Game Preview: Forza MotorSport 5

Forza MotorSport 5 is the game being touted as the Gran Turismo killer. Billed as having cutting-edge graphics, improved car physics, more modifications and a glut of online social game modes, it's goal is to be the best driving game ever.

That it will offer downloadable vehicles before they even go on sale will be a massive drawcard for car and game enthusiasts, as will exclusive content from Jeremy Clarkson and the crew at Top Gear.

Microsoft and developer Turn 10 Studios are quietly confident about claiming the throne of best console racing sim when the game arrives in November 2013, as a launch title for the all-new Xbox One next-gen videogame console.

Developer Turn 10 studios says it will breathe new life into the series by harnessing the power of all-new hardware via the Xbox One console, but with that extra power comes extra responsibility. Indeed, being a showcase launch title for the Xbox One adds extra pressure to perform.

Going up against Gran Turismo 6 on the PlayStation 3 and DriveClub on the new PlayStation 4, Forza Motorsport 5 will be promoted by Microsoft to entice gamers to shift consoles. But why should rusted-on Gran Turismo fans make the switch?

Well, Microsoft originally pitched the game (and the console) as being constantly connected to broadband internet (though it has relaxed this requirement due to the backlash at the console's launch announcement) and this will ensure that gamer profiles are constantly evolving in the Forza world.

Forza Motorsport 5 is promising real live opponents always ready to compete against. And Turn 10 studios has dubbed a new feature it terms the 'Drivatar' (a combination of driver and avatar) that can even race in players' absence and keep track of individual profiles to match players appropriate to their skill levels.

Essentially, we're being promised online racing that is both challenging and at the same time less frustrating than past online experiences have been. Win-win? The proof will be in the pudding.

Forza 5 will bring a lot more to the table for those looking for more detail in their virtual vehicles too. A new feature called Forzavista was introduced on a select number of cars in Forza Morotsport 4, enabling players to virtually step into the interior, and open the boot and bonnet for a detailed look at what goes into each car.

With this new game Forzavista will be available for each and every car in the game. Period. And perhaps the clincher will be that upcoming real-world cars will be available for download months before they actually hit showrooms. It could change the way real-world reviews of cars are conducted (such as on this website) if the physics engine and vehicle dynamics are accurate. Imagine testing the new Porsche Macan compact SUV before it's even on sale?

Forza games have always been about the detail, stacked upon great racing and we can expect no backward steps with Forza 5. According to Turn 10 studios, laser scanned tracks, hundreds of next-generation cars, and 'unique careers' that focus on the cars rather than the driver will be part of the game's make-up.

Oh, and exclusive content from the lads at Top Gear. Very interesting...

That the Forza brand has expanded into other sub-genres, such as the entertaining open-world Forza Horizon, gives the franchise flexibility and with stunning new pixel-perfect graphics, this new game might just live up to the hype.

When the Xbox One launches in November this year, Forza Motorsport 5 will be along for the ride.  The expected retail price for the game will be $60.