Nice write up as usual Chunx... lets see if the fanboys on both sides can keep a open and productive mind and either enjoy both games or not.

BTW, just to clarify FM4 wasn't really announced... just a remake of FM3 using the new Kenetc control free system, which I personally think is stupid, but we will see.

Actually, I have read recently that FM4 is coming in 2011. One article I read this weekend has abruptly disappeared on me, so I don't know if I just can't find it or if it got pulled down. But there is this one: http://vgtribune.com/forza-4-to-be-released-in-2011/ and a quote from a Turn 10 press release:


Although everyone was focused on Kinect car control for Forza (in our case like a sickening train wreck we couldn't pull our eyes from), there were other aspects to a new Forza game that were there. One could infer that Turn 10 is working on something to "up the ante" over the release of GT5, with upgraded visuals, maybe some tweaks to the user options and interface, more cars, etc. I don't know what that might entail, and I suspect Turn 10 wants to be mum until they're set to announce (maybe at E3 2011?).

I also have a hunch that FM4 won't be Kinect-only. I suspect (okay, really hope and pray) that just as FM3 had an option for a wheel or gamepad, the new title would have the option for Kinect, or other more traditional control methods - you know, one's where you have control over the throttle and brake... Also, Turn 10 mentions using Kinect as a head-tracker like TrackIR, just as GT5 is doing with Sony's motion control system.

Also interesting is the timing of the MS FFB wheel's demise. It's no longer shown on the MS Xbox site in the product listing. Perhaps we might see a new wheel from MS in 2011, timed to release with FM4? One can only hope, and given MS's track record that might be a big hope, but it does seem plausible if FM4 is indeed on the way.

But that is all gross speculation at this point. It'll be interesting to see how Forza deals with the GT5 challenge, and how it incorporates Kinect. So long as no stupid decisions are made (air driving only, loss of gameplay options) competition like this is win/win for the race sim hobbyist.

Great writeup, makes me wish I had a PS3. I would say I am disappointed in the initial reaction from the rally cars, but honestly rally needs it's own game. Having it tacked on as an additional feature in a circuit racing game just isn't the place for it.

As an xbox fan, I just don't see how they can compete with GT5. Sony did it right by allowing wheels to be easily developed for the PS3. Now that MS is no longer making wheels and only Fanatec is offering a limited production xbox wheel, I just don't see how they hope to capture the sim segment.

Perhaps the amount of console owners that want to use wheels is way smaller than I think it is?

I think the console racing gamer who-wants-a-wheel segment is small. Relatively small, compared to all console gamers and casual racers. But I suspect it is a significant number, enough to easily keep Logitech in the business, and Thrustmaster, and smaller companies like Fanatec as well. And that's what we as hobbyists care about - keeping the hobby alive!

Both the Forza and GT lines of video games have had graphics and driving dynamics well handled for a long time now. The real area where both lack has been in the gameplay, race event structure, event design, car acquisition system, etc. In short both are very pretty car-collecting and driving games... but actually dreadfully short on quality when it comes to be RACING games including AI opponents.

nice writeup!

A few things I would like to see in GT5...
decent physics
good FFB
Race Start options ( rolling side-by-side, standing side-by-side)
ability to choose car(s) for AI (online and offline)
option to have AI online to fill out grid

Concur, Patrocles and Frederf. I love the physics in FM3 (so long as I don't oversteer out of a corner, then the 'hand of god' gently keeps me from over-doing it), but it lacks the ability to structure a race to meet your desires. Which is why I pretty much just do hot lapping sessions with it, to savor the graphics and the physics.