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Splinter Cell and Forza gear on Avatar Marketplace
Getting tired of looking at the same old, boring Avatar? Of course you are, so why not dress him or her up in some fancy new duds? You're in luck, because two new batches of Avatar goodies have landed on Xbox Live Marketplace. First up, there's a new Splinter Cell: Conviction collection and yes, before you ask, Sam's trademark goggles are up for grabs. On the other side of the proverbial track is a new collection of Forza Motorsport 3 goodies. While there are plenty of items for sale, the only one you really need to know about is the RC car. Browse each collection via the links below. Source - Splinter Cell: Conviction Avatar apparel on Xbox.com Source - Forza Motorsport 3 Avatar apparel on Xbox.com
Rumor: Forza 3/Bayonetta hardware bundle coming to Japan
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.
Forza 3 Road & Track DLC out now
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 Jalopnik DLC hits XBLM
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]
High-speed banking: Forza 3 sells two million copies
Turn 10's Forza 3 has managed to attain double platinum status -- dubs plat in "cool kid" speak. Microsoft announced that the game sold over two million copies since its October release. The racer took just over a month to surpass one million sales, and has clearly been doing laps around the money pit ever since. And hey, if you're wondering what you're missing in all of this hot pedal-on-metal action, there's a demo on Xbox Live right now.
Forza 3 Nurburgring GP Circuit track DLC out now
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 director on 60fps, Gran Turismo 5
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.
Future Forza 3 DLC cars decided by fan vote
Turn 10 is giving players a chance to vote for the vehicles that will be included in a future Forza Motorsport 3 DLC release. Running until January 29, a poll on car enthusiast site Jalopnik.com features 120 vehicles for players to choose from, focusing specifically on "iconic" and "classic" rides. The partnership with Jalopnik doesn't end there; March's Forza 3 DLC pack will feature the most "coveted 2009 and 2010 models" as chosen by the site's editors. If you're looking for your favorite whip to make the cut, you best make your click. Wait, what's this? The Batmobile is not on the list? Where's the option for a write-in candidate, huh?
Forza Motorsport dev working with Natal tech
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 3 sales surpass 1m units; premium DLC released
[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-79869%
Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel for Xbox 360 review
To celebrate the release of Forza Motorsport 2, Microsoft made a big deal about its Wireless Racing Wheel, a cable-free force-feedback controller for racers that was only really wireless if you didn't want force-feedback. It was a reasonable compromise and a reasonably good wheel, but it just didn't compare to the high-end stuff supported by that other great console racing series: Gran Turismo. In GT5 you can hit the track while gripping things like Logitech's G25 or G27, either of which make Microsoft's offering look like a toy. With the release of Forza 3 there's a new contender available, the Porsche Turbo S from Fanatec. It's a much more serious offering with more capable feedback, proper shifters with a clutch, and a rather more impressive design. But it also has a rather more impressive price tag: $249 to start and, like a real Porsche, going way up from there with options. Is it worth the entrance price or are you better off putting your money toward race tires? Read on to find out.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe coming to Forza 3 for free
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.%Gallery-77166%
Forza 3 limited edition premium theme not so limited anymore
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.]
Audi handing out free Xbox 360 Elites and copies of Forza 3
Yeah, you read that headline correctly: Audi is giving away Xbox 360 Elites and copies of Forza Motorsport 3 to anyone who walks in off the street*. All you have to do is walk in to an Audi retailer**, and then receive your game and console***. Unfortunately, this amazing offer seems to only be in effect with Polish Audi retailers, so unless you've got the cash for what would likely be a pricey plane ticket****, you might just have to go without. * - and purchases a Audi TT Forza Motorsport 3 vehicle, prices starting at $37,800. ** - and give them $37,800 *** - and car. **** - and a fairly expensive, Forza-branded coupe [Via VG247, Image]
Video: Importing content from Forza 3's second disc
When Forza Motorsport 3 ships on October 27, the retail package will include two discs: One with the actual game and a second with additional content. While the process of importing the tracks from disc two is a relatively simple procedure, we've developed a quick video to show the process in action.In order to get all of the game's additional content, racing fans will need to have 1.9GB of hard drive space available to import the entire disc. However, as outlined in the video, players can also choose which content they wish to install if space (or interest) is an issue. A complete listing of the game's disc two vehicles and circuits can be found after the break.Also of note: Microsoft has revealed all new copies of Forza 3 will include a download token for ten classic vehicles and two additional circuits.
Forza 3 demo speeds onto Xbox Live
Just a quick reminder, folks. Remember that Forza 3 demo that Microsoft promised earlier this month? Yeah, well it's out now. All the gearheads and car fanatics out there can finally get a taste of Turn 10's latest super sim, the full version of which releases next month. The demo clocks in at one gigabyte and contains 5 beautifully rendered cars which can be raced on the Camino Viejo track. The five cars are: 2007 Porsche #80 Flying Lizard 911 GT3-RSR 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro 2009 Ferrari California 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR 2009 Mini John Cooper Works We were told at E3 that Forza 3 updates its physics 360 times per second. Try to remember that when you crash dead into a wall, because it's not really a failure, you see. It's an amazing technical achievement. Add the Forza 3 demo to your 360 download queue
Ferrari 458 Italia announced for Forza 3, coming as DLC 'this holiday'
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!
Interview: Forza 3 game director Dan Greenawalt
Spanning two discs and featuring 400 fully-modeled (and destructible!) cars, Forza Motorsport 3 is gearhead paradise. It's also completely intimidating to the un-tuned gamer. We spoke with director Dan Greenawalt, who claims that developer Turn 10 Studios has designed the easiest-to-play racer on the market and loaded it with enough eye candy, content and feature depth that veteran sim drivers will be itching to get behind the wheel, as well. Oh, and get this: The team drew inspiration from Pokemon and World of Warcraft. Can you guess which genres they might be eyeing for projects down the road? Continue reading for the full interview. %Gallery-68920%
Forza 3 welcomes 1000-horsepower Bugatti Veyron supercar
You've never heard of the Bugatti Veyron, the latest addition to the Forza Motorsport 3 lineup of cars? Neither had we; it's not the type of car we're likely to spot around town. If the above video – detailing the process used to convert the Veyron's various "gauges" and "horsepowers" into equally alluring ones and zeroes – is to be believed, the Veyron is "probably the most coveted car in the world right now." Coveted is one thing; obtainable another. The $1.4 million, nearly 1000-horsepower Veyron is rare. Rare like: Forza developers Turn 10 tracked one down in southern California with the help of Bugatti but they themselves didn't get a chance to drive it! So if you want to know what it's like to drive one, you have a couple options: Read our sister site Autoblog's First Drive with the Veyron; Go back in time and put one penny in a savings account and, upon returning to your own time, reap the rewards of compound interest; Or you could play Forza Motorsport 3 and crash the thing straight into a wall. And then rewind it. Stay tuned for our interview with Forza 3's game director Dan Greenawalt, who shares some details on the Veyron, on the game's second disc, the inclusion of damage modeling in Sony's long-time-coming Gran Turismo 5, and what type of game he thinks Turn 10 would make if it changed genres.
Amazon Germany lists Xbox 360 with 250GB HDD, Forza 3, two wireless controllers, for €280
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]
