Forza Horizon 6 hits top gear
After years of fervent fan speculation, the Horizon Festival has officially made its way to the neon-drenched streets and mist-covered peaks of Japan. Early critical reviews for Forza Horizon 6 have begun to surface, and the consensus is nothing short of a victory lap for developer Playground Games.
The title has achieved a rare "Masterpiece" rating from IGN, with lead reviewer Luke Reilly praising the game as the new standard in open-world racing. This latest iteration marks a significant technical leap for the franchise, utilising the full power of the Xbox Series X to render a version of Japan that feels both authentically dense and visually breathtaking.
From the sprawling urban labyrinth of downtown Tokyo to the iconic touge runs of the mountainous regions, the sense of scale is reportedly unmatched in the series' history.
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One of the most celebrated returns is the Wristband progression system, a fan-favourite mechanic from the original 2012 game. By reintroducing seven levels of gated access—culminating in the aspirational Gold band—Playground has addressed previous criticisms regarding "aimless" progression.
Players must now prove their mettle in specific car classes and disciplines to unlock new sectors of the map and higher-tier events, providing a much-needed sense of structure to the festival's characteristic freedom.
Audio enthusiasts have also been given cause for celebration. The game features over 550 meticulously modelled cars, with a renewed focus on acoustic fidelity. The improved echoing in tunnels and tight urban alleyways has been highlighted as a standout feature, adding a layer of immersion that car culture purists have long demanded.
While some critics have noted that the core racing loop remains familiar, the sheer quality of the Japanese backdrop and the refined "simcade" handling have propelled Forza Horizon 6 to the front of the pack. For those seeking the ultimate driving escape, the sun has finally risen on a new champion.
The game is available worldwide from 19 May.
