Forza VS. Need for Speed: Which one Should You Go With?

These are two great open world racers, but which one one appeals to you the best? Gamespot journalists Shaun and Tyler shout it out.

[Dante112]

I'm going with NFS. Never could get into Forza. It's almost impossible to find a good steering wheel that works with that game.

[Blankman85]

That plus you don't own an xbox. So yeah, kinda hard to do.

[Dante112]

So just because I'm getting NFS over Forza, it somehow means that I don't own a 360? So I'm only allowed to buy and support first party exclusives from MS, huh lol? Man, this gen is the worse.

[greenpowerz]

You're a known ps3 fanboy troll that proudly announces your hate for the 360 and MSFT.

You choose NFS because you only own a PS3. What does a racing wheel have to do with a arcade racer and a hybrid arcade-SIM racer compared to a full sim like forza 4?

If you want a richer experience get Horizon, NFS handles like a game from the mid 90's(80mph hitting on brakes for a sharp turn slowing by 50mph in 2 seconds)

The physics are rubbish in NFS. The environmental graphics are nasty in NFS

[kopicha]

I am one who have xbox. but I am one who actually went for NFS over Forza Horizon. My regular game store was pushing Forza to me during launch day. But I told them I think I am looking forward more to NFS considering both of them are "open world" racing game. Just dont see the point of getting 2 similar type of games so close to each other in release. Just like how I choose not to buy MOH:WF because there are Halo 4 and COD:BO2 coming up in just matter of 2 - 3 weeks after. There are simply too many games during this holiday that things needed to be prioritize. Too many games too little time.... there is absolutely nothing wrong for doing so.

[Larry L]

LOL @ greenpowerz

You can't accuse ANYONE of being a fanboy when you sit there proclaiming Forza as a "full SIM") LOL.......GTFO of here with that fanboy non-sense!!!!

Now I wouldn't know about the new NFS:MW, but SHIFT2, while it's physics and handling characteristics are rediculous, it's environment graphics are incredible, and were a bit of a sneak-peek at the "next level" of realistic-style racing games. Graphically Forza is really no better than GT5, and the only reason it's visually more polished than GT5 now is because it's had 2 games since GT5. Not to mention the fact of just how OLD GT5's graphics engine really is. While GT5 came out in 2010, the real truth is it's one of the very first PS3 games in development and it's graphics engine was finalized before even 2008, so there's REALLY been about 4 Forzas since GT5 when you think about it.

For the uninformed racing sim fans like yourself, there are only THREE, count them 1, 2, 3 console racers that have true sim-level physics, and Forza sure as **** ain't one of them. They are GT5, and even better in terms of physics: the 2 SYSTEM3 racers from earlier this gen Ferrari Challenge and SuperCar Challenge whose physics are on par with PC sim physics.

If SHIFT2 had physics like any of those 3 games, it could have been a dream come true. That dream WILL indeed eventually come true though when Project Cars releases.

Basically, if you're a console gamer who loves your pure sim-racing experiences, you pretty much have to stick with GT5 until Project Cars comes out (and who knows when a GT6 will come). BUT if you like aracde racers with completely unrealistic physics, go with NFS, or if you like semi-arcade/semi-sim racers with physics that are trying to be like Gran Turismo but are in reality nowhere near as accurate, then go with Forza.

But don't sit there trying to pretend Forza is a SIM in regards to it's physics. Because that's a joke. Forza is really no more of a sim in terms of it's physics than GT3.....MAYBE GT4. And mind you, I'm a sim racing fan who absolutely believes that when it comes to physics, GT5 is the very first Gran Turismo that can be considered a sim.

[EVILDEAD360]

I chose Forza Horizon and it works amazing with my sterring wheel, just like EVERY Forza I've owned.

Not only that, Forza Horizon is absolute blast as most critics and fans can attest.

I love Criterion as well, but I will be getting NFS down the line, but there are too many other games like Halo 4 and Black Ops 2 coming that will preclude me from buying both this year.

Evil

[gaffyh]

I loved Burnout Paradise, so NFS for me even though I normally don't buy NFS games. Not really a fan of Forza so I wouldn't have got it even if it was the normal game.

Although, I don't really think these games should be compared.

[Gazondaily]

I don't get it, the two games are quite different.

Forza is more of an open world racing game based on simulation (albeit loosely in comparison to Forza 4).

NFS is an all out arcade racer with realism thrown completely out of the window (in the vein of Burnout).

It is interesting to see the agendas of the 'different sides' on here though.

[guitarded77]

@ Septic

Yes, but how else will there be a flame war unless we are made to choose between the two? I'm waiting for Black Friday to pick up both... played the Horizon demo and loved it, and I want to get NFS:MW on PS3 and Vita. I wasn't gonna drop $160 for both new, so I hope I can score all 3 on Black Friday for about $80.

[Gamer1982]

Forzas not first party.. Just saying.. Also whys this in catagories other than 360? Forza not on other formats..

[Qrphe]

If I HAD to choose, I'd pick Forza Horizon over NFS, however let us be clear, Forza nor any of its games are driving simulators.

[NastyLeftHook0]

need for speed easily, the game looks better and sounds better (very important for car games)

[jimbobwahey]

Most Wanted for me as well.

I like the Forza Motorsport series and still play Forza 4 to this day, but the demo for Horizon was terrible and since they're being really awful with the DLC for the game (loyal customers get screwed over, wonderful!) I'm not touching that game at all.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

Just played the first hour of nfs through ps plus. Gotta say the game is beastin. Love the day night cycle and it looks spectacular.

[hotrider12]

eh, big decision Forza?? or Mostwanted?? hmmmm
if mostwanted did not remind me of BURNOUT i would pick MW. Forza a open world game ( which i hate)
so my choice be neither. now if MW was like Underground with cops that would be a WINNER hands down.

[farhad2k8]

Well, if you only own a PS3 like my self, NFS is the only option. Just saying.

[wastedcells]

I own both 360 and ps3 and I chose NFS. At the end of the day they are both well polished great racing games but I am just way more entertained by most wanted.

[EZMickey]

When posts are littered to the brim with idiot fanboy comments everyday, finding a smart and genuine statement such as yours is rare indeed.

[Knight_Crawler]

So if you had the Lambo pinned up on your wall NFS is for you and if you had the Ferrari then Horizon is for you.

[FordGTGuy]

fanatec.com/

I still don't get the lack of steering wheel argument when Forza supports one of the best on the market.

[FordGTGuy]

fanatec.com

I still don't get the lack of steering wheel argument when Forza supports one of the best on the market.

[ALLWRONG]

This is why no one believes you have a 360.

http://n4g.com/user/comment...

[theunleashed64]

@greenpowerz

hypocrite much? i've seen you literally go into ps3 articles trolling any postive news related to sony. taking cheap shots all the while raving about "microsoft's dommince" and bashing the ps3. not enough for you? how about this you were just in a assassin's creed 3 screenshot compairson trying to find fault with the ps3 version. you have the nerve to call him a fanboy? talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

[R6ex]

I agree with the reviewer's Ferrari vs Lambo pin-up take on this issue. lol

[otherZinc]

Forza Horizon, this choice is easy!

Forza Horizon is very different than a traditional Forza game & offers much more than NFS.

[hennessey86]

My Fanatec GT2 works amazingly thanks troll

[Ak47Russia]

NFS: most wanted easily!

I don't like Arcade racing games(NFS, Dirt and Forza), but got to admit Criterion did a fantastic job with Most wanted!

NFS MW has:
Better World/Environment ,
Better Engine sound
Better gameplay is intense
Better road tiles!
Graphics are one of the best! way better than Forza Horizon.

[Cam977]

I'm going with NFS too. It seems more fun and adventurous whereas Forza seems restricted in some areas.

[DA_SHREDDER]

I got with nfs because I love Criterion, and also I get a discount for being a ps+ member and can gameshare with my son. So ya. NFS 4 life mang.

[evilunklebud]

I will, eventually, have both.

[Chuk5]

Wow, this video really didn't help me choose.

[MaximusPrime]

NFS for me. Why? Because I sold Xbox years ago

[MaximusPrime]

So you disagreers don't believe I sold Xbox? I sold it a month before PS3 released. I saved 200 quids off...

Anyhow, I don't know why comparing forza with NFS? I rather play multiplayer games with old burnout paradise gamers again

[TurboGamer]

The title should say Forza vs Burnout, because the last need for speed that was every made(in my mind) was the original nfs most wanted and the only name the next nfs should have is Underground 3.

[imXify]

Easy choice if you don't have a 360

[dark-hollow]

Forza all the way.

[taco_tom237]

nfs most wanted

[mcstorm]

For me its forza. Ive never been a nfs fan. But that said this gameooks just like burn out and i really enjoyed the last one.

I have forza horizon and i have to say im hooked on it like i was with forza 4. Until i got this one.

I think i will pickup nfs later on in the year ans if its comes out for the wiiu might get it on that just for a change from playing on the 360 and ps3.

What i would like to know though is which sold more copies on the 360 as this would be interesting to see.

But which game is best for you is just like they said in the video its the one you want the most.

[Abriael]

Forza Horizon honestly destroys Need For Speed for me. It's mostly a simulation, I can actually use my wheel with it, it has awesome cockpits, it's challenging, and it doesn't make me feel like my braincells are dying screaming every time I turn it on.

I'll leave Need for Speed for those that need speed but don't have the skill to handle it.

[kopicha]

Forza > Simulation? Ok the rest are pointless to read...

[Lvl_up_gamer]

Forza Horizon has a lot of the physics from Forza 4 that was carried over. I wouldn't call Forza Horizon a "sim" per say but rather "more" sim attributes then NFS.

I think we could both agree to that.

[Ak47Russia]

Forza Horizon simulation? LMAO! thats a good one!!!!!

Even Forza 4 it isn't a simulator! it has Permanent driving aid and active steering that you could not turn them off. there are a lot of videos on youtube that shows that...

Turn 10 used a marketing strategy (which the called Forza a sim) to get some sales from GranTurismo and they managed to get some people to play it.

and u people believed that! lol

[Loki86]

They worked hand and hand with top gear to get the physics and handling of every vehicle to simulation feel. Turn 10 themselves said this, all the assists are optional just like every other racing game. This is referring to Forza 4 btw..

[GamerElite]

Why don't you just get both like I did

[kopicha]

because there are just too many games in the upcoming list... not sure about your case. but as for me I have games that i need to buy from multiple platforms. 360, PS3, 3DS and Vita. When deciding to get a game with that much consoles some things just need to let go. There wont be time for some people to be able to play everything even if they buy all that comes out.

[sofocado]

That is it Forza Horizon for me.

[Toman85]

Get both if you happen to own both consoles and love driving games :)
Thats why I did it, Forza Horizon Limited Edition on X360 and Need For Speed Most Wanted Limited Edition on my PS3 :)

[bestofthebest]

nfs now and horizon when it goes on sale

[Kirnisorey]

nfs for me. So I can take on the go

[ZILLA]

Just picked it up to day and its the best arcade type racer EVER!it feels like old most wanted with old school burnout takedown with midnight club sprinkled in.do yourself a favor and get this masterpiece.

[mt]

I follow Criterion products, and hunt them down.

[kupomogli]

As a fan of simulation racing titles over arcade and Test Drive Unlimited, Forza brings them both together. I wish the game was on the PS3 though so I wouldn't have to pay to play online.

I'll get Forza Horizon eventually. Once I get another 360. But it'll be a single player experience only because yeah. I'm not a fan of paying to play online which is why I sold my 360 in the first place.

But yeah. Test Drive Unlimited is as arcade style as I like it. It's simcade, like Hot Pursuit 2 on the PS2 was. Criterion's version of Hot Pursuit is garbage in my opinion and I feel Most Wanted is going to just be more of the same.

[FunkMacNasty]

I am loving Forza Horizon. It's a nice blend of Forza 4's sim feel combined with a Project Gotham style arcade feel. I may pick up NFS around black Friday if I continue to hear great things.

And to the people above who are laughing at Forza 4 being a sim racer, you guys are being tools. Forza 4 is a sim. From the feel of the cars, to the upgrading and tuning. And if you wanna compare it to GT5, the two games have the SAME exact assist and difficulty options, including steering assist, racing line, ABS, traction control..that is a fact, not my opinion. If you care to disagree with that you have not played both games and are just being a troll.

[kupomogli]

Call me a fanboy if you want, but the only way you can play online on Forza 4 is by paying the yearly XBL Gold fee. Deal or no deal, you have to pay to play online. That's the only problem I have with multiplayer games on the 360.

[creeping judas]

So in conclusion because you have to pay for a XBL subscription, Forza is not considered a sim racer. Very good argument to Funk's post, very good indeed.

[AngelicIceDiamond]

Well FH is getting much higher scores than NFS seeing mostly 9's across the boards. While NFS is having steadily good scores with 7's anf 8's. If you care for review scores.

but its simple, do you wanna play a racing game where you get chased by cops. Or play a game that's a near perfect racing sim. That's the choices.

[Pintheshadows]

From the reviews i've seen NFS is mostly getting 8's and 9's.

Just saying.

[ALLWRONG]

Forza will be racing game of the year.

[JasonXS12]

I'm not into racing sims so I would go for Most Wanted. Most Wanted wins arcade racing. Forza can win racing sim.

[StreetsofRage]

Any fan of these type of games will surely pick up Forza Horizon. Need 4 speed is fun, I myself loved hot pursuit but the difference between these 2 games is huge. Forza, once again, laps the competition.

[USMC_POLICE]

Id say nfs. I own both systems and played all the forzas and im sorry but gran turismo is better. Before fanboys get butt hurt I like halo over resistance. True gamers play on both systems as well as wii and pc.

[Hicken]

I find it interesting that none of the well-known MS fanboys (Ndivhu, greenpowerz, Streets of Rage, ALLWRONG) chose NFS over Forza. Not one of em even bothered to discuss the merits of both games, or the differences. Just praise for Forza, and scorn for anybody without the same preference.

[YodaCracker]

This should be an easy choice. Most Wanted if you only own a PS3, Forza Horizon if you only own a 360, and Forza Horizon if you own both consoles.

[Max-Zorin]

Both

[10V3N0M01]

If you were on the fence with this, go with NFS.
I really hate what they have done to the franchise by slapping it with a coat of Burnout but it wins the battle here. Criterion have been making games like this for a long time so a good game is almost guaranteed.
Horizon on the other hand doesn't know what it is. It dons the Forza name but it is actually nothing like it. I think the only thing that I liked in the demo was the visuals, it looks really good, and maybe the off-road race. It wants to drive like an arcade racer, which Criterion have perfected, but it also tries to be a hybrid incorporating the original Forza driving feel and in the end it just ends up as an awkward experience.
So just go with NFS and enjoy the well developed arcade action Horizon tries to create.

*I'm not a fan of arcade racing but this is just a view on what should play better/offer more of what you'd want in a game of this genre.

[creeping judas]

In terms of graphics, I think both games are on equal footing. In terms of having life in the open world, I think that one goes to NFS. But in terms of control, this is where Horizon simply beats MW. I find that with the overly dramatic arcade controls on MW, you really don't have that much control. Press X for e-break and your car instantly slides 45 degrees into the drift. Press break and you car stops on a dime in 5 feet. All though rubber banding is apparent in Horizon, it is absolutely ridiculous in MW.

So in my opinion I have had more fun playing Horizon than I have playing NFS. If you are a fan of arcade racers, then NFS:MW would be your game of choice. If you are sim racer, but want to try something different than a sim, but not be bothered by arcade racers, than I think Horizon would be your choice.

[csreynolds]

Neither one over the other. One's a simulation racer, the other an arcade racer. Plus, Forza's exclusive to Xbox 360, so if you own a PS3 the choice has been made for you.

A daft comparison if you ask me...

[josephayal]

NFS is awesome

[Psychotica]

I bought both games with NFS on the PC. They are both a lot of fun in their own way but I would give NFS a slight edge because of the police chases.

[DarthBigE]

Similar argument when GT5 and NFS Hot Pursuit came out. The answer is simple. Like arcade racers? Get NFS. Like more realistic racers? get Forza Horizon. Im personally waiting for a new Burnout Revenge (fav racer of all time on ps2) but might have to give NFS most wanted a try.

[Gamesgbkiller]

If you mean forza horizone
Im going for N4S Most Wanted for sure
no compare !

[chukamachine]

Are people wearing green latern glasses when looking at forza, am i the only one that thinks forza horizon looks poor and it's got a cartoon style going on.

Haven't played most wanted yet, but from previous versions the handling is excellent fun for an arcade racer.

[Gameland]

If you played the original Most wanted on Xbox 360 and liked it, you will also like this version maybe better.

[Blade Runner]

After just fininhing playing both with a CSR-E wheel the choice for me was easy. Forza Horizon wins. Both games are great in there own right and type of racer they try to be. However and this is a biggie. Using a high end wheel you can tell who really did there home work on controler latency and feel for what you are trying to get the car to do. If you are just looking for a game that rewards sillyness then NFS is your game.

[majedx9]

i have all of them 360,ps3,wii and pc(FUCK PC)-_-
but for me:
1-GT5
2-NFS
3-Forza
4-BURNOUT

[Qrphe]

What a shame, another driving games fan who won't get to enjoy this

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[Wick]

I've put a good amount of time into both, and I like Forza Horizon quite a bit more.

[Beastradamus]

Forza is a simulation style game and NFS is an arcade racer. It depends on which one you prefer. I prefer arcade.

[sly-Famous]

This is a stupid comparison, one is an exclusive and the other a multiplat, doesnt make sense.

[Psychotica]

Anyone know why there isn't an official forum for NFS?