I got a question..

What is a review? Is it ment to review the software only, giving it the best possible way to showcase itself (optimal hardware etc). So that the one doing the review can see it in the best light possible? Or should one review the total package and experience, and take into account the limitations set by hardware etc.

First case would eliminate all of the graphics review scores (screentear, framedrop and other hardware limitations), since the software is showcased under the best circumstances. This review method is often used when reviewing TVs, and/or they are forced to write under which circumstances the TV was reviewed (what blu ray player, hdmi cable/composit and sound equipment was used). The second review method, and most common option among games, will receive a dilemma with the upcoming release of Forza 3.

Forza 3 will release on 2 discs, where the second disc containing 104 cars nd 29 tracks (out of 400/100 cars and tracks), will require an HDD install in order for it to be playable. And as we all know the popular Arcade model of the Xbox 360 is featured without an HDD, leaving the second disc of Forza 3 useless. Microsoft have/had a policy where developers could not have mandatory installs in order for all games to be playable on all 360 consoles. But with this choice of releasing a second disc that requires an install, Turn 10 have now cut away roughly 25% of the cars and 30% of the tracks for everone with a Xbox 360 Arcade.

http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/103/1031109p1.html (IGN exploring the Second disc)

When reviewing this game for the potential buyers or when reviewing this game for their respective community or audience. Will one take into account when giving out a score that alot of people won't have access to roughly 30% of the game? And depending on what you decide to do.. if you chose to review just the software and its potential (Forza 3 with hardware to support ithe full game), would that eliminate any further review scores concentrating on limitations (online capabilities, multiplayer, DLC content,  etc)? Making any review of cross platform games with extra content faulty. Or if you review software/hardware as a tota package including its limitations, like one usually do with games, would that force review scores to be lower due to limitations for Arcade owners?

It's time for Arcade owners to get an HDD if they want all the cars. Arcade never should have been made anyway, then all the multi-disc games would install like PC games.

Does a car reviewer NOT give extra points to a model of car with 4 airbags, when another same model only has 2 but costs less?

Ponder indeed. Does anyone know what the 2GBHDD USB stick in the Limited edition pack is for? Is it for the extra disc for Arcade users?

A review of any game should be of the game in it's entirety.

I disagree with the point about graphics too, I'll come back later and try to put it into a clear argument.

Except Arcade owners can still access the content on the 2nd disc, just not all at once. Not sure how many times this needs to be pointed out.

Reviewers should mail the second disc back to Turn 10 with poop smeared all over it.

Do you mean a splitscreen optioned game should get half the points because some gamers only have one pad ?

ROFL

You really hate Forza3 that much eh. It must really be bothering you.

reviewers should do that same to forza3 that at least GameTrailers did with shawn white snowboarding...give one score for the game based off of one set of hardware (i.e have BB/HDD) and another if you don't have the hardware and the lack of that hardware effects the experience.

OP sounds desperate, is this the only "issue" you can think about regarding Forza 3? seems like you will try anything to bring the game score/hype down.

Funny to see though!