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Forza Horizon 3 review round up

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Forza Horizon 3

I’m by no means a fan of the racing genre, but I really, really liked what I saw of Forza Horizon 3 back at E3. Hundreds of cars? Check. Beautiful visuals? Check. Giant playground in which to burn lots of rubber? Crikey, you have a whole chunk of Australia to drive around in, mate!

On the surface, all is good and well – Forza Horizon 3 seems pretty great. Is it actually any good though? Let’s see what the critics think…

Destructoid – 9/10

That’s kind of where Forza Horizon is at right now: It’s a series that’s consistently enjoyable on an every-other-year cycle. Playground Games’ take on Australia falls right in line. It’s not quite the leap that the franchise made from the original Horizon to Horizon 2, but it’s not on cruise control, either. There’s enough variation here — from the feel of cars to the game modes to the radio stations — that this is another excellent installment in an always-excellent series. And, since variation is a key reason forHorizon 3‘s success, well, Australia seems like it’s probably the most perfectly appropriate setting.

Forza Horizon 3 (4)

IGN – 9.5/10

Forza Horizon 3 is a masterclass in open-world racing and bigger and better than its excellent predecessor across the board. It looks fantastic, the car selection and customisation is second to none, and the size and variety of the sprawling Australian outback is magnificent. Above all, Horizon 3 never loses sight of the fact that tearing through postcard-perfect locations should be fun, and it puts the tools in our hands to keep it that way, always. This is the racing game I’ve been waiting for, and it’s officially my favourite thing on four wheels. A fair dinkum triumph, mates.

Forza Horizon 3 (6)

Polygon – 8.5/10

Forza Horizon 3 is as much a driving game as a racing game. Through a superbly realized version of Australia as well as a wide variety of terrain, cars and challenges, this free-roaming car simulation offers a valuable playbox. But it also managed to muster “cor blimey” moments that made me feel a whooping rush of speed and liberation.

Forza Horizon 3 (7)

Gamespot – 9/10

With Forza Horizon 3, Turn 10 and Playground Games affirm the series’ status as the driving game for everyone. The new emphasis on off-road options isn’t at the expense of traditional races, thanks to the sheer volume of activities. All the while, Playground Games’ calculated kitchen-sink design philosophy and rich reward system persistently tempt you to explore beyond your comfort zone, whether it’s gifting your first Ariel Nomad buggy or reminding you that stunt races can impress thousands of fans. Enhancing your own brand might feel like a strange motivation to hit the road, but pulling off sick e-drifts on a mile-long series of curves makes the PR work worthwhile.

Forza Horizon 3 (2)

VideoGamer – 9/10 (review in progress)

Minor music service quibble aside, Forza Horizon 3 is a beautiful, immensely entertaining, joyous arcade racer that successfully builds on Playground Games’ already tremendous formula. As an open world racer Forza Horizon 3 is epic and diverse, as a racer it’s satisfying yet deep, and as a place to hang out it’s a whole heap of fun.

Forza Horizon 3 (1)

Twinfinite – 5/5

All in all, Forza Horizon 3 is a truly great racing experience. The fact that the developers were able to combine their premier arcade racing with a new layer of depth and control is something definitely of note. It’s proof that an accessible game doesn’t have to be overly simple and can provide options to the full spectrum of fans, from those wanting to just drive around all the way to those who really want to fine-tune their own monstrous machines for the road. I expected something on par with Forza Horizon 2 and was instead greeted by something far better. Forza Horizon 3 is definitely the one to beat right now, and may very well be the best Xbox One exclusive to date. If you like fast cars and have an Xbox One or PC, you owe it to yourself to pick this one up.

Forza Horizon 3 (3)

SAGamer – 9.4/10

Forza Horizon 3 is the Godfather 2 of the series. It’s taken everything you loved about the first two games, added some 100s and 1000s sprinkles of pure magic, and you now have what is arguably one of the best racing games of all time. It’s for both the driving enthusiast and the clueless among us. Forza Horizon 3 is really for everyone. If you own an Xbox One or PC you owe it to yourself to be part of this vibrant festival celebration of automobile crack.

Forza Horizon 3 (5)

Lazygamer – 9.5/10 | Pennyworth – 5/5

Forza Horizon 3 is a truly astonishing game and one that should not only be classified as one of the best driving games available right now, but one of the best games available, period

It looks like Playground Games have done some excellent work. Forza Horizon 3 is receiving positive reviews across the board! What’s nice is that it’s available on PC too. That’s a big deal for me, as I do not own the Xbox One.

Basically, the moment I can afford the game, and find the time to match, I’ll definitely be diving into the outback to do a bit of driving. What about you? Will you be picking up Forza Horizon 3?

Last Updated: September 21, 2016

19 Comments

  1. *insert a plethora of heinous expletives*

    Why can’t they release this on PS4?!?!?!?!?

    Reply

    • Skyblue

      September 21, 2016 at 10:19

      As a longtime fan of Forza, I can honestly say you don’t know what you’re missing ;-p

      MS have got a winner on their hands with cross platform on this one and you only need to buy it once. Amazing what a company can achieve when they use a little bit of initiative.

      Reply

      • Original Heretic

        September 21, 2016 at 10:21

        I have Forza Horizon 1 and 2 on XB360, so I DO know what I’m missing!
        Those were the games that made me love driving games. I dabbled with the NFS games, enjoyed them for a brief time. But once I got Forza H, man, it was a whole other level. Sublime games.

        Reply

        • Skyblue

          September 21, 2016 at 10:23

          Awesome then! I was always partial to the Motorsport series over Horizon but this looks amazing. I really have an itch that needs scratching now.

          EDIT: AND I haven’t even got around to purchasing Deus Ex yet, sigh

          Reply

          • miaau

            September 21, 2016 at 11:09

            Deus Ex is a flawed masterpiece that has one thing right: It is fun to play. Even if the story feels a bit weak at times, you never lose the fun to play aspect.

            AND it gives you proper choice. Run in and gun the guys down, if you are good enough AND have enough ammo (which you can get if you want, I have so much extra money). Or, just sneak around them ALL and go on your way, not spotted at all. Or, slowly go through and knock each one out as you explore. That last is my way, I like it. Sneak, then hit them, drag them around.

            The choice of gameplay is the super strength here, it is real.

          • Skyblue

            September 21, 2016 at 11:14

            I am a huge fan of the franchise so I have played them all with the exception of Mankind Divided. Putting it off until I have the time to actually play it. I also enjoy the go slow approach on my first run through then go maximum carnage second time around. This was made considerably easier in Human Revolution with the New Game Plus option allowing you to carry over your augs from your first playthough.

          • miaau

            September 21, 2016 at 11:16

            Hey, now that sounds awesome. 2nd playthough, full on carnage. Have tried that a bit, some head shots with pistol and stuff, but yeah, sounds like a good plan.

            In Human Revolution, though, 10mm pistol felt more powerful to me, I used to kill even armoured guys with like two headshots. Not so easy now….

            As Regards time, I just play as and when I can, with a newborn and a toddler and sickness with both, yay. I HAVE to find time to play a little bit, other world stuff, else I WILL go insane.

          • Skyblue

            September 21, 2016 at 11:59

            Wait until they’re teenagers…

          • miaau

            September 21, 2016 at 14:52

            my wife says a three year old is called a threenager on her parenting facebook groups.

            Still, yeah. Might be fun to engage and talk to them and reason with them and stuff.

  2. Skyblue

    September 21, 2016 at 10:21

    Why do all of Nick’s screen grabs (assuming Nick took them) look like they’re SD?

    Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      September 21, 2016 at 14:59

      Because he’s in for a pennyworth but not in for a pound? 😉

      Reply

  3. miaau

    September 21, 2016 at 11:06

    “Basically, the moment I can afford the game, and find the time to match”

    Yeah, the time, find the time. It looks like everying I wanted Forza to be, but is not.

    Edit* essentially I have wasted money on Forza 5, did not buy 6. I think this will not be a waste, will be something I can play for twenty minutes in a year from now.

    Reply

  4. Spy Master Tokashi

    September 21, 2016 at 11:55

    Are car/racing games still a thing?!

    I really do not get why people would play a car/racing game … you just push forward, not that interesting …

    Reply

    • Jarod Somirs

      September 21, 2016 at 13:07

      Not that interesting? Lol Well, us fans and even new comers know that the Horizon series is on a whole different level than any other racing/car game. It’s a diverse and fun open world game that is just as much fun playing by yourself as it is getting a group of friends and fighting in a co-op campaign. Maybe instead of trash talking something before you actually even try it, you should reserve your judgment till you do. But, again, maybe racing games just aren’t your thing and you should stick to your cookie cutter Call of Duty games. As for the rest of us, we will enjoy this beautiful masterpiece of a game and enjoy the heck out of it! Again, reserve judgment till you actually play it and see that it’s not just a push forward kind of game, there is much more to it than just the racing aspect of it. Go ahead, give it a try when it comes out, I bet you’ll change your tune once you do. If not, it’s no loss to us that do enjoy it.

      Reply

    • Junyer

      September 21, 2016 at 13:13

      Not that interesting? Lol Well, us fans and even new comers know that the Horizon series is on a whole different level than any other racing/car game. It’s a diverse and fun open world game that is just as much fun playing by yourself as it is getting a group of friends and fighting in a co-op campaign. Maybe instead of trash talking something before you actually even try it, you should reserve your judgment till you do. But, again, maybe racing games just aren’t your thing and you should stick to your cookie cutter Call of Duty games. As for the rest of us, we will enjoy this beautiful masterpiece of a game and enjoy the heck out of it! Again, reserve judgment till you actually play it and see that it’s not just a push forward kind of game, there is much more to it than just the racing aspect of it. Go ahead, give it a try when it comes out, I bet you’ll change your tune once you do. If not, it’s no loss to us that do enjoy it.

      Reply

    • lanmanna

      September 21, 2016 at 17:31

      Lol. You’re kidding, right?

      Reply

    • Vanyel Harkema

      September 22, 2016 at 01:33

      Any game broken down to what you do on the controller sounds fucking stupid.

      Reply

  5. Gr8_Balls_o_Fire

    September 21, 2016 at 13:13

    Now THAT’s a system seller right there! Time to save up for that XBox.. But now, should I wait for that Scorpio thing?

    Reply

    • Junyer

      September 21, 2016 at 13:18

      I would definitely get a One S right now if you can or even just the regular One and get this game! It’s going to be amazing just like all the other Horizon games but 10 times better. I played the demo, and was blown away at the visuals and game play they’ve accomplished with this game. It’s absolutely stunning, fun and engaging! I can’t wait to get my hands on the full version Friday and start my co-op campaign with my friends and explore the crap out of this game!

      Reply

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