Ever since the series launched on the original Xbox, Microsoft's Forza Motorsport series has been a fine alternative to Sony's line of Gran Turismo driving sims. Featuring great online support and ample customization features for gearheads, Forza Motorsport is definitely a series that racing fans have been getting behind from day one. Now, Microsoft and developer Turn 10 Studios are releasing the third entry to the series, Forza Motorsport 3, and the result is what fans of the series would both expect and hope for. The game ups the ante by offering tons of new content and customization features over its predecessor, making for a fine title that fans of the first two games will want to get their hands on.

Forza Motorsport 3 ships on two DVDs, which may shock those who open the package only expecting one. However, the first disc is the only disc you need to play the game, with the second being an installation disc to expand your experience by offering the game's full gamut of tracks and licensed cars. While the installation is optional (there is a prompt that pops up when you first start your game), it's recommended for any Forza gamer with a hard drive who wants to get the full range of what the game has to offer.

Forza Motorsport 3 offers up a stable of 400 different cars, and unlocking your choice car is easier than ever, as every car in the game is unlocked from the get-go. In order to get new ones, you simply have to earn the funds necessary to purchase them, so after winning a handful of races, you should have a huge roster of cars available to you to buy.

Many of the features that have been staples for the series have made their return in Forza 3. The driving line that has been available novice racers is present here once again as well as a braking assist feature and several other gameplay tweaks that you can turn off and on at your will in order to help acclimate newcomers to the series. One new element to the franchise is the rewind feature. Similar to the one implemented in GRID, this lets you go back and fix any mistake that you just recently made. However, unlike GRID, this feature doesn't run out, so you're able to go back and retry sections as much as you want in order to get them just right.

Additionally, tuners will find a lot to love here as well. The cars have a lot of customization features, with a variety of parts and tweaks that you can perform on your cars in order to get them running their best. If customizing isn't your bag, there is an auto-tune feature that will automatically do the best tweaks for your upcoming race for you.

While the cars still feature largely the same handling as its predecessor, there have been some cool new features added to the mix. Now, instead of simply being able to damage your cars while driving, you can even get them to flip. While this isn't an ideal thing to see during a race (kind of puts a damper on the whole "winning" thing), it's implemented really well and looks awesome. Additionally, your tires will wear as you race, causing your car to handle quite differently as you progress through a race, which is a great addition.

The AI has seen a boost as well. The opposing drivers are pretty aggressive and will make power plays against your car quite often in order to get past you or keep you from passing them. Additionally, when you fluster them, they'll also make mistakes that could give you a sizable advantage.

Forza has never been a slouch in the customization department, and Forza 3 is no different, upping the ante even further with some truly great aesthetic customizations that you can make to your cars. Through the game's Livery Editor, you're able to go through and customize your rides and sell your design to other players through Xbox LIVE. The game's Storefront allows you to sell your aforementioned customized car designs and logos to other gamers, as well as browse through a ton that are already on offer.

Speaking of Xbox LIVE, the game has a ton of great online features as well. The game's robust customization elements let hardcore players basically create their own gameplay modes, adjusting a variety of options before challenging their opponents in a custom race. However, there are some modes here that are quite fun out of the box, including Cat and Mouse, Drift, Drag, Tag, and several others. Each of these modes is customizable, so you can tweak them however you want before hitting the multiplayer races.

While the previous games in the Forza franchise have been lookers, Forza Motorsport 3 blows them all out of the water. The development team upped the total polygon counts for each vehicle to ten times that of the cars in Forza 2, so the vehicles look incredible compared to other racing games. The environments are also very solidly done, boasting tons of great details while moving along at a smooth 60 frame per second clip.

Soundwise, the game's soundtrack is pretty solid, featuring some electronica, rock, and a variety of other genres to keep gamers happy on the road. The engine sounds are also nicely done and sound appropriately realistic, and your tires will sound differently depending on the type of terrain that you're driving on.

Forza Motorsport 3 is a great addition to the franchise, offering a staggering feature set for hardcore fans, and tons of assists to make sure that beginners have a great time as well. If you're a fan of racing games, then Forza 3 is one to check out this year.

Gameplay: 9.3
Forza Motorsport 3 handles like a dream. It is both a highly customizable and deep experience, as well as one that is easily accessible for newcomers or those who may not be hardcore racing fans. The game has a ton of cars and courses, and offers up many hours of content.

Graphics: 9.5
Forza Motorsport 2 was a fine looking game, but this sequel kicks it up a notch with even higher poly counts and gorgeous environments. Even better, the action unfolds at a smooth 60fps clip.

Sound: 9.0
The engine sounds are nicely done, and the soundtrack is a solid mix of several genres.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 9.0
Forza 3 takes the ideas presented in its predecessors and adds even more accessibility and depth.

Multiplayer: 9.5
Forza 3's customizable multiplayer elements should keep online gearheads busy for months at least.

Overall: 9.3
As both a gearhead's dream and an accessible racer for newcomers, Forza Motorsport 3 is practically two games in one, making the package all the sweeter.