First, I'd like to commend the remarkable accessibility features in the latest Forza Motorsport. These extensive adjustments allow players to tailor settings to match their play-style and accommodate various in-game needs. I've never encountered such an array of accessibility settings in a single game, and Turn 10 Studios deserves applause for their work.
Blind Driver Assist...
I want to clarify that I'm not a professional gamer, and I'd consider myself a very casual one. I've enjoyed playing titles like The Last of Us Part II and Sony's remake of the original, on the easy difficulty level, though I still encountered challenges. That said, I was thrilled to see Turn 10 Studios embrace the world of accessible gaming, and they've done an excellent job. My only grievances revolve around the following:
1. Blind Driver Assist Mode: The default sound effects for the driving assist are too quiet; they're set to 100% volume. It would be more beneficial to maintain their original loudness but provide options to increase their volume without affecting other in-game sounds. The current setup makes it hard to hear and understand these crucial cues during gameplay. Allowing players to adjust sound levels and panning would make distinctions between on/off course, walls, and turns clearer. This would enhance the experience and enable more casual gamers like myself to enjoy the game right out of the box. I spent over 1.5 hours adjusting sound settings, leading to significant frustration and limited playtime.
2. In-Game Announcements: It would be helpful to provide more in-game prompts, especially for new or casual gamers. For instance, a prompt to press the View button to return to the track when hitting walls, getting turned around, or going off course. This would be beneficial to many first time players.
3. Sound Glossary: Another valuable addition would be a sound glossary. This glossary could serve as a reference guide to help players understand the accessibility hints and sounds triggered during gameplay. This could be invoked at any time during game play, or in the accessibility menu.
I have not reviewed other accessibility settings as they do not cater to my specific accessibility needs, but it's important to note that Turn 10 Studios has gone to great lengths to ensure a wide range of accessibility options to accommodate gamers with diverse needs. I must emphasize that I did not receive a review copy; my review is based solely on my experience. I'm writing this review because there are relatively few reviews done by casual gamers in the blind accessibility community. I aim to represent those of us who don't make a living playing video games but simply want to sit down and enjoy the gaming experience.
OverAll Feelings about the Game
In summary, the latest release of Forza Motorsport introduces numerous accessibility features, but there is room for improvement to enhance the experience for casual blind gamers and make it more welcoming for all players.
