Delayed Forza on the Grid in May

Not too long now until Microsoft's racer hits the streets. Details on future downloadable content inside too.

Forza Motorsport 2 has featured heavily in Microsoft's propaganda for the Xbox 360, most recently as a spotlighted example of what's possible with the Live Anywhere platform, where players could theoretically work on customizing their cars on their phones. There's just one problem though: the game isn't out yet.

The game was originally slated to hit stores around the Christmas season, but various production issues meant the game missed that. Now the team says that the game will be out in the US this May. There's no firm date for Europe yet. The best Microsoft has been able to do is offer "summer" as a release timeframe.

"Our schedule right now has us hitting Xbox certification around the middle of April and going gold soon afterwards," writes Che Chou, Forza's community manager, on the game's site. "We want them to put the game on shelves as soon and fast as they can humanly muster. So optimistic estimates have us at retail in the first half of May - obviously the sooner the better and that's our goal."

Microsoft also revealed the final track line-up. Eight of the 12 courses in Forza 2 are based on real tracks and these can be raced on in their various configurations, bringing the final "ribbon" count to 47.

And there is more to come. Microsoft is working on data already collected on tracks beyond the 12 in the game. These will be released after the game ships, though Microsoft hasn't yet confirmed whether they'll be free. Chou promises, however, not repeat Bethesda's gaffe with Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion:

"Definitely no horse armor here, folks," he wrote.

The full list of tracks for Forza Motorsport 2 is below. For more on the game, visit forzamotorsport.net

• Maple Valley Raceway
• Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
• Mugello Autodromo Internazionale
• Nürburgring Nordschleife
• New York Circuit
• Road Atlanta
• Sebring International Raceway
• Silverstone Circuit
• Sunset Peninsula Infield
• Suzuka Circuit
• Test Track
• Tsukuba Circuit

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo