Forza Horizon 6 Hands-On Preview: The Festival Finds Its Perfect Setting in Japan

      Xbox Game Studios, Adam Ismail

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      For nearly a decade, predictions and excitement have surrounded the possibility of Forza Horizon selecting Japan as its next setting. The country has been the most desired location for the series since its inception, and it's easy to understand why. Japan's influential automotive culture, renowned motorsport venues from Ebisu to Suzuka, and significant contributions to the industry make it a clear choice. From my first hour with Forza Horizon 6’s campaign, it’s evident that the team at Playground Games not only respects this legacy but has also effectively recreated the environment that allowed it to flourish.

      I was fortunate enough to get an early look at FH6 prior to its release on May 19. The preview began with the game’s prologue, an introductory event familiar to Horizon fans. It serves as a teaser for various race and vehicle types, showcasing the game's diverse world, culminating in a race to the festival featuring this edition’s standout car, the GR GT. Following this, you meet your guide for your Japanese adventures, check out your starter cars (including an ST205 Toyota Celica GT-Four, widebody S13 Nissan Silvia, and a K5 GMC Jimmy), and can instantly start participating in races to qualify for the main event, the Horizon Festival. During this preview, I was able to take on the initial three qualifiers and freely explore the map.

      Reflecting on my experiences through all six entries of what is arguably the only relevant racing game with real cars for most players today, I consistently find myself in awe of the world that Playground Games has created. It’s fair to declare these environmental artists as some of the best in the industry.

      I am particularly impressed by how motion blur appears in the few narrow corridors of FH6’s Tokyo.

      Like its two preceding editions, FH6 features Japan's varied seasons, but their impact on the world is significantly more pronounced than in Forza Horizon 5’s Mexico, which primarily alternated between dry and wet conditions. My gameplay sample was confined to spring, though Japan's climate diversity ensures that alpine weather—and an essential four-wheeled ski jump—is always just a road trip away, regardless of the season.

      My preview was exclusive to Xbox Series consoles, yet what Playground has achieved visually on this nearly six-year-old hardware is frequently breathtaking. The vegetation in FH6’s Japan—whether it's the sweeping waves of Ginkgo trees on hills, cherry blossom petals scattered by passing vehicles, or snow-covered pines to the north—is the most beautiful I’ve encountered in a video game. While Playground’s depiction of Tokyo City, especially automotive hotspots like Daikoku PA, will likely captivate first-time players, it’s the natural beauty where these titles shine, and FH6 is no exception.

      Regarding the city, Playground claims it is five times larger than FH5’s Guanajuato. While it likely is that expansive, it feels more intimate due to its vertical nature compared to horizontal spread. The layering of expressway routes over city streets, with iconic landmarks like the Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge framed by skyscrapers, adds to its charm. Although the roads are quite wide—somewhat broader than I would prefer—Playground had to ensure they maintained a fun and racing-friendly feel rather than making them authentically claustrophobic.

      Traffic density is somewhat low. It's not as sparse as the initial gameplay footage we saw in March, but combined with several unoccupied lanes, it makes the larger boulevards feel somewhat lonely. There are pedestrians, though they are restricted to designated areas that cars can’t access, which adds a much-appreciated sense of life.

      During your exploration, you might discover cars available for purchase, and I'm not just referring to the nostalgic Horizon Barn Finds (which are included, but weren’t featured in my demo). These cars come with some modifications and are sold at lower prices, adding an exciting element that I anticipate will provide surprises that earlier installments lacked. Regarding customization, we've previously mentioned the addition of new Forza aero parts available for all cars, but an even bigger highlight is the expanded selection of aftermarket wheels in this edition, as well as the capability to use different wheels on each axle. This may offer the most varied collection of rims seen in any racing game, with Gran Turismo 7 being a notable competitor.

      Concerning the racing experience, there are two important and welcome aspects of FH6’s progression that I must highlight. First, mere participation in the qualifier events isn't enough to gain entry into the Horizon Festival—I had to win, which is how it should be. Second, all events in the campaign are restricted to specific car classes until they are completed, which will appeal to anyone who thought previous games were too open-ended and lacked a sense of purpose.

      I admire that FH6 revisits the original game’s “wristband