The lengthy career mode and gorgeous visuals aren't enough to push Forza Motorsport 2 forward in a positive way.
While the game is no doubt one of the most realistic racing models available, the ideal nature really feels raw and unfinished. The basic menu branches out into a few interesting modes, such as time trials, exhibition, multiplayer, and career, all of which are pretty lengthy and will supply an individual with many hours of playtime. On the other hand-especially if you don't care for achievements-the gameplay won't keep you satisfied for long. The tracks feel unfinished, the artificial intelligence is unstoppable, and the career mode is, to put it as simply as possible, nothing but the same thing over and over again.
As mentioned earlier, the career mode is very lengthy, and can take one individual up to two months or longer to complete, even if played on a regular basis. Thing is, you'd be lucky to see someone playing on a regular basis, because the repetitiveness really calls for the game to be played in small timeframes. The races themselves can last up to ten minutes or longer, which can really be a drag if you have a huge lead and nothing much is happening. The computer opponents really don't provide a challenge on novice level, but any level above is almost suicide in career mode. The only way to gain good amounts of money is to win a race with a car that has taken minimal damage. Unless you take the patient route by waiting for a crease to pass the opponents ahead of you, you can expect some rear-endings and spin-outs that will either cost you great amounts of money, or even the race in general.
The computer opponents really are nothing short of invincible. Even if you run into their car in hopes of spinning them out, they will not budge to save your life. Instead, in most cases, you'll be sent into a wall for something you tried to commit, which makes absolutely no sense. Even worse, if an opponent bumps you at any time, you're docked with a penalty, which tacks on time at the end of each lap. The artificial intelligence just doesn't come together well, and it really feels like Microsoft Game Studios was trying a little to hard with making a realistic cast of pseudo-players.
Or, perhaps, they weren't trying at all, as it clearly shows up in many other aspects of the game. While the graphics are stunning, the environments are absolutely terrible. You'll race in real locations pitted across the world, but most of these locales seem to be stripped from the middle of a construction zone. You'll see dirt, cranes, small buildings, fans that look like they need mental help, and occasionally a tree if you're lucky. That said, there are some pretty interesting areas filled with buildings and trees, but the majority of the tracks-which isn't a very big majority to begin with-really look like crap. Even the skies-while extremely realistic looking-just don't fit the appearance properly. Some skies will have ominous-looking clouds hovering above, creating a very gloomy mood. The graphics are really just a mix of good assets and bad assets, but it's really difficult to find something that simply stands out to the eye.
Overall, Forza Motorsport 2 has its fair share of ups and downs, but the lifeless appearance can't be hidden from the gorgeous exterior of great graphics and average gameplay. There's one simple philosophy you should remember when considering this game: If you like racing games for the sake of racing, then by all means, this game is for you. If you like racing games for the wipeouts, the stunts, the crazy situations that take place, then you should definitely leave Forza Motorsport 2 alone.