Number 16: Forza Motorsport 3

How many selling points does a game need? Forza 3, Microsoft’s main Christmas realise of 2009, was surely trying to break the world record when it was unveiled that the title would carry a whopping 300 all-new reasons to buy their game. That is, 300 all-new cars. 300 newly designed cars each with unique stats, handling and top speeds. And we haven’t even got onto the tracks yet.

That Forza Motorsport 3 has an entire extra disc in the box, full of extra sets of wheels for you to try out and nothing more just shows the scope that Turn 10 Studios have when it comes to beefing up the game.

However, is it worth noting that the basic gameplay is exactly the same as the previous games? Yes it is, as if you own the original Forza Motorsport or its’ sequel, then you’ve essentially seen everything it can do. OK, there’s a new camera ‘Drivers’ View’ perspective, and there’s a ‘Rewind’ feature, nicked straight out of Race Driver: GRID, but you will have already essentially seen all of the game’s tricks. Didn’t like Turn 10’s previous creations? Don’t buy No. 3. Everyone else? Well, after all, there’s no point in re-inventing the wheel.

Motorised window dressing aside, Forza 3’s other selling point was the new ‘Storefront’ feature. This is an Xbox Live mode that allows each owner of the game their own store in which to sell cars they have designed themselves, logos and other similar UCC over the internet. Almost defiantly the best new feature in Forza 3, it’s an excellent idea and smoothly executed.

Visually, Forza Motorsport 3 is a sight to behold. You’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re watching a genuine race on the Television. There’s not really much we can say about the graphics, but Forza 3 really is something special. It’s not particularly innovative, but it’s polished until it gleams, and for that the game deserves it’s place on this list...