FORZA is a complicated driving game. It’s the type of game popular with car enthusiasts who like getting their hands dirty in the engine and knowing all the intricate details of each vehicle. This makes the release of Forza Horizonan interesting entry to the series as it hopes to bring the same impressive driving experience and visuals to a more accessible audience. Set during a music festival, Horizon brings all the hallmarks of a classic Forzagame into the open-world format with challenges, rival races and car customisation. Fans can drive through the game’s
Colorado-inspired landscape, with all the authenticity they’ve come to expect from the Forzafranchise. The game is also being developed by new UK studio Playground Games, which has racer talent from Codemasters, Bizzare Creations and Black Rock, in collaboration with original Forzadev Turn 10 Studios.
ROAD TRIP “The reaction to Forza Horizonhas been very positive with both media and consumers alike,” says Xbox UK product marketing manager Laura Disney.
“Three weeks ago at the Eurogamer Expo we saw hundreds of fans join creative director Ralph Fulton in a developer presentation and live demo of the game, before grabbing a hands- on opportunity themselves. “Forzais the highest rated racing franchise of this generation so we have high expectations of Forza Horizon,” adds Disney.
There are plenty of new features for consumers to enjoy; including the new focus on competition meets culture. Players can compete in online events designed to showcase skilful driving. New playground games like ‘King’ and ‘Infected’ that transform in an open world environment.
The dynamic day and night cycle
makes sure you’re always impressed by the in-game vistas. Driving around the world at night will show fireworks exploding in the distance from the music festival.
Microsoft has plenty in store for the launch of the game including a four- day road trip (See ‘Escape the Grid’). Starting on October 23rd, ten supercars will compete in a series of challenges from France to the UK. The trip begins in Paris and ends in Birmingham on October 26th.