The ultimate racing game has long been sought. Recently it has become a two horse race between Microsoft’s Forza Motorsport series and Sony’s Gran Turismo brand.

I must admit that before I picked up my copy of Forza Motorsport 2, I was a longtime Gran Turismo fan. The previous installment of the Forza series for XBox fell short of the mark in a few very important ways. The game play was not as smooth or realistic as gamers wanted and the customization options were sub-par. Gran Turismo for Playstation 2, on the other hand, was a gamer’s dream.

The latest release in the Forza series, Forza Motorsport 2, has taken racing simulation games to the next level. The graphics are smooth and crisp, making even the smallest details, like the reflection of a cloudy sky on a shiny car hood, seem obvious.

The backgrounds, while not as visually stunning as those found in the new Gran Turismo title, are still excellent. The New York City race track is particularly impressive, with world famous Times Square recreated flawlessly. READ MORE »