Forza Horizon 6 Blows Away Our Expectations - Unlocked Clips

The latest installment in the highly acclaimed Forza Horizon series, Forza Horizon 6, has been released to widespread critical acclaim, earning a perfect 10 out of 10 score from IGN. This marks the second consecutive entry in the series to receive such a high rating, with Forza Horizon 5 also achieving a perfect score and going on to be IGN's Game of the Year. Forza Horizon 6 is set in Japan, a location fans have eagerly anticipated for a long time. Mark, a dedicated player who has spent nearly 60 hours in the game, highlights its phenomenal quality, stating that it lives up to the series' established pedigree. He notes that for veteran Horizon players, the core experience will feel familiar, featuring the signature split progression system. One path involves sanctioned Horizon Festival events, such as closed-off races that earn points to unlock grand showcase events, each described as "very, very cool" and culminating in large-scale races akin to the Goliath events that cover the entire map. The second progression path is "Discover Japan," which focuses on unsanctioned street races, often taking place at night, and activities like joining drift clubs, with the "Tokyo Drifters" mission being a standout. The game also includes "Tour Japan" segments, where players embark on scenic drives in impressive cars, learning about the country's mountains and culture without the pressure of racing. The game masterfully blends iconic Japanese locales with period-appropriate vehicles, including popular '90s models like the Honda Civic, offering a dual historical and automotive lesson. Mark emphasizes that the game is best experienced by simply playing it, noting its availability on Game Pass. He reiterates that while the formula might not be surprising, the execution is brilliant, particularly in the visual presentation and the meticulously crafted world. The fictionalized Japan, inspired by its real-world counterpart, is presented as the primary draw, alongside hundreds of cars, many of which are unique to this installment. Forza Horizon 6 is characterized not just as a racing game, but as a "driving game." The "Tour Japan" feature exemplifies this, allowing players to enjoy the experience of driving without the competitive element. This resonates deeply with car enthusiasts like Mark, whose lifelong passion for cars began in childhood with toy cars. He contrasts Horizon's celebration of driving with the more simulation-focused approach of games like Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo, suggesting that Horizon occupies a unique space that appeals to both racing simulation fans and arcade racer enthusiasts. The discussion touches upon the game's blend of hyper-realistic driving physics with more fantastical elements, such as extreme jumps that would be impossible in reality. Players have the option to engage with the driving simulation by disabling assists, but the game also caters to those who prefer a more accessible experience, allowing them to "do whatever you want." The Horizon Festival itself is presented as the "star of the show," emphasizing its role as a vibrant event filled with great music. The game's soundtrack is consistently praised, with Forza Horizon 6 featuring a mix of Japanese and Western music, including Japanese-language tracks, ensuring accessibility for a global audience. The series' tradition of diverse soundtracks is highlighted, with previous installments set in Mexico, the UK, and Australia. The game's global appeal is further reinforced by the inclusion of cars from around the world, reflecting the festival's international nature. A minor point of discussion is the recurring theme of right-hand drive settings in recent Forza Horizon games, with the exception of Mexico. While this detail is noted, it's acknowledged that it doesn't significantly impact the core gameplay experience as players spend most of their time behind the wheel. The game also includes a feature allowing players to purchase estates and decorate garages with various items, a feature that Mark personally found less engaging, preferring to focus on the driving aspect. However, he acknowledges that this customization option is available for those who enjoy it. Michael, who had less playtime but still several hours, echoes the sentiment that the Forza formula is a winning one that Playground Games has perfected. He notes that despite the familiarity, "no one else does it like Forza." He relates to the series' ability to satisfy the desire for sim-like driving while still offering the freedom of an open world, a balance he feels Horizon strikes effectively, even absorbing elements from both simulation and arcade racing genres. He observes that while the game can feel like going through the motions due to its repetitive nature, it remains engaging, especially when playing with manual transmission settings to increase the challenge. The AI is also praised for its perfected intelligence across multiple entries. Michael expresses a desire for the game to lean more into the unique aspects of the Japanese setting, particularly the import car scene, toge races, and drifting. He hopes that later in the game, these elements become more prominent, as they are a significant part of his personal automotive interests. The showcase events are universally lauded as some of the best in the series, even when they involve racing against non-traditional opponents like airplanes or bullet trains. The clever construction of these events keeps players on the edge of their seats. One particular showcase event is singled out for its exceptional integration of Japanese pop culture, which is expected to be a highlight for many players. The developers' commitment to leaning into the specific setting of each game is seen as a key factor in its success. Forza Horizon 6 is described as a "cozy game," a low-stress experience that allows players to unwind and enjoy the world and the driving. This sentiment is shared by Miranda, who also uses the term "cozy" to describe the game's appeal. The ease of access through Game Pass is highlighted as a significant factor, allowing players to explore the game without a prior commitment to purchase. The discussion then delves into the game's progression and how it can become a "grind" at later stages, requiring players to accumulate points for specific events. However, this is not seen as a negative, as the core gameplay remains enjoyable and can be a backdrop for social activities like playing with friends on Discord or listening to podcasts. The game's soundtrack is again a point of praise, with the inclusion of Japanese bands and artists. Mark shares personal anecdotes of discovering new favorite bands, such as Churches and Milk Talk, through previous Forza Horizon titles, likening the series' music discovery potential to that of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater games. On the technical side, the game is reported to run exceptionally well on PC, even on mid-range hardware like a 5070 Ti, achieving high frame rates with ray tracing enabled. The engine is described as highly scalable, with reports of it running on devices like the Steam Deck. Console performance is also expected to be strong, mirroring the excellent performance of Forza Horizon 5 on Series X. The speakers then engage in a speculative discussion about the future of the Forza Horizon series, with a particular focus on potential future settings for Forza Horizon 7. This includes suggestions like Greece, a mashup of all previous locations, and China, to showcase its rapidly advancing automotive industry, especially in electric vehicles. The possibility of a return to the US, perhaps focusing on regions like Tennessee or California, is also raised. The participants express their desire for the series to become "weirder" and more fantastical in its world design, potentially leveraging the power of future hardware like the "Helix." The conversation concludes with a strong recommendation for players to try Forza Horizon 6, especially those who might not typically be drawn to racing games, due to its accessibility, fun gameplay, and availability on Game Pass. The game's ability to convert even non-car enthusiasts into fans is highlighted, referencing how Forza Horizon 5's launch on Game Pass led to its widespread adoption and eventual Game of the Year win. The integration of friends' profiles as NPCs and the competitive spirit fostered by in-game leaderboards are also mentioned as enjoyable aspects.