Forza Horizon 3 is the third instalment of the popular Forza Horizon series and is an open world racing video game published by Microsoft Studios exclusively for Xbox One and Windows PC. As part of the new Xbox Play Anywhere programme, which allows players who purchase Xbox/Windows PC games digitally to play on both platforms at no additional cost, this game offer cross-platform play and includes a co-operative multiplayer campaign for up to four players.
Developed by Playground Games, this iteration of the Forza Horizon series is set in the great expanse of the land down under, Australia, stretching across a much larger map than its predecessors from Surfers Paradise in the Gold Coast to the Australian outback.
Players in this game, play as the Director of the Horizon Festival, whose goal is to ensure the festival is a success and is the biggest festival worldwide, a marked change from the previous games in which players simply play as racers in the festival. As Director, players can not only make racer hiring decisions, but can also create customisable race tracks along the map; this position provides players with absolute freedom.
Forza Horizon 3 features 350 cars, of which players are able to tinker with and customise as they please. Essentially, this game features much more freedom of choice and gameplay which puts players in control of how they wish to play the game. Feel like driving like a maniac and run through trees and down epic hills in a sleek Aston Martin DB9? Not a problem as there’s no punishment for crazy driving antics. However, it’s important to note that extra points are given for ‘clean’ and smooth driving. In fact, for those who prefer driving properly, Forza Horizon 3 brings back a popular feature of the series which is the ability to rewind time by a few seconds in order to correct or recover from mistakes.
Compared to the original Forza Motorsports games, Forza Horizon 3 isn’t a racing simulation, instead it encourages players to roam about freely in the open world, collect abandoned cars, attend races with other players online and partake in new challenges, such as capture the flag.
Visually, the open world element of the game is stunning, capturing the beauty of Australia, be it the city skyline or even the desert. The graphics are crisp and clear, making the environment astoundingly stunning and the cars sleek, sexy and powerful. The level of detail in game is incredible right down to the dirt and mud that can splatter onto cars.
Whilst the visuals are top notch, so too is the game’s audio and soundtrack, which utilises the Xbox One app, Groove Music, to allow players to drive to a banging soundtrack that will thrill and overload their senses.
Likely one of the best racing games of the decade, Forza Horizon 3 is a must play videogame and one that will certainly leave you with a need for speed. One of the best things about the game is that you don’t need to be a petrol-head to enjoy the game. I, personally, enjoyed the variety and choice the game offered. Perhaps you will to.
Get your hands on this newly released game here.