Joystiq

Microsoft trademarks 'Forzavista'

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:00:00 EST

Microsoft has filed a new trademark for the word "Forzavista." Using our detective-like intuition, we've determined it probably has something to do with the Forza Motorsport series, possibly something that will be revealed during tomorrow's "Xbox Reveal" event. Further speculation points to a renaming or expansion of the series' "Autovista" feature, which allows players to get up close and personal with many of the game's cars (including Halo 4's Warthog).

Okay, so it's not so much speculation as it is exactly what's described by the trademark itself. Specifically, the trademark refers to "A feature of interactive video game software which allows players to obtain statistical information of internal and external features of a vehicle and to virtually navigate and operate those vehicles."

Be sure to tune into Joystiq on Tuesday, May 21, for more live coverage of Microsoft's event than you can shake a stick shift at.

Microsoft trademarks 'Forzavista' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forza Motorsport 4 review: Hybrid synergy drive

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 03:01:00 EST

Simulation games, be it racing-simulators, flight-simulators or farming-simulators, always run the risk of designing themselves into corners and alienating potential players. These types of experiences are a challenge to craft, as implementing a feature for the die-hard enthusiast often means sacrificing something designed for the novice or hobbyiest.

No one seems to have told Turn 10 how impossible a task the all-encompassing simulator is, however, and as a result Forza Motorsport 4 provides the same challenging, exhilarating racing experience to each and every player who gets behind the proverbial wheel.

Gallery: Forza Motorsport 4 (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading Forza Motorsport 4 review: Hybrid synergy drive

Forza Motorsport 4 review: Hybrid synergy drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kinect motion controls coming to Forza

Mike Schramm — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:48:00 EST

Filed under: News, In The News, Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Microsoft announced at this morning's E3 event that the Kinect system will interact with very popular Forza series. So we'll get this out of the way right now: yes, you will be able to play Kinect Forza. Whew -- glad we could get that one out.

And you won't just be driving with a nonexistent steering wheel -- Microsoft showed someone actually walking around and inspecting the car with the Kinect system, as well as opening up the hood, waving a hand to shut the doors, and hovering a virtual cursor over various parts to open up menus of information. Turn 10 is developing, and a release date was given as 2011, but it's not clear yet whether this is added functionality to a current version of Forza, or a completely new game. We'll let you know when we do.

Kinect motion controls coming to Forza originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forza Motorsport 3 $10 off on Amazon

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:45:00 EST

A quick note for any driving simulation fans that have yet to dive into Forza Motorsport 3: Amazon is currently offering Turn 10's latest opus as a Gold Box deal. The game is selling new for $49.99, making it $10 cheaper than the retail price. Of course, if you've waited this long without picking up a new copy, you could probably pick up a used copy for less. Then again, there's no telling whose grubby little fingers have been groping those, so new certainly has its advantages.

Forza Motorsport 3 $10 off on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Forza 3/Bayonetta hardware bundle coming to Japan

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:45:00 EST

There's a new Xbox 360 bundle headed to the land of the rising sun, and it's oddly appropriate. Spotted by Siliconera on Japanese retail site Famicom Plaza, the bundle -- apparently slated for an April 28 release -- includes an Xbox 360 Elite with the usual trimmings, along with Forza Motorsport 3 and Bayonetta.

While the pairing might seem strange at first, think about it. What it amounts to is cars and overtly sexual women, which have enjoyed a symbiotic relationship on magazine covers since time immemorial. The bundle clocks in -- get it, racing? -- at ¥29,000 ($312). Siliconera notes that both games normally retail for around $75, making this a pretty good deal for prospective 360 owners in Japan.

Rumor: Forza 3/Bayonetta hardware bundle coming to Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forza 3 Road & Track DLC out now

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:46:00 EST

Good news for the digital gearheads and livery artists out there, as new DLC for Forza Motorsport 3 is available on Xbox Live Marketplace. Up for grabs is the Road & Track Pack, which is being released in cooperation with Road & Track magazine. The pack includes ten new cars for 400 ($5).

As usual, Turn 10 is also offering a free sample car, the adorable MINI Coupé Concept seen above, to give players a taste of the content included in the pack. See the full list of cars below and check out stats for each on the official Forza website.

2010 Volkswagen Golf R
2009 Holden HSV w427
2010 Ford Taurus SHO
2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
2010 Renault Megane RS 250
2010 Vauxhall Insignia VXR
2010 Mini Coupé Concept
2010 Bentley Continental Supersports
2010 Mazda MX-5 Superlight
2010 SEAT Leon Cupra R

Xbox.com: Add The Road & Track Car Sample to your Xbox 360 download queue
Xbox.com: Add The Road & Track Car Car Pack to your Xbox 360 download queue ($5)

Forza 3 Road & Track DLC out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox Live April schedule: Final Fight, Mega Man 10 DLC

David Hinkle — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST

Microsoft has unfurled some of its plans for Xbox Live downloadable content for April, including new additions to Games on Demand and Deals of the Week, as well as the April 14th release of Final Fight: Double Impact.

On top of that, look for a half-priced The Maw on the week of April 12 and two add-ons for Mega Man 10 this week: Bass and Special Stage 1. Head past the break for the full list.

Gallery: Final Fight: Double Impact

Continue reading Xbox Live April schedule: Final Fight, Mega Man 10 DLC

Xbox Live April schedule: Final Fight, Mega Man 10 DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forza 3 Jalopnik DLC hits XBLM

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:15:00 EST

The previously announced Jalopnik DLC for Forza Motorsport 3 is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. The pack includes 10 cars, which were chosen by the editors of Jalopnik.com, and include "some of the most coveted 2009 and 2010 models." The pack contains the following cars:

2008 Mazda Furai
2010 Jaguar #33 Jaguar RSR XKR GT
2009 Ford #40 Robertson Racing Ford GT Mk7
2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage
2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic
1992 Bugatti EB110 SS
2011 BMW Motorsport Z4 sDrive35is
2010 Audi TT RS Coupe
2010 Aston Martin Rapide
2010 Honda Mugen Civic Type-R 3D

The car pack costs 400 ($5), but you can also grab a sample -- the 2010 Honda Mugen Civic Type-R 3D -- for free. Head over to the Forza Motorsport website for more info on each car.

Shortcut: Add the Jalopnik Car Pack to your Xbox 360 download queue [Via Xbox.com]
Shortcut: Add the Jalopnik Sample Car to your Xbox 360 download queue [Via Xbox.com]

Forza 3 Jalopnik DLC hits XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forza 3 Nurburgring GP Circuit track DLC out now

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:45:00 EST

Attention gear heads and livery lovers, there's a brand new track available for Forza Motorsport 3. The Nürburgring GP Track Pack is now out on Xbox Live Marketplace. As the name suggests, the DLC gives players access to the Nürburgring Grand Prix Circuit, offering both short loops and full loops for races. Should you be interested in laying some rubber on this track, or just showing off your latest artistic creation, Nürburgring will run you 400 ($5).

Shortcut: Download the Nuburgring GP Track Pack [via Xbox.com]

Forza 3 Nurburgring GP Circuit track DLC out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forza 3 director on 60fps, Gran Turismo 5

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST

VG247 has posted an interview with Forza Motorsport 3 director, Dan Greenwalt. Perhaps the most interesting bit is Greenwalt's explanation of why developer Turn 10 was so intent on making the game run at 60 frames per second. According to Greenwalt, racers that run at 30fps have "visual shuttering artifacts," which developers are forced to cover up with motion blur. This, he said, takes up GPU resources for other features. Beyond that, he noted that the 60fps benchmark was essential to the "feel" of the game and the responsive nature of the controls. "I'm sure you would get a similar response from Infinity Ward regarding Call of Duty," said Greenwalt.

When asked what he thought about Gran Turismo 5, and whether he was looking forward to it, Greenwalt said that "all good game developers look at what their competitors are doing." He stated that he has been "a long-time fan" of the series, though he added, "At this point, after so many missed releases, it's nearly impossible to say what GT5 will be or when it will ship." That said, Greenwalt believes that Gran Turismo 5 will be "a good racing game." Not exactly "No game competes with us," is it?

The interview also covers some interesting statistics, like the fact that players have driven over 1.1 billion miles in online Forza 3 races. Check out the full interview for more stats and insights on the game's development.

Forza 3 director on 60fps, Gran Turismo 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forza Motorsport dev working with Natal tech

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST

It may not be the most shocking turn of events, but we would be remiss not point out that Turn 10 -- the studio behind the Forza Motorsport series -- is dabbling in Natal development. The evidence comes by way of a Turn 10 job listing for a business development manager. The listing, discovered by Total Video Games, is looking for someone to "set strategy and drive high quality game content for our Next Generation games including the NATAL platform."

Considering that Forza Motorsport series is the only product that Turn 10 has created for Microsoft thus far, it's probably safe to assume Natal support will work its way into future iterations of the series. Microsoft has already proven that Natal can be utilized in driving games with its Burnout Paradise demo, though its hard to imagine the motion capture peripheral will have the precision for something as technical as Forza.

But who says Natal has to be used for steering? It could be used for secondary activities like shifting, changing the radio station or, most obviously, flipping the bird. We're sure Xbox Live members would just love it.

[Via G4tv]

Forza Motorsport dev working with Natal tech originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forza 3 sales surpass 1m units; premium DLC released

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:30:00 EST

[Paul J. Taylor]

Since its late October launch, Forza 3 has sped into over 1 million homes worldwide, marking a commercial milestone for Turn 10's critically acclaimed racer. In conjunction with today's release of the game's second and now premium DLC car pack (the first one's always free, ain't it?), dubbed "Hot Holidays," Microsoft has tallied up some Forza 3 stats.

According to the publisher, players have so far tracked 6.6 million hours and 590 million collective miles -- no word on flats or oil changes. Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg tweets that "more than 4M [million] auction bids" have lead to "$18.7 billion" virtual dollars spent (we have to imagine at least a billion went to that gorgeous coop pictured above). Of course, Microsoft has its eye on the real dollars, offering today's 10-car pack for 400 ($5). The full list of cars is posted after the break.

Additionally, a second premium pack has been confirmed for January 12, and -- wouldn't you know it -- that date coincides with the kick-off of the Detroit International Auto Show. You think that was planned?

Gallery: Forza 3 DLC -- Hot Holiday pack

Continue reading Forza 3 sales surpass 1m units; premium DLC released

Forza 3 sales surpass 1m units; premium DLC released originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Genesis Coupe coming to Forza 3 for free

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:05:00 EST

In one of those "We feel sort of gross about this, but it's okay 'cause we get something cool for free" kinda ways, Microsoft today announced a partnership with Hyundai to bring the Genesis Coupe to Forza 3 as DLC on November 17. And not just one measly version, but three: a Rhys Millen Racing Red Bull Hundai Genesis Coupe, an HKS Genesis Coupe, and a "one of a kind" Genesis Coupe will arrive as a pack - free of charge! And though the name Hyundai may not exactly be synonymous with high speed racing, we're assured their modded counterparts will help to clear any misconceptions.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe coming to Forza 3 for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forza 3 limited edition premium theme not so limited anymore

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

We're not sure if it was intentional, or if someone at Microsoft pulled the wrong lever, but the Forza 3 LCE premium theme -- previously reserved exclusively for those that bought the collector's edition -- is now available to the masses for free. We're guessing this was probably a mistake, as the theme is only showing up on the Xbox.com Marketplace, and we were unable to find it in XBLM on an actual console. If you really like Forza, or you just like cars, you'd best get it now before someone in Redmond gets wise.

Add the Forza 3 LCE theme to your 360 download queue

[Thanks, Faiz R.]

Forza 3 limited edition premium theme not so limited anymore originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari 458 Italia announced for Forza 3, coming as DLC 'this holiday'

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:27:00 EST

It was only a few months ago that Ferrari officially unveiled the successor to the F430 in the much rumored Ferrari 458 Italia. With Forza 3 just over a month away, we can certainly understand how developer Turn 10 couldn't find extra time to fully develop the brand new car for its game. Even though the game went gold recently, the developer got right back to work, announcing recently that the mid-engine V8 monster will arrive as DLC this holiday. There's even a sweet video of the car in action that you can see above (and compare it with the real thing found after the break).

We pressed Microsoft for a price and only heard back, "We're not announcing any other details about the Ferrari vehicle at this time, other than to celebrate its inclusion in the game since it's a sick car." Maybe Microsoft will gift us all free Ferraris for the hoidays!

Continue reading Ferrari 458 Italia announced for Forza 3, coming as DLC 'this holiday'

Ferrari 458 Italia announced for Forza 3, coming as DLC 'this holiday' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon Germany lists Xbox 360 with 250GB HDD, Forza 3, two wireless controllers, for €280

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:45:00 EST

After being the first major retailer to release info on the PS3 Slim before Sony itself had announced the system, Amazon Germany is at it again, outing a 250GB Xbox 360 model for 280 euros ($379). An eagle-eyed Engadget tipster spotted the listing, which includes two wireless controllers and a copy of Forza Motorsport 3 in addition to the massively embiggened hard drive.

Since Forza 3 won't be hitting shelves until October 23 in Europe, it stands to reason that this listing represents a deal still a few months off, though Microsoft could very feasibly release this new SKU (sans accessories) earlier. On the subject of new Xbox bundles, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg told us in an interview yesterday that, "I'm sure there will be different offers depending on where you go and what time of the year it is." Looks like we've found at least one bundle so far! We've contacted Microsoft for comment and will update this post when we know more.

[Via Engadget]

Amazon Germany lists Xbox 360 with 250GB HDD, Forza 3, two wireless controllers, for €280 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forza 3 out Oct. 27, Collector's Edition and pre-order cars detailed

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST

click to Forza bigger picture

Microsoft has announced that Turn 10's Forza Motorsport 3 will be driving onto North American Xbox 360s on October 27. In addition, the company has also revealed the final details of the Limited Collector's Edition of the game, which will be available only at GameStop. The limited edition will grant users VIP status in the Forza community, a keychain, 2GB flash drive and ten exclusive cars. Five of the cars are exclusive to VIP members, while the remaining five were "personally hand-picked, tuned and painted by the team at Turn 10."

Finally, Turn 10 has also announced the winner of the Forza 3 community design competition, namely Justin Van Dusen II of Midland, Michigan. His custom-painted Audi R8 V10 will be offered as a pre-order bonus for the game. Check out a list of the cars found in the limited edition after the break, and be sure to peruse images of the limited edition packaging and cars in the gallery below.

Gallery: Forza Motorsport 3 Limited Edition

Continue reading Forza 3 out Oct. 27, Collector's Edition and pre-order cars detailed

Forza 3 out Oct. 27, Collector's Edition and pre-order cars detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Design studio leaks Forza 3 artwork

Ross Miller — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Driving

click to embiggen

This has been making the rounds for a couple of weeks now, but in case you missed it over the holidays, Kaarbo Design owner Noah Kaarbo allegedly let slip (and then promptly removed, but not before Google cached it) some of the sample work his company had done for Forza developer Turn 10 Studios and -- cue the fake surprise -- Forza 3.

Community site Forzacentral managed to grab all four posters, which are said to be samples of what could have appeared on the race selection screen. Of course, this doesn't confirm the existence of another Forza game per se, but should Microsoft Games Studios decide to maybe revisit the successful racing franchise, it looks like it already has a logo to use.

Gallery: Forza 3 - Leaked Artwork

[Via X3F]

Rumor: Design studio leaks Forza 3 artwork originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forza 2 delayed, release date in limbo

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Driving, Simulations

After several days of internet murmurings and a noticeable lack of response from Microsoft, a delay in Forza 2's holiday release has manifested in that cruel place often referred to as "reality." Posting on the official Forza Motorsport forums, community manager Che Chou (username "chespace") revealed that the speedy sim sequel would overtake the 2006 holiday period and that the team would not "announce a new date until X06. Gotta do what you gotta do to get things right, y'know?"

Oh, we know. Given the game's relatively brief development time (the first Forza hit the Xbox last year), lofty goals and glut of prerendered promotional trailers, the news will likely disappoint more than it surprises. The few weeks leading up to Microsoft's X06 event are sure to be filled with speculation regarding the new release date -- we hear March 2007 is pretty popular these days. In the meantime, Microsoft expects you to gaze upon the latest screenshots, one of which features a rather exciting wall.

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

See also: Forza 2 jacks PGR3 technology

Continue reading Forza 2 delayed, release date in limbo

Forza 2 delayed, release date in limbo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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