sunset Infield. Next time I host i'll be doing a lot of Sunset, Road Atlanta, Laguna Seca, Silverstone, Maple Valley Long, Alpine Ring, and Road America using C-Class cars and probably bumping up the lap count to 8 laps. The primary reason is to get more points and to reward better driving. Plus these cars are significantly faster. On some courses like Road America, i'll still keep it down to 5.

[Fivespot]

Well, looks like the VGR effort has run out of steam. After an entire weekend, the only person i've raced against online from VGR is Methadone Man. Ah well, I feel like Linus with the Great Pumpkin already. Well we had a good night of racing tonight, we raced D-Class cars once again. I think for VGR guys we might be reaching that point of no return because this was probably the last night we will do D-Cars for any significant amount of time. Next up is C-Class.

Methadone if you really want the wheel you should order it online from Gamestop's website. I think Gamestop is the only US retailer carrying the wheel if they don't have a store near you, you can get it online. You won't be able to trade in any games for it, I traded in a lot of stuff, but at least you don't have to pay taxes if you order online.

If you haven't raced it yet, practice Sunset Infield. Next time I host i'll be doing a lot of Sunset, Road Atlanta, Laguna Seca, Silverstone, Maple Valley Long, Alpine Ring, and Road America using C-Class cars and probably bumping up the lap count to 8 laps. The primary reason is to get more points and to reward better driving. Plus these cars are significantly faster. On some courses like Road America, i'll still keep it down to 5.

Sorry folks. I'd love to play more online with fellow VGRs but struggle to find the necessary free time. I played some over the weekend but only had time in the early mornings.

Owning a business, working a full-time job, and being in a band keeps my video game time to a minimum although I crave the opportunity to play more games for more time. I guess you can consider me a "casual gamer" although I have tremendous passion for it / just not enough time.

All my crying aside....... I turned off all assists Saturday morning and holy crap does that make quite a difference. My winning races stopped for a few hours after the assists were turned off and I had to re-learn how to drive in Forza. I'm still struggling to get as good as I was w/the assists on.

Has anyone else done this yet or does anyone drive w/all assists off? I'm curious to know which of you use the assists and which ones specifically. I'd hate to be dependent on any assist and then join an XBL game where they are all turned off and get my arse handed to me.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Sorry folks. I'd love to play more online with fellow VGRs but struggle to find the necessary free time. I played some over the weekend but only had time in the early mornings.

Owning a business, working a full-time job, and being in a band keeps my video game time to a minimum although I crave the opportunity to play more games for more time. I guess you can consider me a "casual gamer" although I have tremendous passion for it / just not enough time.

All my crying aside....... I turned off all assists Saturday morning and holy crap does that make quite a difference. My winning races stopped for a few hours after the assists were turned off and I had to re-learn how to drive in Forza. I'm still struggling to get as good as I was w/the assists on.

Has anyone else done this yet or does anyone drive w/all assists off? I'm curious to know which of you use the assists and which ones specifically. I'd hate to be dependent on any assist and then join an XBL game where they are all turned off and get my arse handed to me.

I am with you on the time issue. There was a time in my life when I probably put in like 20-25 hours a week to the vid addiction. Now I am lucky if I put in 5. In fact, this weekend with the weather being so nice I never even signed onto Live. I had a buddy who was dying to check out Forza and Jade Empire, so I took them over to his place on Friday night and...other than a small PsP session on Sunday night that was the extent of it. I expected that some of the folks around here would leave me in the dust, but I guess that I hoped that I would get a chance to at least race some with them.

As far as the assists go---I am still using the stability control and abs, but I have eliminated the suggested line and traction control.

[Darwin]

If you haven't raced it yet, practice Sunset Infield. Next time I host i'll be doing a lot of Sunset, Road Atlanta, Laguna Seca, Silverstone, Maple Valley Long, Alpine Ring, and Road America using C-Class cars and probably bumping up the lap count to 8 laps.

See you tonight. I will be on from 8 pm - midnight. So, if you open a room up and it's close to 8pm, reserve a friends slot for me.

Oh wait, you cannot reserve friend's slot for online career game.

[Darwin]

Has anyone else done this yet or does anyone drive w/all assists off? I'm curious to know which of you use the assists and which ones specifically. I'd hate to be dependent on any assist and then join an XBL game where they are all turned off and get my arse handed to me.

I turned off all the assists right from the beginning and set the AI to hard. If the AI starts hitting me too much in a particular race, I set the AI back to medium for that race, and then reset to hard afterward.

I'm used to no assists from the other racing games I've played.

It's not necessarily a pride thing. I beleive it helps replay value because it takes longer to get good at the game. It gives more of a sense of accomplishment.

Just so you know, about half of the guys on Live use driving assists of some type or another.

[ThaMaskedGamer]

That's why I wiped the slate clean, you guys thought I was jokin' when I said this was my last XBOX game. I know how much time the game requires, but I guess you gotta love sim racing to put everything else aside that's probably why its so hard for VGR guys to play sim racing online. The XBL guys that's all they do is sim race or sim shooters, guys here play a variety of stuff. So I kinda knew it would be hard to something VGR related, but you still gotta give it the ole college try.

I won't be on tonight Meth, maybe not tomorrow either. But definitely starting Wed thru Sunday night again I should be able to get in a few hours each night.

Until then good racing, and order the wheel man, you'll have it in a few days and be ecstatic.

Peaace.

[Darwin]

I won't be on tonight Meth, maybe not tomorrow either. But definitely starting Wed thru Sunday night again I should be able to get in a few hours each night.

Until then good racing, and order the wheel man, you'll have it in a few days and be ecstatic.

Peaace.

Understood. Family comes first, man. Anyhow, I want to work on some single player.

I've found my new love in Forza: finding the cars that noone else really wants and seeing if I can make them competative. There are a lot of guys trying to copy the top ranked guys, basically getting the CRX as their workhorse. I, on the other hand, am more interested in a variety of cars, using some of the ones that noone else is using.

Case in point: almost noone seems to be using that Toyota MRS. It's a D4 car, and a bit squirly because it's an MR car. But I loved that car in Metropolis Street Racer, so I decided to give it a try. I did a unique combination of upgrades and took it from a D4 class rating to an A1 rating. I then took it to the Tokyo track. Last night I was able to post a top 100 score. I was ranked 96 out of 8 or 9 thousand scores, and noone else was using my car. I was beating times posted by guys using the Ferarri F355 challenge car. My MRS car is super light, at only 1800 pounds. It has like 360 hp and the DOT tires. With a little bit of suspension tuning, I was able to get it more stable. It freakin rules.

I will try to order the wheel tonight when I get home.

[ThaMaskedGamer]

Understood. Family comes first, man. Anyhow, I want to work on some single player.

I've found my new love in Forza: finding the cars that noone else really wants and seeing if I can make them competative. There are a lot of guys trying to copy the top ranked guys, basically getting the CRX as their workhorse. I, on the other hand, am more interested in a variety of cars, using some of the ones that noone else is using.

Case in point: almost noone seems to be using that Toyota MRS. It's a D4 car, and a bit squirly because it's an MR car. But I loved that car in Metropolis Street Racer, so I decided to give it a try. I did a unique combination of upgrades and took it from a D4 class rating to an A1 rating. I then took it to the Tokyo track. Last night I was able to post a top 100 score. I was ranked 96 out of 8 or 9 thousand scores, and noone else was using my car. I was beating times posted by guys using the Ferarri F355 challenge car. My MRS car is super light, at only 1800 pounds. It has like 360 hp and the DOT tires. With a little bit of suspension tuning, I was able to get it more stable. It freakin rules.

I will try to order the wheel tonight when I get home.

I wasn't able to come online tonight, but I was able to squeeze in some single player action too. Man, I feel bad, everyone is moving up into the performance cars. I have unlocked a boat load of cars, including some GT cars. But, haven't used them. I'm trying to finish all the D-Class races. But everytime I do, another series opens up. I'm doing the Challenge class races now. Its pretty cool because you have to race over about 6 tracks and you do anywhere from 5 to 9 laps depending on how short the track is. You get points for each race, so its a series. I did that tonight and won a Shelby Ford GT. My Audi TT is murder, the AI on the most difficult setting can't touch me and I had a 10 second lead at one point in that 5 lapper on Laguna Seca the other night.

But it sounds like you Jedi Master, are honing your skills too. That Toyota you got over there sounds like a deadly weapon. Can't wait to see it in action. I don't know, yet, what car i'm going to use in the A-Class. Speaking of the Toyota MR cars, I have the T-BAR MR2 as my main C-CLASS car, the one I was using a few nights ago online. I've revamped it and its smooth as silk and really steady, its slow though. I'll see what I can do with it in the C-CLASS races against the AI. I know online it will perform well simply cause it brakes straight(even when I stand on the brakes) and handles well(no more cap'n Fishy), what I lack in top speed i'll make up in consistency. I also have an Audi S4 in the C-CLASS, its pretty much opposite my MR-2, great speed and acel, but bad manners in the corners and braking. Then I bought another Audi S4 which I plan to upgrade into a B-1 performer, to go along with my NSX I have ready for the B class, I like the Audi's as you can tell, blame it on the movie RONIN. I think I can get that Audi to kick azz in the B-CLASS, its acel/speed is great out the box, of course once I chop off some weight, get some downforce, it'll handle well, and then put some more power into it, it should at least be an interesting and different car to drive in that class. But A-1, man I have no clue what i'll use.

Those guys online are always going to try the easy way out, but most of them are going to get the cars they see with top marks and still get smoked online. If there are 9,000 times up already in the A-Class, my guess is most of those times don't mean anything. Its just guys using assists and driving lines jumping to try out the faster cars.

I see now where they are getting the 57 tracks from. There are a bunch of point to point A to B courses. Some pretty nice courses with great scenery. Within career mode online though, they can't be accessed. You have to do regular racing to use them. Man, we've barely scratched the surface here. This game is overwhelming, i'm grateful it didn't come out over the holidays. I wouldn't have been able to give it the total devotion I am now. Did you ever finish Close Combat?

[yacobschlomo]

That's why I wiped the slate clean, you guys thought I was jokin' when I said this was my last XBOX game. I know how much time the game requires, but I guess you gotta love sim racing to put everything else aside that's probably why its so hard for VGR guys to play sim racing online. The XBL guys that's all they do is sim race or sim shooters, guys here play a variety of stuff. So I kinda knew it would be hard to something VGR related, but you still gotta give it the ole college try.

I won't be on tonight Meth, maybe not tomorrow either. But definitely starting Wed thru Sunday night again I should be able to get in a few hours each night.

Until then good racing, and order the wheel man, you'll have it in a few days and be ecstatic.

Peaace.

I would probably like to race with you guys online some time. Let me know when you guys plan to play. I've been pretty busy lately so I haven't even had the chance to play the game that much yet. I still need a lot of practice.

[The Prince of Darkness]

So the Twins come to town, huh? Well, I see a 3-game sweep coming in favor of Minnesota, especially if Santana and Radke are pitching. To be honest, besides Jones and Mauer, I'm not sure who is hot for my team. I do know that a pitcher failed the new 'roid test, though he should be suspended a lot longer.

Well a sweep for the Twins will be pretty tough to pull off now. Cabrera really shut you guys down last night. In fact, that was the first time the Twins have been shut out all year long. Cabrera will definately be our ace one day. That guy is a real beast when he has his good stuff. Of course, another homer for Tejada last night too. It certainly helps when you are leading the league in pitching and...have the undisputed early season MVP on your roster.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Well a sweep for the Twins will be pretty tough to pull off now. Cabrera really shut you guys down last night. In fact, that was the first time the Twins have been shut out all year long. Cabrera will definately be our ace one day. That guy is a real beast when he has his good stuff. Of course, another homer for Tejada last night too. It certainly helps when you are leading the league in pitching and...have the undisputed early season MVP on your roster.

It's about time Baltimore has someone else who can be considered their ace besides Ponson, who is big enough to play for the Ravens defensive line. Your guys took game one, but we have Radke on the mound tonite. I expect the Twinkies to even up the series.


Enjoy the pitching while it lasts.

[Darwin]

But it sounds like you Jedi Master, are honing your skills too. That Toyota you got over there sounds like a deadly weapon. Can't wait to see it in action.

Did you ever finish Close Combat?

Perhaps it's a deadly weapon in Toyko. But when I put my MR-S onto the Maple Valley track, it's no longer a deadly weapon, more like a train-wreck. Tokyo has tight turns that you take at slower speeds. No problem for the MR-S. But on Maple Valley with those longer sweeping turns, my car's backside slides out almost every turn. I may have to develop two differnt car setups for the MR-S, one for street tracks and one for the rest. I suspect if I start messing around with the tire pressure, rear wing, and anti-roll bars that I may be able to get it under control.

Isn't it amazing how the same exact car can either kick ass or suck depening on which track you run on and how your car is setup? There is probably more to this game than people first see.

I didn't progress far into Close Combat's single player. It's so much more fun to play online.

[The Prince of Darkness]

It's about time Baltimore has someone else who can be considered their ace besides Ponson, who is big enough to play for the Ravens defensive line. Your guys took game one, but we have Radke on the mound tonite. I expect the Twinkies to even up the series.


Enjoy the pitching while it lasts.

I don't know. I am not really sold on Radke. I think that we can get to him tonight. Now tomorrow night is Santana. That could be a problem for us.

[ThaMaskedGamer]

I would probably like to race with you guys online some time. Let me know when you guys plan to play. I've been pretty busy lately so I haven't even had the chance to play the game that much yet. I still need a lot of practice.



I'll most likely be online tomorrow night. In fact, after tonight, I can probably be on any evening until Sunday. Though I probably won't be on every evening.

Send us your gamertag.

Try and get a class C car, as I think we will be running those this week. So what you want to do is get a C-1 car. You will likely have to get a good D-1 car also.

[ThaMaskedGamer]

Perhaps it's a deadly weapon in Toyko. But when I put my MR-S onto the Maple Valley track, it's no longer a deadly weapon, more like a train-wreck. Tokyo has tight turns that you take at slower speeds. No problem for the MR-S. But on Maple Valley with those longer sweeping turns, my car's backside slides out almost every turn. I may have to develop two differnt car setups for the MR-S, one for street tracks and one for the rest. I suspect if I start messing around with the tire pressure, rear wing, and anti-roll bars that I may be able to get it under control.

Isn't it amazing how the same exact car can either kick ass or suck depening on which track you run on and how your car is setup? There is probably more to this game than people first see.

I didn't progress far into Close Combat's single player. It's so much more fun to play online.

I was able to play some this afternoon. Ran some pretty good times. I was logged in, so it posted my times. On Alpine Ring I ranked #111 using my Audi S4. I ran Laguna Seca, but didn't finish it, my car was too loose. So I tweaked it, but had to get offline. I also tested out my class B Audi S-4 on the Sunset Infield. It was pretty fast against the AI, I was able to come in second with no tweaking. I had too much downforce on the car so I was getting smoked on the straight. I was finally able to put some D.O.T. tires on a car and use it. The S4 is kinda heavy though, and my NSX is under powered in this class. I have to find a new B car. I might buy another MR-2 T Bar and push it to B-1 or a LOTUS. I bought an old Porche 911 too, so I might try that out too.

Oh yeah, we should do some Close Combat this week. You will like the ending, it got pretty damned intense.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

I don't know. I am not really sold on Radke. I think that we can get to him tonight. Now tomorrow night is Santana. That could be a problem for us.

Well, the series is now tied at 1-1, with Santana up on the mound for the Twins vs Ponson. I expect the Twins to win this one, but I wouldn't be shocked if it is close.

If we end up beating the crap out of Baltimore for the reason of the year, I still want to see the O's in the postseason.


That's why I wiped the slate clean, you guys thought I was jokin' when I said this was my last XBOX game.

Are you sure? Moto GP 3 comes out soon, and it's a good racer (though hard as hell). I wouldn't be surprised if you decide to pick this game up.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Well, the series is now tied at 1-1, with Santana up on the mound for the Twins vs Ponson. I expect the Twins to win this one, but I wouldn't be shocked if it is close.

If we end up beating the crap out of Baltimore for the reason of the year, I still want to see the O's in the postseason.


Not only did we choke that game away last night, but we lost our centerfielder for 6 weeks or more. Did you see that game? We got hosed by the ump in the bottom of the 8th, granted though we should have put them away even with the bad call.

As far as tonight goes it will go one of two ways and probably no in between. Either we will lay down or we will be just fuming over what happened last night and we will kick arse.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Not only did we choke that game away last night, but we lost our centerfielder for 6 weeks or more. Did you see that game? We got hosed by the ump in the bottom of the 8th, granted though we should have put them away even with the bad call.

As far as tonight goes it will go one of two ways and probably no in between. Either we will lay down or we will be just fuming over what happened last night and we will kick arse.

I wasn't able to watch last night's game. I forgot the name of the CF you're talking about, but with him and Sosa out, that's gotta hurt your outfield depth. B. J. Surhoff is a goot pinch hitter and once in a while starter, but I don't see him as putting up good numbers consistently at this part of his career. As long as the pitching holds up, and Mora, Tejada, and Roberts stay healthy, the O's should do fine, except for tonite. I'm hoping for a Santana shutout for payback of the shutout Cabrera pitched on Monday.

[yacobschlomo]

I'll most likely be online tomorrow night. In fact, after tonight, I can probably be on any evening until Sunday. Though I probably won't be on every evening.

Send us your gamertag.

Try and get a class C car, as I think we will be running those this week. So what you want to do is get a C-1 car. You will likely have to get a good D-1 car also.

I won't be able to get online until almost midnight today. I should be able to get online for a while Thursday and Friday night. I'll be using my nephew's account. I believe his gamertag is Yingyourwang. I'll have to check and make sure though.

[The Prince of Darkness]

I wasn't able to watch last night's game. I forgot the name of the CF you're talking about, but with him and Sosa out, that's gotta hurt your outfield depth. B. J. Surhoff is a goot pinch hitter and once in a while starter, but I don't see him as putting up good numbers consistently at this part of his career. As long as the pitching holds up, and Mora, Tejada, and Roberts stay healthy, the O's should do fine, except for tonite. I'm hoping for a Santana shutout for payback of the shutout Cabrera pitched on Monday.

Facing one of the 5 best teams in baseball, no Sosa, facing their two best pitchers and we get two of three. In fact, probably one blown call from the sweep. I will take it any day, but now we face another tough challenge in Chicago.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Facing one of the 5 best teams in baseball, no Sosa, facing their two best pitchers and we get two of three. In fact, probably one blown call from the sweep. I will take it any day, but now we face another tough challenge in Chicago.

RBH's lame excuse: Uh...oh, it's early in the season. Those games don't mean all that much in May. Wait until my guys get into mid-season form, then we will see. We will throw shutouts and no-hitters on Baltimore all day long......


I hope your O's get at least 2 of 3 from the ChiSox, since the Twins will need to keep up with them. For some reason, the Twins always seem to do better during the 2nd half of the season (ever since they won 15 straight before going on to win the '91 WS). I figure if we are close to the Sox by All-Star break, we should go on another one of those runs, though I would rather not have to depend on that.

It's a good thing that Baltimore's success isn't dependant on Sosa, because he hasn't been his usual self so far. If he finally starts to get back to his old form, Baltimore should have no problems staying in the playoff race.

[The Prince of Darkness]

RBH's lame excuse: Uh...oh, it's early in the season. Those games don't mean all that much in May. Wait until my guys get into mid-season form, then we will see. We will throw shutouts and no-hitters on Baltimore all day long......


I hope your O's get at least 2 of 3 from the ChiSox, since the Twins will need to keep up with them. For some reason, the Twins always seem to do better during the 2nd half of the season (ever since they won 15 straight before going on to win the '91 WS). I figure if we are close to the Sox by All-Star break, we should go on another one of those runs, though I would rather not have to depend on that.

It's a good thing that Baltimore's success isn't dependant on Sosa, because he hasn't been his usual self so far. If he finally starts to get back to his old form, Baltimore should have no problems staying in the playoff race.

Yeah we are going to have to wait and see because it is so early. I will say this much though. I doubt very much that all of the elite teams in the AL figured that they would have us to worry about. I would bet that they figured that we were still a year or two away. It will make the wildcard race interesting this year. Probably at least a few real quality teams are going to get left out this year. As far as Sosa goes---I was pretty much kidding you. I really don't expect much from him. In fact if you remember correctly the only reason that I was actually for the O's getting him was because the price was right. I would have been super pissed if we had mortgaged the farm for him. Hey, btw, the word around here is that we are looking at Shea Hildebrand(or whatever his name is). Man talk about adding another great hitter to an already ridiculous lineup.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Yeah we are going to have to wait and see because it is so early. I will say this much though. I doubt very much that all of the elite teams in the AL figured that they would have us to worry about. I would bet that they figured that we were still a year or two away. It will make the wildcard race interesting this year. Probably at least a few real quality teams are going to get left out this year. As far as Sosa goes---I was pretty much kidding you. I really don't expect much from him. In fact if you remember correctly the only reason that I was actually for the O's getting him was because the price was right. I would have been super pissed if we had mortgaged the farm for him. Hey, btw, the word around here is that we are looking at Shea Hildebrand(or whatever his name is). Man talk about adding another great hitter to an already ridiculous lineup.

Was Jerry Hairston the only player the O's gave up for Sosa? I think that indirectly had an effect on Brian Roberts. With no one cutting into his playing time, he was probably able to relax more and just play ball. If Sosa gives the O's anything (20+ HRs 80+ RBIs), the deal is a steal.

Hildebrand? Doesn't he play with either Toronto or Arizona? That would be good news, but honestly, I would like the O's to get another good arm, even if the pitcher becomes a free agent by the end of the year. The O's fans deserve a chance to pay for high priced tickets for the playoffs this year :D

[Glockstar]

I just crossed the 4 hour mark - so I think it's about time I gave my Impresssions. I wanted to do so earlier, but those would have just been initial reactions. I'm glad I waited, because my first reactions were less than favorable. But what did I know.

That said, some of my initial impressions still stand:
* The graphics are just okay - or to put it another way, they are less than impressive.
* The soundtrack sucks!
* The replays suck.

And there's still a big part of me that wants to cry out, 'This game is a jack of all trades, master of none!' - so I feel I should oblige. Oh... guess I just did. :p

No, but seriously, I can't help but be reminded of almost every single Xbox racing game I've played. TOCA 2 and Pro Race Driver... the Moto GPs... the PGRs... the Rallisports... NFS:U... CMR... Indy Car Series... and most of all: Sega GT. Because with almost everything Forza does, I'm recalling how one of those games did it better. For example: TOCA 2 = better online; MGP = better online scoreboards; Sega GT = better replays.

However, don't take that as a terrible knock. Because none of those games try to do as much as Forza does.

Right now, I'm playing Forza like it was PGR. I'm all about collecting cars at this point in the game. Other than putting on new tires, I'm not going to modify anything and I'm especially not going to touch the customization part of the game until I get all the cars I want.

Up until I purchased the new Ford Mustang (I know Darwin, I know, I hate Ford just as much as you do - but you gotta admit, these new Mustangs look sweet!) I was thinking that PGR 2 was the better game. But now, Forza is fun! I think I'm different than everybody else in that I like the RWD cars.

Where I'm at in the game...
Miles driven: 318.2
Time spent: 4h 42m (hey that's what the game is telling me)
Completion/Arcade: 23.5%
Completion/Career: 2.5%
Level: 10
Winning Pct.: 5.8%
Region: North America
5 cars in garage...
~ '04 PT Cruiser GT - 230+ cars and I choose the car that I drive in real life! :p (Though mines not a GT.)
~ '05 Pontiac GTO - my first purchase*
~ '05 Ford Mustang GT - my second purchase*
~ '02 Toyota/Tom's z382 Soarer - awarded after Level 5
~ '02 Honda/Mugen Integra Type-R - awarded after Level 10

* These, along with the upcoming '06 Dodge Charger, are the cars that I'm thinking about making my next (real-life) vehicle. :p Too bad the Charger isn't in the game tho'. :(

Also...
~ Using the ole "Big Duke" as my controller (like it for racers)
~ And am 80% difficulty (everything turned on to "sim", except the AI - which I have set to "medium".)
~ Have the in-game sound turned all the way down - so that I can listen to the engine
~ Have the menu music set to custom soundtrack (the music that comes with sucks!)

Oh and one more thing...
~ I suck.

Hey guys... TPoD, Five, yacob... Darwin and TMG are talking about joining some big-whoop professional-type car club, which we casual types would never get into - so if you guys want to form our own club (you can only be in one at a time)... ;)

[yacobschlomo]

Hey guys... TPoD, Five, yacob... Darwin and TMG are talking about joining some big-whoop professional-type car club, which we casual types would never get into - so if you guys want to form our own club (you can only be in one at a time)... ;)

Just let me know if/when you plan to play. I never go online with the Xbox, so I just need to know when you guys plan to play so I can get on at the same time.

I still pretty much suck at the game. I'm a lot better at the arcade racing games like Project Gotham. I always find myself taking turns too fast and spinning out. I still need a lot of practice. I'm at level 10 right now.

I also have TOCA if anybody is still interested in playing that.

[ThaMaskedGamer]

Yacob I will be on this afternoon, Sunday around maybe 4pm. Just add my gamertag as follows:

codename HAV0K just remember that is a ZERO in HAVOK not an O


Glock, you aren't the only one, I think most people prefer the RWD cars. Its just that in class D there are probably more or as many FWD cars. I'm not driving any FWD cars now in Class C and Class B.

Also, TOCA 2 had more cars online, but Forza is much smoother and lag free online. I've played TOCA2 a thousand times online. First, there is this invisible contact zone in TOCA2, that thankfully is not in Forza. Next, there is no lag like in TOCA2,