Xbox recently provided media outlets with an early hands-on look at Forza Horizon 6. Developed by Playground Games, this latest entry in the racing juggernaut not only maintains the series' high standards but finally brings the action to the long-awaited setting of Japan.
Unlike previous titles where you stepped into the shoes of an established "superstar," this entry takes a more grounded approach. You begin as an unproven rookie, forced to earn your stripes across a vast, digital recreation of Japan before you can even qualify for the Horizon Festival. During the demo, there were no supercars to be found; instead, the journey begins behind the wheel of a 90s-era Toyota Celica GT-Four.
Unrivaled Detail in the Japanese Landscape
World design remains the heartbeat of the franchise. Playground Games has crafted what is arguably the most stunning open world in Horizon history. Tokyo serves as the game’s primary urban hub, featuring a complex web of highway interchanges and neon-drenched streets, while the outskirts offer everything from rural countryside and dense forests to snow-capped mountain ranges. Through meticulous modeling, the developers have created a visually striking environment, particularly when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Significant adjustments have been made to the game's mechanics as well. The series' staple "fast travel boards" have been removed; instead, players earn experience by destroying mascot statues scattered across the map, and fast travel to discovered locations is now entirely free. Additionally, the game introduces seamless, menu-free time trials in the open world, which significantly boosts immersion.
The economy has also seen a shift toward a more challenging experience. The "giveaway" culture of previous games, which frequently showered players with luxury cars and massive cash bonuses, has been dialed back. Players must now scrape together funds by purchasing used cars or taking on side jobs like delivery missions to afford upgrades or new vehicles. This design choice aims to recapture the classic racing game progression arc: starting with a beat-up clunker and working your way up to elite performance machines.
While the narrative is more subdued, the opening sequence still captures the signature spectacle and flair the Horizon series is known for. As Kotaku noted in their coverage, this title has every chance of becoming the series' finest entry to date. The game is scheduled for release on Xbox and PC on May 19, with a PlayStation 5 version to follow.
