Forza Motorsport 3: More than Point A to Point B
Oct 10th
Microsoft’s Forza Motorsport 3 is coming out on Oct.27 for Xbox 360. Third in line for this “simulation racer” series, Forza 3 emphasizes customization and introduces players to a new feature – rewinding time.
For anyone who needs second chances when gaming, this option is sure to please. Typical racing simulators like Sony’s Gran Turismo and others usually don’t offer players a second lifeline; there’s no rewind feature which means that if a racer messes up, he/she needs to start over from the beginning. Sometimes this can be frustrating, especially given long races where tracks can run up to 20+ minutes in playing time.
Now when you miss a turn and slam your Ferrari 430 into a wall, you can hit the “rewind” button and the race will backtrack for exactly 5 seconds which hopefully gives you enough time to make better decisions on tricky maneuvers the second time around. Hard-core gamers may cringe at the prospect of second chances since it takes away from the challenge and authentic experience, but no one is forced to rewind time so players can keep it ultra-demanding to test their skills if they wish.
With Forza 3’s 100 real-world race track choices and 400+ licensed cars to choose from, the game provides a realistic racing experience with ample customization options for the player. Like the first two predecessors, this game continues the tradition of allowing players to decorate and paint their cars, as well as sell, share or trade their vehicle designs online. These customization features are impeccably detailed and powerful – players can create exact replicas of famous cars from TV and film. There’s already a car with the Ghostbusters logo available for sale in the game’s virtual marketplace. More exciting replicas are sure to follow after the game is officially released.
Additionally in terms of game-related sharing, developer Turn 10 Studios is planning to launch a website where Forza players can share clips and photos of themselves in action during the game online. However, keep in mind that it’s difficult to share custom creations (cars and videos) with people who don’t own the game.
Forza 3 has 3 standard difficulty levels and a couple other sliders and switches that gives players options to customize the game’s difficulty to their particular needs and wants. The hardest level takes fuel and collision damage into play. There are also more optional cheats available for use like the “autobrake” driving assistance and the glowing guide that depicts the best path and speed a driver should take through any given race course.
Welcome Windows 7, Microsoft’s fresh and hip OS
Oct 9th
The tech world is abuzz and eagerly awaiting Oct.22 when Microsoft’s long-awaited OS, Windows 7, will make its debut. Ever since a trial version was available for users to test earlier this summer, Microsoft users have been pleased with their preliminary experience using Windows 7 and have helped build public anticipation for this product.
With Windows 7, PC users can welcome a reliable, efficient and up-to-date version of Windows OS. The last time users had this was with Windows XP which though durable and familiar, is starting to get old since first being released in 2001. Compared to the varieties of Mac OS X available in the marketplace today, using XP feels akin to living in the Stone Age. The only other option available to PC users is Windows Vista which users agree is frustrating and not fun to use.
What the problem was with Vista
Mainstream consumers will appreciate Microsoft’s conscious effort to fix the flaws in Vista and Vista-associated bad experiences with the release of Windows 7. The biggest negatives with using Vista – the slowness, the constant barrage of security warnings, the many hardware requirements, and the incompatibilities with outside software/hardware – these issues are all eliminated in Windows 7. In addition, Microsoft can finally boast an OS that rivals in aesthetic appeal and friendly feel comparable with Mac’s most recent OS X, Leopard.
PC users that have previewed and tested Windows 7 agree that it’s the best version of Windows that Microsoft has produced. Not only does it improve upon Vista’s shortcomings, Windows 7 has added features and perks that are guaranteed to make the mainstream user’s experience easy, productive and satisfying.
Why Windows 7 is the best version
Windows 7 cleans up the clutter and provides new advantages in organizing the user’s files and programs. There are cool new Aero features to quickly view and launch pages and documents as well as arranging your taskbar and desktop. Compatibility with 3rd party software/hardware is improved as well as operating speed which is a big plus. Lastly, one of the more unique selling points and hidden luxuries of Windows 7 is the touch screen capability for users with the proper touch-support hardware.
Here are some of the key features and improvements to Windows 7 to be excited for:
Desktop organization: New Windows management tools named Aero will streamline the user experience.
1) Aero Snap lets users quickly expand windows full-size by dragging them to the top of the screen. You can also drag and snap your working window into place on the left or right sides of your screen for users who like having split screens to multi-task.
2) Aero Peek provides previews of your open windows; selecting one makes all other windows become transparent. There is also a button that allows you to look at your desktop by turning all windows into transparent planes of glass.
Transparent windows in Aero Peek
3) Aero Shake is probably the most fun to use since when you shake an open window, all others behind it will minimize.
Revamped Taskbar: Minimizing windows results in representative shiny square icons on your taskbar. Users can hover over the icons to see a preview of the running program. You can also “pin” frequently-used programs to your taskbar (a concept similar to Apple’s the Dock). Additionally, there’s a search bar that pops up when you click the “start” button making it easier to find what you want.
Speed: Start-up and restart times are much improved from Vista. Windows 7 runs quickly and recommences faster after sleep. Memory management is also improved since minimized windows won’t be clogging up your memory space anymore resulting in faster operating speed.
