Highlights
The remarkable visuals and realistic controls of Forza Motorsport are undermined by the frequently aggressive AI adversaries called Drivatars, resulting in instances where achieving clean racing becomes exceedingly difficult.
The meticulously maintained sim racing aesthetic is compromised by the aggressive Drivatars, interrupting the illusion of elite races as players are often compelled to veer off optimal lines to evade collisions. In contrast to Gran Turismo 7, a competing sim racing game, Forza Motorsport's Drivatars demonstrate minimal compliance with traffic regulations, whereas GT7's AI opponents exhibit a more prudent and authentic approach. Nonetheless, potential future updates could potentially enhance the behavior of Forza Motorsport's Drivatars after the game's release.
Forza Motorsport, the recently launched game by Turn 10 Studios, has received much praise for its impressive graphics and realistic handling of high-end cars. However, the game's AI opponents, known as Drivatars, have come under criticism for their aggressive behavior in the career mode. Whether it's turning the starting line into a chaotic battle or intentionally colliding with players during challenging turns on the tracks, these AI drivers make clean racing nearly impossible at times.
While the Forza Motorsport franchise has always featured somewhat aggressive Drivatars, this latest release seems to have amplified this aspect. Although improvements were promised in the lead-up to the game's launch, the Drivatars still exhibit highly aggressive driving behavior. This can be frustrating for players who strive for a race without any bumps or scratches, especially when compared to the more well-mannered AI drivers in its main racing competitor.
Forza Motorsport’s Aggressive Drivatars Can Lead to a Rough Ride for Racers
The aggressive behavior of Drivatars in Forza Motorsport undermines the game's meticulously crafted sim racing atmosphere. Starting a race only to witness chaos on the first turn can shatter the illusion of participating in elite-level races. While players can try to avoid collisions by giving Drivatars plenty of space on the track, this often results in taking less efficient racing lines.
The reckless driving habits of Drivatars can quickly become an annoyance for players seeking a realistic sim-focused driving experience. Those who prefer a more authentic experience may find themselves gravitating towards Forza Motorsport's multiplayer mode, where online opponents generally exhibit more self-preservation instincts than their computer-controlled counterparts. In contrast, the AI opponents in Gran Turismo 7, a rival sim racing game, actively avoid contact with other drivers, presenting a striking contrast to Forza Motorsport's Drivatars.
The AI in Forza Motorsport Stands in Stark Contrast to Gran Turismo 7's
In the world of simulation racing games, comparisons between Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo series and Forza Motorsport are inevitable. While Forza Motorsport offers realistic physics and detailed car models that can rival or even surpass those in Gran Turismo 7, there is a stark difference in the behavior of AI opponents between the two series. Forza Motorsport's Drivatars are known for their aggressive tactics, including sideswiping players to gain an advantage on a lap, whereas the computer-controlled drivers in Gran Turismo 7 generally exhibit more cautious and realistic behaviors.
It's worth considering the impressive capabilities of Gran Turismo 7's GT Sophy, an AI that has defeated some of the game's best drivers in competitions, which further reinforces the realism of opponents in the PlayStation exclusive. However, this advantage in opponent behavior may not last long. The Forza franchise has a track record of addressing problematic areas in its games through patches after launch, so there is a possibility of significant improvements to Forza Motorsport's Drivatars in the near future.
Gamers seeking an incredibly authentic sim racing encounter may find Forza Motorsport's audacious Drivatars a challenging hurdle to overcome. Fortunately, developers at Turn 10 are expected to release post-launch updates aiming to curb the excessively aggressive behavior of the in-game drivers. However, until these adjustments are made, early players of Forza Motorsport may endure a bumpy ride. This game is accessible on PC and Xbox Series X/S platforms.