Microsoft have released a demo on Xbox One and PC for Forza Motorsport 7. It weighs in at 17.6gb.

The demo contains 3 races, including one of the brand new tracks that has been heavily shown at E3, the Dubai track. This track is quite challenging but very satisfying when you get the apex right. You get to drive the new 2018 RS2 Porsche for that race.

The second race allows you to have a crack at the racing trucks, and these huge beasts are great fun. Mugello makes a return, which is great as it has been a Forza favourite for ages.

The last race is in a GT styled Nissan GTR on Nurburgring GP circuit. It starts out dry and then a serious storm develops, before clearing again to a sunset. Even on the standard Xbox One this game looks absolutely gorgeous. Turn 10 have really mastered making use of the standard Xbox One’s power. I can only imagine how good it will look on high end PCs and the Xbox One X.

The handling and physics is greatly improved over Forza Motorsport 6. No more giant slides off the track whenever you hit water – it is a lot more subtle than that. For any racing game that gives you a sense of weight in different parts of the car, like Forza Motorsport 7 does, is quite an achievement. I was trying to work out why I felt like I was being pulled from the middle of the car when it suddenly dawned on me that the Porsche is mid engine drive.

You get to try the featured car in the demo.

The demo does give you a huge taste of the handling, the AI (which is still based on drivatar technology) and the graphics. The sound has also been given a massive work over and is much improved. What the demo doesn’t cover is how the new campaign mode will work. However, I am very hopeful based on the hour I’ve played so far and simply cannot wait until next Friday before I can start playing the full game. There is also a new driver view, which is fantastic if you want to see a bit more of the road and less of the cockpit.

One of the questions you are probably asking is, for those who really enjoyed Forza Horizon 3, is this game going to be worth getting? I’d have to say try the demo first and see what you think. I love track racing and I enjoy both types of games (Motorsport and Horizon). I certainly think if you want to show off a great looking game with HDR and like the increased handling challenge, particularly with assists off, then you should definitely consider Forza Motorsport 7 as a purchase.

Expect a full review next weekend, in time for the 3rd of October release.