While the racing genre is no stranger to nitpicking from its ardent fans, the recently released early access version of Forza Motorsport has received a peculiar and rather surprising criticism. Players have taken issue with the game’s rear-view mirrors, describing them as sub-par and a detriment to the gaming experience.

Anticipation Meets Disappointment

Forza Motorsport has made a much-anticipated return after a hiatus of six years. Before its official launch on October 10, a number of players got the opportunity to explore its early access version. Initial reactions to the game have been overwhelmingly positive, with players and critics alike praising the beautifully crafted environments, the refreshed track list, and a notably innovative progression system.

The Rear-view Mirror Controversy

However, not all aspects of the game have met player expectations. Turn 10 Studios, while mastering intricate game mechanics, seem to have overlooked the basic functionality of rear-view mirrors in the game. A significant number of early access players have expressed their discontent over the mirrors, frequently describing them as a “pixelated mess.”

A player-initiated discussion on Reddit, accompanied by a video clip, highlighted the compromised clarity and utility of the rear-view camera. The video, although not of the highest quality, managed to resonate with many others who had faced similar issues. A top comment aptly summarized the sentiment with the words, “Also on PC it’s horrendous.”

Players also critiqued the mirrors for being overly zoomed in, making it nearly impossible to gauge the proximity of cars behind them. Some comments humorously likened the view to racing on a “milkshake surface,” due to the blurry visuals devoid of track details or environmental cues.

Confusion Over Camera Angles

Adding to the dissatisfaction is the confusion over accessing the rear-view mirror in various in-game camera angles. Several players reported selecting the rear-view option in settings, only to find it missing during gameplay. Subsequent realizations clarified that the rear-view mirror feature is available only in specific camera views, such as the Hood and Bumper angles. Additionally, the in-car mirror, accessible in the cockpit view, is often concealed due to the default field of view settings, further exacerbating player frustrations.

Implications for Gameplay and Safety

Beyond mere aesthetics or realistic gameplay, the ineffectiveness of the mirrors holds serious ramifications for players, especially in the context of the game’s penalty system. Forza Motorsport penalizes players for in-game collisions or track violations. However, with the current state of the rear-view mirrors, combined with the absence of aids like radar or spotters (features present in games like Assetto Corsa Competizione), players are finding it increasingly challenging to adhere to safe driving practices in multiplayer modes.

Final Thoughts

Every game release, no matter how anticipated, will have its hurdles. While Forza Motorsport has largely impressed with its advancements, the rear-view mirror issue stands as a testament to the importance of seemingly minute details in the holistic gaming experience. It remains to be seen how Turn 10 Studios addresses this feedback, but the studio’s response will undoubtedly set the tone for player trust and confidence in future updates and iterations.

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