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Forza Motorsport 3

(2009, Video Games - Racing, Rated E, Play it on: Xbox 360)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    Extraordinarily good racing game -- but has open chat.

In this game kids can:   improve hand-eye coordination, play multiplayer games, race

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–18

The good stuff

  • Ease of play:

    The game lets you select whether you want driving aids to help you with auto-braking and gear-shifting, and such, or if you want more of a real simulation experience.

  • Educational value:

    Players can learn about cars types. They can also learn about the handling of different models, car parts and how they work, paint jobs, and so on.

  • Role models:

    As there is no avatar in the game, players themselves act as the game's primary character. As such, it's up to them to decide whether they will race safely or aggressively. Note that the game discourages contact with other cars, leveling cash penalties at the end of the race for any damage incurred.
 

What to watch out for

  • Online interaction:

    This game allows for open voice communication between players, which could result in children hearing inappropriate language or swapping personal information. Also, players can create their own "vinyl" car decorations and sell them to others via virtual money. These vinyls could contain inappropriate images or words. Common Sense Media does not recommend open online play for children under 12 years of age. The online interactions can be a blast for adults, though.

  • Messages:

    It could be argued Forza Motorsport 3 encourages real-world street racing, but that would be a stretch. Still, kids could get the wrong idea about how cars should be driven. Note that the game does not show the real impact of crashes, so children could get the impression that crashes aren't all that serious.

  • Violence:

    Cars can smash into one another and take damage that affects both their cosmetics and performance. Drivers are never injured in crashes.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    It is possible to hear other players swear in an online multiplayer match, but I didn't hear any profanity in our testing.

     

     

  • Consumerism:

    The game features hundreds of real-world car licences. There are also in-game ads (billboards, primarily) from companies like Puma.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Forza Motorsport 3 was written by Marc Saltzman

Parents need to know there is little to be concerned about with Forza Motorsport 3. However, keep in mind that players using the online mode can communicate with one another via headsets, and there is no one moderating what's being said during online multiplayer matches. We didn't hear anything inappropriate in our testing, but the potential exists. Also be aware that while vehicles get banged up and can even break down after an accident, the drivers always go unscathed. This could give children unrealistic expectations as to the consequences of high speed car crashes.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about whether they prefer over-the-top arcade racing games -- where you can do things in a car you can't do in real life -- or the challenge of a real simulation. This game is more of the latter, though there are many aids you can turn on to help win races.
  • Families can also discuss the consequences of vehicular accidents. Forza Motorsport 3's depiction of crashes suggests that cars can smash into solid barriers at speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour without its occupant suffering any sort of serious injury. What do you think would happen to a real-world driver who experienced a similar sort of accident?
  • Parents who have teens learning to drive may want to consider a study that suggests playing some racing games can lead to taking more driving risks in real life and share it with their children.
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More on Forza Motorsport 3

What’s the Story?

This Xbox 360 exclusive lets you slip behind the wheel of 400 tune-able dream machines -- be it an American muscle car, sleek European sports coupe or high-tech Asian import -- and tackle more than 100 real-world tracks road courses from around the world. While the game offers truly photo-realistic graphics (featuring 10 times the car detail over its 2007 predecessor) and with many more camera angles to choose (such as a "cockpit" view), its savvy UK developers also made the cars feel like the real deal thanks to authentic physics and handling. That said, those who need driving assists can turn them on with the press of a button. Plus, if you really screw up on a turn you can hit the "back" button to rewind the race a few seconds. Close

Is It Any Good?

Easily the finest racing game of the year. Racing fans waiting for a thrilling racing sim with all the trimmings won't be disappointed with this deep driving simulator. In addition to multiple solo races, Xbox Live subscribers can take advantage of 8-player matches and tournaments over the Internet, along with downloadable extras and the ability to share custom paint jobs with other racers. Taking the game online brings it to a whole new level, and the races are fast and furious despite the fact you might be driving against players across the country. If you must buy one racing game this year, Forza Motorsport 3 is it.

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Publisher’s Details

Released on 10/27/2009, price $59.99, online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for (No Descriptors))

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    kyle young
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0

    its perfect for any1

    i think its jus a racin game its fine and its fun

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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