Microsoft sent some information and media out today showing off the Japanese tracks and fine automobiles that will be available in Forza 3 this October. I'm the last guy you'd want to speak authoritatively about racing games of any stripe, so I'm just going to let them do the talking for me. I'll give you one hot image first, though.
OK, tracks!
Suzuka Circuit: Put your skills to the test on one of the oldest, most famous and dangerous motorsport race tracks in Japan. One of the big dogs of Japanese tracks, the 3.608-mile course requires cat-like reflexes as its 17 turns, highlighted by the quick transitions of the “S” complex, the Turn 11 hairpin, and the tricky Casio Triangle will keep drivers on their A-Game. But don’t fear the throttle, as there are numerous high-speed sections that demand a total commitment from your weighted leadfoot.
Twin Ring Motegi: Motegi is where the Japanese get their groove on, NASCAR-style. The venue, built by Honda in 1997, is home to a 1.549-mile oval and a 2.98-mile road course. It has held a NASCAR exhibition race in 1998, was part of the CART circuit from 1998 to 2002 and then it went to host the IRL in 2003. In 2008 Danica Patrick made headlines, becoming the first woman to win an Indy Car race at the Indy Japan 300, the only event currently held on the egg-shaped oval. The Motegi road course doesn’t have the elevation changes of some of the other Japanese circuits but features an intoxicating blend of tight corners and high-speed sweepers. Motegi is the last race on the Super GT schedule so this track is a mix of handling and speed that will take a balanced vehicle and skilled driver to get around cleanly.
Tsukuba Circuit: Home of the famous Revspeed Super Battle, the original time attack that hit the Japanese tuning scene in 1990, and D1 Grand Prix drifting events, Tsukuba hums to an underground soundtrack where other Japanese venues feature a much more mainstream beat. Consequently, Tsukuba rewards agility over brute power so gamers who can hit their apexes and keep the momentum rolling should do well on this track. If you drift, welcome to heaven.
Please allow me to rattle off some of the fancy-sounding racing machines that are included in Forza 3 before I show you the screenshots. The Subaru Impreza WRX STi. The Lexus IS F. The Nissan 370Z. The Yaris S. Wait. I know enough to know that one of those does not belong.
