The formula hasn't much changed for the Forza Horizon series since it debuted in 2012. Introduced more as an arcade-sim hybrid focused on fun factor and social elements than its big brother, the simulation-minded Forza Motorsport, the two have alternated years with new releases in the time that's followed.
The formulas behind the two haven't changed for a reason: They're basically perfect.
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Forza Horizon 3 builds off its two predecessors while remaining very familiar. Everything great about Horizon has returned, but with some new compelling features built on and with the racing taking place in the best setting yet.
Forza Horizon 3 moves to Australia, where the outback provides not just spectacular scenery, but more variations of racing than in the previous locations of Colorado and Southern Europe.
The variety has expanded considerably with what Australia has to offer. Races take place on the beach, offroad through rainforests and desert, through small neighborhoods, on highways and in tight urban areas. There are over 350 cars including buggies, which contribute to keeping things interesting. Additionally, the types of challenges have expanded, and there's always something new to pursue and achieve.
The level of customization also has increased with the ability to select and name your own character and create a personalized license plate. Creating and sharing designs for cars, or simply downloading those from others, returns and remains a fantastic option with near unlimited possibilities. Now you'll even get to create your own entire festivals in the game.
One of the big new features introduced in Forza Horizon 3 is online co-op. Friends can join and contribute to each others' campaigns, which in the past have been solo-only. The ties to social experiences go beyond just the co-op and to the hiring (and potentially firing) of friend's Driveatars for assistance in earning fans, the creation of events with a new feature called "Blueprint" that others get to race in and even cross-play that'll allow for online experiences shared between those on both Xbox One and PC. This is also an 'Xbox Play Anywhere' game, which means those who buy the game own it for both.
Forza Horizon's visuals are so stunning that its heavily-used Photo Mode has now been joined by a useful new Drone Mode. The untethered drone can fly out not just to explore the scenery, but also to track and spectate other active racers. It's an amazing tool for capturing unique images and videos.
The open-world nature of Horizon necessitates a guide, and that's here in the form of your personal assistant "Anna," who will suggest and route for you what to do next. There are also eight great radio stations to provide a soundtrack to your journey.
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The Forza Horizon series is designed to be accessible and accommodating. That doesn't necessarily mean it's easy — there's definitely challenge present on defaults and in learning the handling of every vehicle while dealing with the varied terrain and weather conditions. The experience can be adjusted through difficulty levels, removal of assists and even taking on tasks like the tuning of cars which may be bypassed by others. Horizon may have an arcade slant but doesn't make it wholly unrealistic.
There's really something for everyone in Forza Horizon 3. It's a game that will appeal to car aficionados but also those who are not. While forgiving and exhilarating for novices, it can be just as rewarding to racing experts. It's a worthwhile experience for anyone who prefers to play alone, as well as those seeking something more social and online.
It's difficult to imagine how Forza Horizon 3 could have been any better.
Forza Horizon 3 releases September 27 or for those who buy the more expensive Ultimate Edition on September 23. Microsoft provided a download code for review purposes.
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, is co-founder of the sports gaming site HitThePass.com, hosts the Press Row Podcast, and be reached on Twitter @Pastapadre.