Forza Horizon 3 Review: Welcome to the Greatest Racing Sim Ever

It’s needless to explain why Forza Horizon is that one racing simulator that deserves a category all on its own. Forza Motorsport, Gran Turismo and Need For Speed are the only three titles in the league but Horizon’s open world and uniqueness in variety ensure nothing will ever come close.

Here we are now in Australia with new cars, new events and a new view, including how we take on the open road, off road and so much more. Turn 10 only knows how to become greater by the day and they’ve done it again with Forza Horizon 3.

As you make your way to the festival beginning out in Byron Bay, Australia as you transition from an exotic Lamborghini to an off road 4X4 learning the ropes catching a brief glimpse of what of come this year in Horizon. Every bit of it is breathtaking. It’s hard to believe as The Carpenters would say, it only just begun.

As a twist this year the Horizon Festival is yours to build, own, hire and fire with the help of Keira your coordinator for the duration. The insanity that we love most picks up right away as you drive a buggy and a jeep with incredible advantage, its strapped to a helicopter.

There are plenty of races, challenges, PR stunts with well over 350 vehicles to compliment every one of them,

Forza Horizon 3 Gorge Buggies

including a few 2017 gems like the Nissan GTR. Every time I was offered another vehicle my brain began to forget this is all a fantasy as I hop in a new car with the adrenaline rush of limitless possibilities.

As aforementioned in Forza Horizon 3 you choose your team of Drivatars, online gamers who’ve been around Australia already earning a bit of XP and fans, which will help contribute to you festival and experience.  And as long as they continue to play, you’ll continue to gain bonus fans and more. Other players will be able to recruit you as well for their own Forza Horizon adventure. Either way, it essential to keep record of who’s an asset and who’s a liability, knowing who to keep and whom to fire from your team.

Forza Horizon 3 Lamborghini on Beach

With an additional twist this year you have the ability to play as a team in co-op campaign. Regardless of where each player currently sits in progress, working together will still earn you player credit, fans and XP. If you choose to join others on the open road for fun online free roam is back as well.

The driving assist is back to help guide you in the best path possible avoiding environmental crashes and collisions. Avoiding as much damage possible is critical when looking to earn skill points from tricks performed in each race. As you earn enough skill points you can unlock upgrades that will benefit your XP or Credits, as well as additional skills for your character while driving.

In Horizon I had a blast creating my own race events. I felt like the owner and creator rather than being told I’m a boss, yet micromanaged every step of the way. Playground Games lived up to their own name providing a high level of creativity. Yes, it’s meant for you to drive and explore, but ultimately to allow you to be the decision maker throughout the Festival.

Customization has always been a big factor in every Forza and your decision continues to matter. Customize every car to your preference; not just the vinyl and custom paint, which is beautiful by the way, but the engine tune-up, body parts and much more. Just remember that each custom part will either help or hurt the vehicle’s mobility.

From the offshore to the city, Australia is displayed as one of the most beautiful and vibrant areas around the globe. It has always been one of the most impressive features as Playground Games and Turn 10 understands the importance of what you drive and where you drive. And it’s because of this there isn’t another racing game that comes close.

I love the music selection as you’re able to assign your preferred radio station that you feel best fit your festival. You continue you earn more stations as you expand your festivals enabling you to listen to your own music via Groove.