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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Marc Saltzman

If you think you've got what it takes to drive competitively, you can put your clutch where your mouth is with Microsoft Game Studios' FORZA MOTORSPORT 2, a high-definition sequel to the hit 2005 racing simulator. Microsoft Xbox 360 gamers can collect and customize more than 300 of the world's hottest cars -- from Ferraris to Porsches to Lamborghinis -- and take on tough opponents on dozens of real-world tracks.

At first, you have access only to a few training courses and a small stable of vehicles, but place in the top three and you'll unlock more exciting tracks and tournaments, as well as new race cars, which are divided into six production classes. Microsoft tapped automotive engineers and professional drivers to re-create a realistic racing experience. But you can have Forza 2 play more like an arcade game than a hard-core simulation by letting the computer aid in gear-shifting, braking, and other automated options.

Is It Any Good?

5

One of the most enjoyable parts of Forza Motorsport 2 is customizing your vehicles. You can unlock licensed rims and other aftermarket body parts, dabble with a custom paint and decal job, and tune your cars in one of four performance upgrades. After you've created the ultimate showpiece, you can go online for head-to-head races via the Microsoft Xbox Live service ($49.99 a year).

You can watch others compete with the TV spectator mode. A virtual Auction mode lets you bid on rare or custom-made cars (in exchange for game credits) or you can create an auction of your own. Whether you use the Xbox 360 wireless controller or the preferred Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel ($129), Forza Motorsport 2 feels as good as it looks -- and it's quite the looker with near-photorealistic cars, tracks, and scenery. Add a truckload of cars to collect, virtually limitless customization, and deep online options and you've got one of the finest Xbox 360 games to date.

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