Microsoft Confirms Kinect and Top Gear for Forza 4, Stresses "Controller-Based" Racing
While no mention has been made of the Kinect-based driving we tried at E3 2010, the game will definitely include the Kinect-based car exploration mode, which allows the player to move around car models, read up on stats and statistics, and sit in the driver's seat. While Microsoft would likely tell you the experience let's you "step through the TV screen" it isn't quite that realistic. It is, however, quite enjoyable and does gain something through Kinect.
Top Gear will also lend content to the game, but it's looking like it will unfortunately be from History Channel's American version of the show featuring Tanner Foust, Rutledge Wood and Adam Ferrara. While content based on the superior UK show was featured as pack-in DLC for the Forza Motorsport 3 Ultimate Edition, it seems like Jeremy, James, Richard and The Stig might not be along on this drive.
Finally, Microsoft claims the game will be "the most expansive and vividly realistic automotive experience across any console, bringing you closer to the edge than you've ever been before," and "the engaging controller-based experience will let you take on the bone-jarring physics, unparalleled levels of customization, and rosters of dream cars and tracks."
Shacknews contacted Microsoft about the Kinect driving tech demo from E3 and to determine if the Top Gear content will be from exclusively from the US show, and was provided with the following two statements, which do not offer any real clarification.
Kinect
We showcased a Kinect-enabled project from Turn 10 Studios at E3 2010, which let players explore and experience their dream cars like never before. That tech demo demonstrated some of the experiences possible with Kinect and Forza. "Forza Motorsport 4" brings together genre-defining, controller-based racing and the power and freedom of Kinect to create an automotive experience unlike anything before it.
Top Gear
Microsoft's acclaimed Turn 10 Studios and the BBC's world renowned "Top Gear" have entered a long term, multi-year collaboration which will integrate both companies' franchises at a product level and at a promotional level. Though we cannot share future details of the project just yet, suffice it to say we believe the collaboration is going to yield exciting content and experiences for auto enthusiasts and gamers alike.
-
Vinnymike
replyI've watched the train wreck that's the American version of Top Gear and to be honest with you they'd be much better off just using that as an excuse to show people the UK version. I was afraid that they'd be using that one instead of the the real one. Could've been something amazing.
-
I haven't heard a lot of good things about the US version of the show, but I can't help but feel... a huge part of it must be people's attachment to the UK version. It's been on for a very long time and everybody knows the people in it. I doubt the show was so amazing when it first came on air... I'd give the US version some time to mature before tossing it out as useless. But again, I still need to see it first hand to witness how bad it really is.
-
-
-
Indeed, I'm not sure how anyone could miss that, since he does do some awesome things on the show. The other 2 guys are lame as hell though.
-
Tanner is as animated as a Popsicle stick but the man CAN drive.
-
-
-
-
Have you guys seen the first few seasons of the original top gear? Back in early 2000? I find those seasons almost unwatchable compared to the gems they are putting out these days. I'm sure if you give TopGear America 6-10 years, with the same hosts, they'll be putting out quality material we've come to know and love. TopGear Australia started getting decent too, until is mysteriously disappeared O_o. But I agree, the first episode was hard to watch. I'm finding the newer episodes much more enjoyable :)
-
And by "much more enjoyable" I mean more enjoyable in that I can sit through MORE of the episode than the pilot ;)
-
[deleted]
-
