Tech Blog

L ast month at the X'09 Canada event I was given the rare opportunity to test drive Turn 10 's new racing simulation game Forza Motorsport 3 . Not even a week later I was given a second opportunity to play the game at the Future Shop Red Carpet Event . I feel a bit spoiled though because both preview events had the racing game connected to fully equipped racing cockpits with built-in force-feedback driver seats and 5.1 surround sound . The X'09 set-up even came complete with three HD monitors that served as your front windshield and side windows providing a realistic, panoramic experience . Above is a picture of the souped-up racing seat .

While at the Future Shop Red Carpet Event I couldn't resist filming a short one minute clip of the Forza Motorsport 3 racing seat , check out what it looks like in action :

I must say , racing in that kind of environment was thrilling and completely immersive . It's a shame that the Forza station probably costs several thousand dollars . Maybe it's a blessing in disguise though , I'd probably never leave my gaming room if I had that monster installed in it .

By now you've probably heard the hype surrounding this game , it's hard not to considering how often Microsoft has been touting the game features . This exotic racecar game will come packed with more than 400 fully customizable automobiles on over 100 renowned real-world tracks and road courses from around the globe . During an interview at E3 2009 , Turn 10's Director , Dan Greenwalt , revealed that the updated physics engine in the game will allow for much more realistic collision detection , damage calculations , and even the ability to flip your car over . The development team has painstaking modeled each in-game car after its real-world counterpart , including authentic interiors , how each car handles through corners , how the engines rumble at top speed or how different tires impact your car ’ s performance .

Forza Motorsport's graphics have long been a series draw and this iteration features ten times more polygons in each car model and four times the texture resolution than Forza 2 . The game runs at a smooth rate of 60 frames per second and a native resolution of 720p . From my time with the game what this means is one of the most realistic looking racing game to date on any home console . The only simulation racing game I've played that even comes close to matching the graphics of Forza Motorsport 3 would be Sony's Gran Turismo 5 : Prologue . There have already been a number of comparison videos circulating the internet , such as this one on GameTrailers , but really , graphically they're so close I call a tie .

Aside from all the games on display at X'09 Canada , the coolest part had to be the real-life Forza Motorsport 3 automobile that awaited just outside the exit -- a high performance Audi R8 V10 sportscar . The vehicle was freshly waxed and gleamed no matter what angle you looked at . After standing in awe for a minute or two it was a little disheartening knowing that I'd be riding home in a dingy subway car . Le sigh .

To help build anticipation for Forza Motorsport 3 , Xbox Canada is giving Canadians the opportunity to get behind the wheel before the game launches and have a chance to win the ultimate Drive Your Dreams experience consisting of an Xbox 360 Elite Console , an Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel , and a Limited Edition Forza Motorsport game , and a 12-Month Xbox LIVE Gold Membership . Not only that , the grand prize winner will also receive a gift certificate for the “ Thrill of a Lifetime ” package at the Bridgestone Racing Academy located in Lindsay , Ontario redeemable at a time of the winners choosing and an Expedia Travel Voucher to be used for travel to Bridgestone Racing Academy . The approximately retail value of the total prize is $ 3 , 660 CAD .

To enter the contest , all you need to do is register onsite at the Forza 3 Drive Your Dreams Experience occurring at the Canadian National Exhibition in parking lot # 2 in Toronto , Ontario on October 24 ^th , 2009 .

There will also be ten secondary prizes which include a Limited Edition Forza Motorsport 3 game ( approximately retail value of $ 89.99 ).

Toronto
October 24th 2009
12 : 00 – 17 : 00
The Better Living Centre , CNE Grounds

Click here for a map

For more information you can check out the official contest website or the event page on Facebook .

Forza Motorsport 3 is developed by Turn 10 Studio and published by Microsoft Game Studios . The game will release in North American on October 27 , 2009 .