Forza Horizon is the best racing game that we have played at NeuFutur. Microsoft Studios has done a solid job at recreating the thrill of driving extreme sports car, while keeping the learning curve fairly small. Forza Horizon is one of the rare racing titles that allows players the range of motion of open-world simulations, all while creating realistic scenarios for a driver’s control and overall experience.
The online multiplayer is a solid edition, allowing for groups of friends to declare which one is objectively best on various tracks. Leaderboards presented will only increase this tendency; fans of shows like Top Gear will love the showcase events that round out the title. Showcase events will force players to be at the peak of their driving skill, as they tear off the line against airplanes and balloons.
Realism is further injected into the game through the creation of routes between racing venues. One will have to change their drive style completely as they are stuck behind Sunday drivers en route to their next racetrack. Throughout all of these different gameplay options, players are rewarded with considerable tweaking and tuning. If the overall selection of cars was not enough, spoilers, paint, and package options can all be bought and factory presets can be changed. The car will feel considerably different based on which constellation of changes that an individual commits to; some of the low-end cars can even upend a Ferrari given the proper upgrades and solid driving of players.
The differentiation of the various tracks is what will keep players focused in; there just seems to be different strategy elements present when one has to drive through dusty scenery or on a lit track.
Rating: 9.2/10
Forza Horizon (Xbox 360) / 2012 Microsoft Studios / http://www.xbox.com