Review: Forza Horizon 3

A Playground Games teamed up with Turn 10 and Microsoft to launch the highly anticipated sequel to Forza Horizon—a well-known series that offers players a completely different way to experience racing in an open world: Forza Horizon 3. Did the game do its homework and exceed our expectations? Find out!

First of all, it’s undeniable that Turn 10 had already done fantastic work with Forza Horizon 2, which—despite debuting on the previous generation Xbox 360—revealed its full potential on a next‑generation console through various enhancements.

The latest entry in the “Forza Horizon” franchise is set in Australia, a country offering an enormous variety of distinct regions. This setting perfectly suits the game’s theme: a vast open map ready to be explored.

Your goal is to become a star of the Horizon Festival. To do this, you must win fans and discover new regions to host future events. The best way to achieve this is by competing in some of the most exhilarating events, from simple races to massive jumps, drift challenges, and other four‑wheeled stunts.

For veterans of the series, the first few hours of Forza Horizon 3 feel familiar. This time you can customize an avatar to represent you in the adventure, increasing immersion throughout the game. Your personal assistant, “Anna,” returns—now guiding you with alternate routes, tips on leveling up, and support to grow your festival.

Another new feature is the ability to deploy and operate a drone. With it, players can not only take stunning photos but also record entire races. That’s right—you can film your friends competing while you direct the aerial coverage. Very cool!

Additionally, Xbox One and Windows 10 PC players can now race together in a seamless experience. As with other Microsoft exclusives like ReCore, the game supports cross‑platform play between console and PC.

There hasn’t been a huge increase in the variety of game modes—which isn’t bad, since the existing lineup still offers a massive range of challenges that keep you engaged through countless hours of main and side events.

It’s worth highlighting the diverse terrains, which truly test your driving skill. In a single event, you might start on smooth asphalt only to switch to a high‑speed rally through sand and mud. This adds excitement and keeps you on your toes—one slip can cost you the lead.

Classic challenges also return, such as the Speed Trap and the Distance Jump. Drift events are more prominent too, especially in skill trials along the road, reminding us once again that Forza Horizon 3 caters to many rally disciplines.

While Forza Motorsport 6 strives for maximum simulation, the “Horizon” series prioritizes fun. Car tuning in Motorsport is critical to performance, whereas in Horizon it simply adds flavor without being essential.

That said, Horizon 3 introduces new customization options reminiscent of its simulator sibling, affecting top speed and handling. Moreover, vehicles no longer sustain realistic damage in races; instead, Horizon 3 actually encourages destructive driving, rewarding you with a demolition bonus that boosts your Festival Rank.

And you, what do you think of Forza Horizon 3?