Can we squeeze out another Forza vs. GT5 article? Of course we can.
First, a word of warning: the GT5 shots are press shots, so we can’t be sure that graphics you see here will be the same in the finished game (the Forza shots are taken from final code). But both sets of shots do demonstrate the different approach both games take to damage modelling.
Gran Turismo 5’s damage is clearly more impressive on a technical level. Forza 3 may let you scuff up your paint work or even smash a window or knock off a bumper, but it can’t offer things like missing doors or open trunk lids.
But judging by these shots, Forza 3 has the edge in other ways. We don’t know how much effort Polyphony went to get GT5’s cars looking that damaged (although given the lacking doors and other damage, we assume it was a considerable amount), but the cosmetic touches in Forza 3 look more plausible.
Look at the scuff marks, panel damage and broken windows on both cars, then look at the GT5 shots – see how pristine GT5’s cars look? wouldn’t you expect cars with trailing bumpers and missing doors to have dented bodywork and scratched paint? We would.
Based on the evidence here – and we remind you that these GT5 shots are press shots – our early guess would be that GT5 will have the edge technically, but Forza 3 will probably offer a more representative battle damage system up when you're racing, and not intentionally trying to bash your car up. That said, GT5 still has some development track to cover, so this may, of course, change.
