Well fellas, thanks to some of you.. I was able to link up my ATM/debit card to do the seemingly free transaction.
Took me about 10 hours to download zee demo - from the moment the brand new developer logo animation popped up to the scene where you see the jet taking off and race starting at Rio... I had the goofiest smile glued to my face that I just could not wipe off...
WOW!
I've finished the demo now along with rival events. Man... it is simply amazing how you consistently see improvements in every single Forza game.
First, the visuals: lighting....perfect! It's got a much more natural tone and actually looks photo-realistic. Smoke effects have been improved and look convincing. Night and rain driving.. oh my word! Stunning detail and sharp visuals as always.. I read here one of you saying that it's got aliasing. I think you're either sitting too close to the screen or have the sharpness turned up too much. Kill sharpness to zero and keep enhancements off - the game is simply stunning to look at. Period. Not hiccups...no stutters while racing.. I'm super-happy to report this did not get carried over from FM5! Phew... here's hoping it stays that way in the final game.
They've improved the cockpit cam movement, so it feels even more realistic. The perspective is just right; it does not feel like your nose is about to make contact with the windscreen.
The rain effects: very nice indeed! Kinda blows though you see the water beading beautifully on the windows but not on the hood. Odd.
The simulation: right off the bat, I could feel the improved grip and suspension physics. The cars don't quite go into snap oversteer with sim steering on, in case you get any funny ideas. You seem to be even better connected with the tarmac now and seeing the camera bob as you go over curbs is just immensely satisfying. I was expecting the S2000 to kick its tail out more under heavy acceleration while exiting corners, especially in the wet race. Maybe Forza 5's version lost grip easily. The F430 kept going into oversteer on Yas Marina the moment you go hard into turns, off throttle, with the wheel not even going to near-full lock. Hmm.....
Stepping on the throttle at the wrong time (curbs for instance) can land you in trouble, specially at Sebring... and I love it! Understeer/oversteer, braking.. everything feels more natural now... as if you're really one with the car.
The sound: well, brilliant as always. Was expecting a dramatic improvement in sound, but it's pretty much the same. I wish we had separate sounds for road noise and wind noise, the latter disappearing momentarily as you catch a high-speed draft (GT simulated this well), but I really can't complain. When you're braking in a straight line, the tires getting worn out due to heavy braking is now audible... going into corners, the squealing is more realistic. I think the off-throttle sounds may have been improved too. Overall, the engines sound much cleaner with perhaps more refined sound mixing. I did not however, hear the cars around me revving all that much, while racing in a pack.. going into/coming out of corners etc. Hmm, just a demo.
Even if I hadn't played the demo, F6 is easily a day-one purchase for me.
You really need to get this game even if you've never played a racing game on consoles before. Just get this game... it is that damn good. I'm surprised they squeezed out this much power out of the good ol' X1. 60 fps, 1080p.. no hiccups..24 cars.. that is downright incredible.
No regrets at all losing sleep over this.
I hope I can get my hands on the Deluxe or Ultimate edition and race against some of you lads.
Now with DX12 on the horizon, you can imagine what this will do for FM7 and Horizon 3. Now, I need to find a way to block FM6 from my mind until the full game arrives.. but it's hard man... easier said than done right?!
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