Forza Motorsport 7 (2017)
Released in October 2017 for the Xbox One and Windows 10, Forza Motorsport 7 represented a culmination of the series' advancements over more than a decade. Developed by Turn 10 Studios, this seventh installment sought to deliver the most comprehensive and visually stunning racing simulation to date. Forza Motorsport 7 was acclaimed for its expansive content, realistic physics, enhanced customization options, and its impressive visual fidelity. The game also marked the series' full embrace of the Windows 10 platform, providing cross-play capabilities between Xbox One and PC players.
Stunning Graphics and Visuals
Forza Motorsport 7 pushed the graphical boundaries with its ultra-high-definition visuals, supporting native 4K resolution at 60 frames per second on the Xbox One X. The game featured meticulously detailed car models, dynamic lighting, and highly realistic track environments. The use of advanced graphical techniques, such as physically-based rendering and improved textures, contributed to a visually immersive experience.
Massive Car Roster
At launch, Forza Motorsport 7 included over 700 cars from more than 90 manufacturers, making it the largest car roster in the series to date. The selection ranged from classic cars and modern sports cars to exotic supercars and specialized racing vehicles. Each car was intricately modeled to replicate its real-world counterpart’s appearance and performance, providing players with a diverse array of vehicles to choose from.
Realistic Physics and Handling
The game continued the series' tradition of delivering realistic driving physics, developed in collaboration with professional race car drivers and automotive engineers. The physics engine accurately simulated tire grip, weight transfer, suspension behavior, and aerodynamics. The improved physics model provided a more authentic and engaging driving experience, catering to both casual players and hardcore racing enthusiasts.
Dynamic Weather System
Building on the dynamic weather introduced in Forza Motorsport 6, Forza Motorsport 7 featured an even more sophisticated weather system. Players could experience a wide range of weather conditions, including rain, fog, and thunderstorms, which dynamically affected track surfaces, tire grip, and visibility. The inclusion of puddles and standing water that could cause hydroplaning added an extra element of strategy and challenge.
Night Racing
Forza Motorsport 7 continued to offer night racing, allowing players to experience the thrill and challenge of racing under reduced visibility. The game’s lighting system created realistic night-time environments, requiring players to rely on their headlights and adjust their driving style accordingly. The combination of dynamic weather and night racing provided a varied and immersive racing experience.
Diverse Tracks and Locations
The game featured 32 tracks with over 200 different configurations, including iconic real-world circuits and fictional tracks. Notable tracks such as Le Mans, Nürburgring, and Suzuka Circuit were included, alongside new additions like the Dubai Street Circuit. Each track was designed with attention to detail, providing varied and challenging racing environments.
Improved Multiplayer and Community Features
The multiplayer component of Forza Motorsport 7 was robust, featuring both online and offline modes. Players could join public or private lobbies, participate in organized events, and compete in leagues. The game also introduced new social features, allowing players to join and create clubs, share custom liveries and tuning setups, and participate in community challenges.
Enhanced Audio
Forza Motorsport 7 boasted an enhanced audio experience, with each car’s engine note accurately reproduced. The game’s sound design included environmental sounds, such as tire squeals, collisions, and ambient noises, which added to the immersion. The audio team worked closely with manufacturers to capture authentic sounds, ensuring that each car felt unique.
Innovative Features and Game Modes
Forza Driver’s Cup
The Forza Driver’s Cup was the primary career mode in Forza Motorsport 7, offering a structured and engaging single-player experience. Players could progress through a series of racing events and championships, earning credits and unlocking new cars and upgrades. The Forza Driver’s Cup was designed to provide a sense of progression and accomplishment, with a variety of race types and challenges.
Forzathon Events
Forza Motorsport 7 introduced Forzathon events, which were time-limited challenges that allowed players to earn exclusive rewards, such as cars, credits, and customization items. These events added a layer of engagement and excitement, encouraging players to participate regularly and test their skills in unique scenarios.
Enhanced Customization
The game featured enhanced customization options, allowing players to modify their cars in great detail. Players could upgrade engines, suspension systems, tires, and aerodynamics to enhance performance. The game’s livery editor was also expanded, enabling players to create intricate designs and share them with the community. This deep level of customization ensured that each car could be tailored to suit individual driving styles and preferences.
Forzavista Mode
Building on the success of Forzavista from previous titles, Forza Motorsport 7 expanded this feature, allowing players to explore and interact with more cars in detailed virtual showrooms. Forzavista included narrated tours that provided insights into the design, history, and performance of each vehicle, offering an educational and engaging experience.
Cross-Platform Play
Forza Motorsport 7 fully embraced the Windows 10 platform, providing cross-play capabilities between Xbox One and PC players. This feature allowed for a larger and more diverse player base, enhancing the multiplayer experience and fostering a sense of community.
Mod Cards
Forza Motorsport 7 introduced Mod Cards, which added an element of strategy and risk-reward to the game. Mod Cards could be used to modify races by adding challenges or changing conditions, such as increased difficulty or specific performance targets. Successful completion of races with Mod Cards could yield greater rewards, adding a layer of depth and replayability.
Legacy and Impact
Forza Motorsport 7 was a critical and commercial success, praised for its stunning visuals, expansive car roster, realistic physics, and dynamic weather system. The game received numerous awards and accolades, reinforcing Forza Motorsport’s reputation as a leading force in the racing simulation genre.
The introduction of dynamic weather and night racing significantly expanded the gameplay variety and replayability, setting a new standard for realism in racing games. The cross-platform play capabilities allowed for a more inclusive and interconnected player base, enhancing the multiplayer experience and fostering a vibrant community.
Despite some initial criticisms regarding microtransactions and the implementation of loot boxes, which were later addressed by Turn 10 Studios, Forza Motorsport 7 is remembered as a comprehensive and polished racing simulation that pushed the boundaries of the genre.
Forza Motorsport 7 represented a significant advancement for the series, delivering a comprehensive and immersive racing experience. Its dedication to realism, innovation, and community involvement ensured its place as a beloved and influential entry in the Forza series. Despite the challenges faced by Turn 10 Studios in balancing content and monetization, Forza Motorsport 7 remains a key milestone in the evolution of racing simulations, remembered for its contributions to the genre and its impact on the gaming community.