Preview - Forza Horizon
The aim of Forza Horizon developer Turn 10 Studios is to turn gamers into car lovers and car lovers into gamers. A tall order, perhaps, but upon the first play through of Horizon it's clear the size of the studio's ambition is matched by its creation.
Horizon is something of a spin-off to previous Forza games. In a first for the series there will be an open-world environment for players to explore. America's Colorado has been recreated for the virtual world, featuring the best driving roads and all the different types of terrain you would expect from a state bordering the Rocky Mountains.
Turn 10 is trying to satisfy both newcomers and veterans of Forza with what they're calling an "action-racing" title. This refreshing look at the series might not be to everyone's liking but it's a bold move by the studio and they should be admired for going down a different route. The car physics and presentation will be similar to what Forza players are used to but there's definitely a pick-up-and-play approach that encourages outsiders to have a go.
The game is based around the fictitious 'Horizon Festival’, which you will spend a lot of time travelling to and from. This festival will act as the hub for doing most things in the game, from customising your cars to shopping for new ones. Don't get too comfortable though, there is so much to explore in Horizon that you could go for hours without heading towards the festival as you drive around the mountains of Colorado admiring the scenery or, if you wish, challenging AI drivers that you meet to instant races.
There is a story to Horizon though, and the aim is to obtain different coloured wristbands by progressing through enough races. These wristbands act as passes for bigger and better competitions. The better you do in a race, the faster you'll unlock the next coloured wristband, which in turn allows you to compete in higher level contests. It's not just winning that grants you new wristbands though. Driving recklessly, destroying property and avoiding collisions at high-speeds will give you points towards that next level, encouraging you to throw caution to the wind and put your foot on the throttle.
You'll start off driving a Volkswagen Corrado, a modest vehicle compared to the supercars you'll be racing around in later on in the game. But the Corrado does a good job of showing you the basics of driving in Forza Horizon. You get a chance to become familiar with the car physics at a slower pace, turning and drifting will shortly become an acquired skill and you'll be ready to challenge for first place in races soon enough.
Being set in a massive open-world environment means players will find it easy to get lost. Fortunately there is a helpful in-game map that players can refer to at any point. The map can be used for pinpointing an area you would like to travel to and then once you're back in the driving seat you'll have a helpful line directing you where to head next.
Night racing is another big change for the series. This adds to the festival feel of the game and driving around at night really does look great. Streetlights make the car models look even better, if that was possible. You can see fireworks going off in the distance and it all gives you an awareness of that party festival atmosphere the game is based around.
The soundtrack also does a good job of adding to the festival vibe, with tracks selected by British DJ Rob Da Bank. The songs will be featured over three radio stations and there's a fresh mix of Rock, Dubstep and Electric tracks to listen to as you speed past your opponents.
Forza Horizon is sure to split fan opinion but it's definitely a game that should be played before it's written off as 'just another arcade racer'. With elements of previous Forza games mixed into a stunning open-world, Forza Horizon has the potential to be a must-buy title for purists and rookies alike.