You can rewind nearly a decade and still come across fan-driven speculations about Forza Horizon selecting Japan as its next destination. The island country has undoubtedly been the series’ most awaited locale since its inception, and it’s not difficult to see why. Japan’s cutting-edge car culture, revered motorsport venues from Ebisu to Suzuka, and its long-standing contributions to our industry make it a clear choice. If there’s one thing that’s unmistakably evident from experiencing the first hour of Forza Horizon 6’s storyline, it’s that the developers at Playground Games honor that heritage; they’ve encapsulated the setting that made it feasible.
I was fortunate to get a preview of FH6 before its May 19 launch. The preview kicked off with the game’s prologue event, an introductory experience that Horizon fans have come to expect. It acts as a sampler of race and vehicle types showcasing the full variety of the game world, culminating in a race to the festival inside this installment’s featured vehicle, the GR GT. After that, you meet your guide for your journeys in Japan, are introduced to your starter cars (including an ST205 Toyota Celica GT-Four, widebody S13 Nissan Silvia, and—a K5 GMC Jimmy), and can begin competing in races to qualify for the big event, the Horizon Festival. For this preview, I got to attempt the first three qualifiers and explore the map at my leisure.
One thing I’ve learned after six entries into what is arguably the only racing game involving real cars that resonates with most players today, is that my first impression is consistently the same: pure amazement at the world Playground Games has constructed. It’s no exaggeration to claim these environmental artists are the finest in the business.
In line with its previous two editions, FH6 acknowledges Japan’s changing seasons, although their impact on the world is far more significant than in Forza Horizon 5‘s Mexico, which only featured shifts between dry and wet seasons. This gameplay sample was entirely set in spring, yet the country’s diverse climates mean that conditions like alpine weather—and a requisite four-wheeled ski jump—are never more than a road trip away, whatever the season.
My preview was also restricted to Xbox Series consoles, yet, what Playground has accomplished visually on hardware that’s nearly six years old is often stunning. The flora in FH6’s Japan—whether it’s the waves of Ginkgo trees blanketing hills, fallen cherry blossom petals stirred up by passing cars, or snow-laden pines in the north—is the most beautiful I’ve ever witnessed in a video game. I know Playground’s portrayal of Tokyo City, especially car enthusiast hotspots like Daikoku PA, will attract the most fascination from newcomers, but it’s the natural beauty in these titles that excels, and FH6 is no exception.
Regarding that city: Playground claims it is five times the size of FH5’s Guanajuato. While I’m confident it is indeed that expansive, it feels slightly more personal because this urban area emphasizes vertical space over horizontal. There’s a considerable layering of expressway paths above city streets, with landmarks like the Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge seemingly perfectly framed by skyscrapers. Indeed, the roads are wide—quite a bit wider than I would prefer, though it’s evident Playground couldn’t achieve both an authentically cramped feel and enjoyable racing simultaneously.
Traffic, too, is somewhat sparse. Although it isn’t as neglected as the initial gameplay footage we viewed in March, the numerous empty travel lanes make larger roads feel a bit isolated. There are pedestrians, nevertheless, confined to designated zones that vehicles clearly cannot enter, providing an appreciated sense of vibrancy.
During your explorations, you may come across cars for sale, and I’m not merely referring to classic Horizon Barn Finds from the past (those are included, too, though not in my demo). These cars come with some modifications and are priced lower, adding an exciting twist that I anticipate will surprise this installment in ways its predecessors might have benefitted from. Regarding customization, we’ve talked about new Forza aero components available for every vehicle, but a even bigger deal is the variety of new aftermarket wheels introduced in this edition, along with the ability to put different wheels on each axle. This may now represent the finest and most diverse selection of rims in any racing game, and Gran Turismo 7 is no lightweight.
In terms of racing, there are two significant aspects of FH6’s advancement that I think are essential to note and very welcome. Firstly, merely completing those qualifier events wasn’t sufficient to enter the Horizon festival—I had to win them, which is how it absolutely should be. Secondly, all events in the campaign are restricted to specific car classes prior to first completion, which will be music to the ears of anyone who ever believed these games felt too aimless and unrestricted to create any tension or purpose.
I appreciate that FH6 reverts to the original game’s “wristband” system, where you’ll have to progress up to higher vehicle classes as you play. It sort of deflates my excitement to randomly win a priceless Porsche Le Mans legend four races into my Horizon journey through a prize wheel spin I earned for doing nothing of importance. FH6 marks at least a move back toward classic game design.
By the time review code becomes available, I anticipate being able to try FH6 on PC in addition to my Series X. (PS5 users, we’re informed, will need to wait until later in the year to hit the streets.) This specific build was restricted to the game’s Quality mode, which caps frame rate at 30 frames per second to achieve more detailed visuals. I view FH6 as a more exploratory and less tense competitive racing experience, so I believe Quality mode is an excellent way to enjoy this game, though there will certainly also be a 60 fps Performance option for those who demand nothing less.
Speaking of which, I’ll need to experience more than the 20 or so vehicles provided in this preview for a conclusive judgment, but I didn’t notice a significant disparity in handling characteristics between what I drove in this preview and my recollections of FH5. Expect around 550 vehicles on launch day, and if that’s insufficient, be patient. The previous game debuted with almost the same number, and nearly doubled that in the years succeeding the release. Longtime fans will value that certain cars from Forza history, like the S13 and S15 Silvia and R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R, have been remodeled to appear far more precise than they ever have within the franchise.
FH6 has developed into precisely what the masses have been yearning for: Forza Horizon as you recognize and likely adore it, set in Japan, coupled with the skilled environmental touch that only Playground games has consistently delivered. Personally, I’m looking forward to discovering more surprises in the complete release, like cars for sale in the wild. Moreover, with numerous new features we didn’t explore in this preview, such as the ability to customize your own garage space, there will undoubtedly be much to discuss when our comprehensive review is published in the upcoming weeks. See you again here, mid-May.
What would you like to know about Forza Horizon 6 as we prepare our review? Reach out to me at [email protected]
**Forza Horizon 6 Preview: Examining the Festival’s Fusion with Japanese Culture**
The Forza Horizon series has been renowned for its lively open-world settings and engaging festival experiences. With the forthcoming release of Forza Horizon 6, players will delve into a fresh environment that deeply resonates with Japanese culture, presenting a distinct mix of racing, tradition, and modernity.
**Setting and Environment**
Forza Horizon 6 transports players to a carefully designed representation of Japan, showcasing varied landscapes from vibrant urban areas to tranquil countryside. The game highlights iconic sites such as Tokyo’s illuminated streets, Kyoto’s ancient temples, and the scenic Mount Fuji. Each setting is crafted to reflect Japan’s rich cultural legacy, providing players with a visually breathtaking backdrop for their racing escapades.
**Cultural Festivals and Events**
Central to Forza Horizon 6 is the festival itself, inspired by Japan’s dynamic cultural celebrations. Players will participate in events that honor traditional Japanese arts, music, and food, seamlessly weaving these elements into the racing experience. From food vendors to live shows, the festival ambiance is designed to immerse players in local culture.
The game includes unique festival activities that spotlight traditional Japanese customs, such as taiko drumming and calligraphy, enabling players to engage with the culture beyond racing. These experiences not only enhance gameplay but also educate players about Japan’s cultural significance.
**Car Culture and Customization**
Japan is famous for its automotive culture, and Forza Horizon 6 pays tribute to this heritage. The game presents a broad selection of Japanese vehicles, ranging from classic models like the Nissan Skyline to contemporary supercars like the Toyota GR Supra. Players can customize their rides with authentic Japanese tuning styles, reflecting the personalization synonymous with Japanese automotive culture.
The integration of car meets and street racing events emphasizes the sense of community in Japanese car culture. Players can join underground races, showcasing their enhanced vehicles while interacting with NPCs that embody the essence of Japanese car enthusiasts.
**Culinary Experiences**
Cuisine is integral to Japanese culture, and Forza Horizon 6 weaves this aspect into the festival experience. Players can explore food stalls serving traditional meals like ramen, sushi, and takoyaki. These culinary offerings not only enrich the festival atmosphere but also celebrate Japan’s diverse gastronomic heritage.
**Music and Art**
The Forza Horizon 6 soundtrack features a mix of traditional Japanese music and modern genres, creating an engaging audio experience that complements the visuals. Players can enjoy various musical styles, from traditional shamisen performances to contemporary J-Pop, reflecting Japan’s rich musical diversity.
Art also plays a vital role in the festival, with in-game displays highlighting local artists and their work. Players can uncover art installations that celebrate Japanese aesthetics, further deepening their appreciation of the culture.
**Conclusion**
Forza Horizon 6 promises to be a revolutionary addition to the franchise, delivering an immersive experience that transcends racing. By incorporating Japanese culture into the festival, the game not only offers exhilarating gameplay but also celebrates Japan’s rich traditions, automotive history, and vibrant community. As players prepare to embark on this new journey, they can anticipate a remarkable fusion of speed, culture, and exploration in the heart of Japan.