Forza Motorsport 4

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Excellent racing sim that's easy to play but has open chat.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Forza Motorsport 4 is a straightforward racing simulation. Players participate in several races and other events such as "hot lap" challenges to unlock more cars and boost their driver's experience. The game features crashes but the results are unrealistic, which could leave young kids with the impression that crashing isn't dangerous. The game is playable online with open chat, a feature Common Sense Media does not recommend to children under the age of 12.

  • Sometimes, driving aggressively is required to win races, so players may do things such as bump other cars to gain an edge. Also, the consequences of crashing are not represented realistically so children could come away with an unrealistic expectation of what happens in a crash.
  • Since driving aggressively is encouraged, this game doesn't offer great role modeling, but it is up to you as a player to determine your driving style.
  • The beauty of this game is it can be tailored to fit any comfort level. Players can use motion controls to simply steer cars, or enter more complex options that involve fine tuning your car. The default controls are simple as well, and the game starts with a tutorial race to help players adjust.
  • There is some bumping of cars while racing and crashing, but no one is seriously hurt.
  • Not applicable.
  • Not applicable.
  • Many car manufacturers are represented, such as Toyota, Honda and Ford. Players will also spot billboards and other advertisements.
  • Creates privacy and safety concerns: The game features open, online chat during multiplayer races so that players may hear offensive language and be asked personal questions by strangers.

What's it about?

FORZA MOTORSPORT 4 is a racing simulation where players get behind the wheel of countless cars and participate in races and world championships. After each event, players will gain driver experience and affinity points for manufacturer loyalty. Outside of World Career mode, an Autovista mode lets players explore cars more closely, while the multiplayer component allows players to race others online.


Is it any good?

 

Forza Motorsport 4 is a gorgeous, gratifying, and accessible racing game. The graphics are realistic and the variety in cars and tracks based on real locations around the world keep things fresh. But its flexibility with controls invites players of any skill level to enjoy and become enamored with sleek, speedy cars. Players can go from simply steering vehicles to taking full control, right down to fine tuning tire pressure and other specifications. Forza 4 is arguably the best racing title available.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about how the races here compared to real-world races. What makes them similar or different? What are the consequences of crashes here versus in real life?

  • How does the type of driving in a racing game compare to standard driving?


This review was written by Brett Molina
Parent
February 23, 2012
 
way to bad for kids
bad game

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 12 years old
May 8, 2012
 
my experience with the game
there is no violence besides crashing and there is no blood, cursing or fire but it can be a little hard it also teaches kids about flags and countries

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 13 years old
March 27, 2012
 
Ok For Anyone
Forza 4 is a great game that is fine for anyone. If you don't want your kids to play online, then just cancel Xbox Live! If you don't want them to crash, encourage slow driving without opponents!

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 10 years old
March 26, 2012
 
WOW
Amazing graphics and stunning scenery.Loads of cars to choose from.With this game u will never get tired!

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Brett Molina
Topics:cars and trucks
Platforms:Xbox 360
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Racing
Developer:Microsoft Studios
Release date:October 11, 2011
Price:$59.99
ESRB rating:E

This review was written by Brett Molina

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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