Forza Motorsport 2: Automatic Shift Algorithm

Proof of Forza 2's power curve-based shift algorithm. Shifts are made at "that specific RPM" in which the power made in the current ratio equals the power made in the next ratio, velocity held constant. It is bounded above by the defined "Redline" RPM. In this example, the car has a relatively parabolic power curve with its vertex at 6,000rpm. The needle sweeps very clearly "straddle" this peak, maximizing power output at all times.

Turn 10 Studios really surprised me with this one. Strictly in terms of straight line acceleration, it is advantageous to let the game shift for you, as it is impractical to memorize such accurate shift points and execute them yourself.

I messaged Turn 10 recommending that in order to help balance this out, a shift light UI element should be added for manual drivers, with the light pattern helping players shift at those same, calculated RPMs. All I know thus far is that my message has been forwarded to the development team, so we'll see what their take is when Forza 3 rolls around the corner.

On another note, this is only the second time I've seen a game take the time to calculate shift points—the other (to my knowledge), being Live for Speed. A part of me can't help but be disappointed knowing that new great games will come out without taking this simple algorithm into consideration such as Gran Turismo 5. Minor, but unfortunate.

Category:

Gaming

Tags:

• Forza
• Motorsport
• Automatic
• Shift
• Algorithm

[essboarder23]

Is this a good thing or bad thing for forza 2/3?

And what about GT5?

[ElementOfC]

It's definitely a good thing that a system like this exists in Forza 2. I haven't played, and don't plan to buy Forza 3, but I can only assume that it is in that game as well. GT5 will almost certainly have nothing like this. Both games fail overall in this particular sector, though.

[ElementOfC]

I have to admit, I'm getting the feeling that Turn 10 is going to let me down with FM3's shifting! I've written them three times now advising them on shift code, UI, and gearbox implementations and have yet to see any of it make it into the released FM3 footage. Please, Turn 10, don't let me down. You can't fail this hard.

[drpunkerz]

What have you been suggesting to Turn 10?

[ElementOfC]

It's too much to write here, but it's about the way the game deals with different transmission types and shifting so woefully wrong; I made a very long post on their forums a couple months ago, and have since given up on the game. It's my own fault though for being so intolerant to oversights.

[rock3tcat]

Manual baby, whOOooooOOOOOooo!!!

[MrAlperry]

wtf

[guitarplayer0007]

@ElementOfC buy tha damn forza 3 its definitley worth it's money.

10000000000 times better than forza 2

[NarowAR07]

@ElementOfC cool dude :) i dont know so much about the shitfting in Fm3 since im getting a steering wheel in a coupple of days so untill then im playing with controller (still awsome xD) but im pretty sure it woulden't hurt to buy the game if you can trade it in again ? :)

[wongmylesa]

@ElementOfC forza 3 is worth it dude