When I first picked up Forza Horizon, I didn't know what to expect. I was very excited for this game because there aren't that many options for an open world racing game, but I was worried about the new direction the Forza series had taken after making its name as a simulation racer.
My fears were quickly laid to rest, because Forza Horizon is great. The gameplay is fantastic, whether you're openly exploring the vast open world environment or racing airplanes. Right from the start it throws you into the action, as you have to race for your spot in the Horizon Festival. From there, there is a lot of content to explore and enjoy. There are races, showcase events, and collectables to seek out. Online offers up even more gameplay options, and I had a great time playing online with friends. The difficulty is fully adjustable, so everyone from expert racers to those that are new to the racing genre will love this game.
As for the graphics of the game, they are simply stunning. Developer Turn 10 did an excellent job in every respect. The cars look just as good, if not better, than those found in Forza 4, and the scenery is beautiful and very detailed. The game also features a rotation between night and day. No matter the time you race, the game looks fantastic, and night races add an extra thrill to the already exciting gameplay. The environment is destructible, which is strangely satisfying to see if you take a wrong turn or mash your ride into a building.
Forza Horizon's audio complements the game's visuals quite well. The cars sound almost exactly on par with their real life counterparts. The music is pretty cool to boot, with three radio stations that play a variety of dubstep, rock, and pop.
If there's one small complaint to be had about the game, it's the fact that it can get repetitive after you 100% it. Online offers reason enough to stick around, as no two races are ever the same, but the single player experience will get stale eventually. Don't let this dissuade you from buying it though, because it's great while it lasts.
Forza Horizon is a breath of fresh air in the racing world, as it takes the great track record of the Forza series and infuses it with new ideas. The open world racing feels, looks, and plays great. If you're new to the Forza series, or have been enjoying the series for years, this game is the racing experience you've been waiting for.
