Xbox Live users have been given the opportunity to test drive Forza Motorsport 6 prior to its official release in two weeks time. After I allowed the 12GB download to wrap up overnight, the demo was ready and waiting for me this morning. I took control of the brand new 2017 Ford GT, which you have instant access to in the full game. The race took place in the newly-refurbished Rio De Janeiro circuit, making a comeback from the original Forza Motorsport released ten (!) years ago. Like in Forza Motorsport 5, all the assists are turned on and Drivatar difficulty is on a low setting by default in the first race. This enabled me to pass all the opponents before the halfway mark and have time to admire the detail, since the assists could keep me on track as I turn my attention elsewhere!
Forza Motorsport 6 is a visually stunning game and what makes the graphics better than its predecessor is that the light rays have been toned down so you are not constantly blinded by the sun. The sounds are just as good as you would expect from a Forza game with the Ford GT providing a throaty V6 roar accompanied by a pair of whistling turbos. With all the assists on, now wouldn't be a good time to judge the physics, so let's move onto the next race to get a better feel.
The next stage of the demo details career mode in the full game. Forza Motorsport 6 appears to have a more structured approach than FM5 with the player gradually gaining access to more expensive cars rather than being able to choose any championship at the start. In order to qualify, 3 races had to be completed. The player is able to choose from a handful of cars - I went with the 2014 VW Golf R, a new vehicle to the series. The first qualifying round took place in the Lime Rock circuit - at this point I was able to turn off the assists and really see what the physics are like. I felt grip levels were higher here than they were in Forza Motorsport 5 - Even with simulation steering on, the handling was nowhere near as frisky as it used to be. After a clean victory, we move onto the next race.
Stage 2 of qualifying takes place in Abu Dhabi at night. If you thought the track looked good during daylight, you better check it out under dark skies! It is such a gorgeous track and the game has done an excellent job of capturing that atmosphere. In this race we are introduced to mods; assists players can select to enhance their ability or boost rewards. You are only allowed to select the 3 cards in the demo just to give you an idea of their function, but expect the full game to have a much wider variety of mods.
Once stage 2 is complete, you get the opportunity to take part in a showcase event - the only event available was a 7-lap IndyCar race at Daytona. The key to winning here is slipstreaming your opponents as you are travelling at over 230mph, where a slight mistake could spell disaster. Despite having to control an open wheeler at such high speeds, the real challenge came up in the final stage of qualifying - a event in Sebring Circuit struck with heavy rain.
Although I'm back in the VW Golf R, the car feels very different on wet surfaces - it is more eager to slide around the track and braking distances have become much longer. What's also impressive is that you need to develop a new racing line at times as puddles can be in inconvenient locations and totally take control of your car, leaving you somewhere you wouldn't want to be. I'm surprised I haven't seen this much physical weather detail in a game since Project Gotham Racing 4 but I am glad Turn 10 has taken the opportunity to implement rain in Forza Motorsport 6 to a high standard.
So Forza Motorsport 6 is shaping up to be another stellar sequel to Microsoft's highly-rated racing series. It is also worth nothing that Turn 10 have been extremely generous in the amount of content they have showcased in the demo - other than a taste of career mode, you unlock Rivals mode once you have completed the three qualifying events which give you the opportunity to set hotlaps and compare your times to players all over the world. Wheelspins from Forza Horizon 2 have made a return and you get the chance to obtain a prize every time you increase your driver level. In my two spins I was awarded with a BMW M4 and 1,000,000 credits! I know they mean nothing but having that transferred into the full game would be more than welcome! If you liked the demo or just interested in Forza Motorsport 6, be sure to pick up a copy on September 15th (or 10th if you have ordered the early access edition.)
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