On paper, it might seem odd that the Forza Horizon series waited until the sixth installment to bring its signature open-world racing experience to Japan. Few countries command as much reverence for automotive culture, being home to drifting, Daikoku PA, and even a car that helped Dominic Toretto escape in Fast & Furious. However, after spending the last week immersed in Forza Horizon 6, I’m convinced Playground Games made the right call by waiting.
A Map That Breathes
The most significant leap forward is undoubtedly the map quality. It’s not just about size or beauty (though it excels in both). Crucially, it feels authentic and car-friendly, adding a richness and believability that elevates the entire experience. Every corner of the map feels like a place you can pause and admire, making every arrival feel like a destination.
From moment to moment, especially during races, Forza Horizon 6 shares many similarities with its predecessors. At its core, it offers the same class-based racing system. The timer ticks down, you mash the throttle, and fight your way to the front of the pack. It’s still great racing, and I’m impressed by the AI’s evasive maneuvers.
On a gamepad, the handling feels familiar: a successful blend of simulation-inspired weight and grip with smooth steering controls. While not as punishing as a hardcore simulator, it’s also not a pure arcade racer like Burnout Paradise. However, on a wheel, there’s a welcome increase in front-end grip, making it easier to navigate the many twists and turns or avoid traffic on the freeway.
While some might see this as just another iteration of Forza Horizon 5 on a new map, that would be an oversimplification. Forza Horizon 6 brings significant changes, including a more satisfying campaign progression, enhanced car graphics and audio, expanded user-generated content tools, and the ability to build custom garages and race tracks.
A Japanese Dreamscape
Forza Horizon 6’s interpretation of Japan is a distilled and shrunken version of Tokyo surrounded by rolling hills, farmland, forests, mountains, villages, race circuits, and sweeping highlands. The blend of natural beauty and engineering spectacle is outstanding, from the way low sun lights the snow-covered fields to the snaking freeways overlooking Tokyo.
It might not be geographically accurate, but it’s designed to look fantastic and engaging. It achieves both, creating a world built for cars. It offers not only places to race, drag, and drift but also places to park, photograph, meet friends, and simply appreciate the automotive culture.
Forza Horizon 6 is visually stunning, whether gazing at the Tokyo skyline or emerging from a tunnel to see the wilderness unfold before you. No map has captured the sense of scale as successfully, and it achieves this without crashes or stuttering. The attention to detail is remarkable, from the flaking paint on concrete pylons to the unique road surfaces and idiosyncratic markings.
Every parking lot feels bespoke, whether it’s the Tokyo Drift-style one by the docks or a modest spot tucked away under an overpass. While I would have loved more underground parking garages (Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown has them), Forza Horizon 6 features petrol stations everywhere, a rarity in the series since the single station in Australia in Forza Horizon 3.
A World That Respects Cars
The cars look fantastic, especially with the new ice-encrusted textures in frosty weather. The improved echoing in tunnels adds to the immersive experience, and the ability to place decals on glass is a welcome addition. The campaign progression is more curated than Forza Horizon 5, culminating in a special section of the map with large-scale events.
While credits arrive at a decent clip, and there are plenty of hidden cars and treasure car clues scattered throughout the map. The game encourages exploration at your own pace. While some might miss the complete freedom of Forza Horizon 5, the curated experience is ultimately satisfying.
Source: IGN Gaming
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