Playing both older and newer Forza titles recently highlighted a recurring thought: the current upgrade system, categorized into three tiers of parts (or four, including stock), feels somewhat outdated. While functional, it lacks a certain depth that enthusiasts crave.
In the real automotive world, adjustability isn’t exclusive to top-tier, track-focused components. Many parts designed for cars driven occasionally on tracks offer adjustability. Even some factory parts on production cars are adjustable; the Mazda RX-7 FD Bathurst R, for example, comes standard with adjustable suspension. This real-world nuance is missing in Forza’s current system.
Forza should expand adjustability to a wider range of car parts. The current “street,” “sport,” and “race” naming convention should be replaced with a tiered numbering system that reflects varying degrees of adjustability. Imagine a system where “Tier 1” parts, the equivalent of “street” components, offer a modest range of adjustability. “Tier 2,” similar to “sport,” would increase this range further, and “Tier 3,” akin to “race,” would provide even greater adjustability. Perhaps even introducing a “Tier 4” to represent truly elite, highly adjustable parts.
Forza already demonstrates partial adjustability with differentials. Why not extend this concept across more components? This could apply to parts that already feature adjustability or even introduce it to new areas. Imagine being able to fine-tune turbocharger settings. Even current driving assists like ABS, traction control, and launch control could evolve from simple on/off switches to adjustable parameters, moving beyond their binary nature since the early Motorsport titles.
While Gran Turismo 7 has explored similar adjustable systems, there’s no harm in drawing inspiration. This wouldn’t simply be change for the sake of novelty; it would fundamentally alter the gameplay experience. By offering tiered adjustability across a broader spectrum of car parts, Forza could provide a significantly richer and more realistic car customization experience. This enhanced system would resonate deeply with car enthusiasts and gamers alike, offering a more engaging and nuanced approach to vehicle performance tuning.
