Summary
Highlights
The reviewer, an unbiased player who purchased the game, shares initial thoughts on Forza Horizon 6. Despite a lukewarm first impression (a 5 out of 10), the game gradually grew on him, leading to an 'addiction' and a rising rating due to enjoyable gameplay, especially off-road and rally. He aims to avoid direct comparisons to other games, treating FH6 as its own entity.
The road racing physics are a mixed bag, feeling 'weird' on both controller and wheel. However, off-road and rally physics are highly praised. Drifting is good with proper setup, while drag racing lacks tire warm-ups. A unique feature is how even slow cars feel fast, attributed to good camera angles and FOV, without resorting to excessive motion blur or shakes. This sense of speed is highlighted as one of the game's strongest assets.
The steering wheel physics are identified as the biggest issue. Despite claims of linear steering, the default settings exhibit a significant dead zone and inconsistent response, making it feel like 'go-kart physics.' The reviewer, experienced in sim racing, finds it hard to achieve a realistic feel, concluding that a controller is surprisingly more precise for this game. He suggests separate leaderboards for different input methods to maintain fairness.
The menus and UI receive criticism for their layout, particularly the car list and settings, which are deemed unintuitive. The HUD in driving mode is appreciated for its customization options, allowing players to hide irrelevant elements. A common modern game issue, 'menu clutter' with promotional content, is noted as a potential future problem. The map, initially overwhelming with numerous symbols, becomes manageable after some time spent understanding the game's systems.
The map, while not the sole determinant of a game's quality, significantly impacts the enjoyment of Forza Horizon 6. The Tokyo City area is considered too small-scaled but understandable due to production constraints. The traffic count is too low, lacking a sense of urgency. Lane width is also criticized for being unrealistic, though it becomes less noticeable during active gameplay.
The car roster is found lacking certain expected vehicles, especially given the game's Japanese setting (e.g., no R33 GT-R). A major frustration is cars locked behind a 'wheel spin lottery,' making them difficult to obtain. While some car models have been updated (Silvia, Evos), older models like the 1992 NSX still appear outdated. Customization is described as 'dull and boring,' with a severe lack of wide-body options and general parts, including the return of 'terrible' Forza spoilers. The absence of nitrous is also questioned.
Meet-up spots are a 'cool' but potentially awkward feature without voice chat, especially as player counts decrease. The soundtrack is highly praised, with the reviewer calling it an 'absolute banger.' He notes the inclusion of metalcore music and a streamer mode, though an editor's note highlights potential copyright issues with the streamer mode despite its intended purpose.
The game's replayability and fun factor are its strongest suits, making it a very enjoyable experience, especially in rally, off-roading, and K-car circuit races. Longer road races in slower cars can be a drag due to the AI, which seems to maintain a consistent distance until bad corners. While AI in higher difficulties is genuinely challenging and not a 'snooze fest,' they sometimes lack spatial awareness, leading to collisions.
The game offers impressive custom camera work for content creation. The photo mode, despite a 'dog' UI and lag, is generally good. The drone mode is praised for its uniqueness but limited in altitude and controls, with potential for expansion. An automatic cinematic mode is also available. Replays offer a variety of camera angles but suffer from a significant bug with inconsistent car RPMs and random audio glitches, which needs fixing for the feature to reach its full potential. The reviewer emphasizes the benefit of robust camera tools for social media content.
Initial progression can be slow, but the game becomes more engaging as players collect cars and create 'ridiculous builds.' Progression often forces players to use slower, specific car classes, requiring the purchase and upgrade of many vehicles. Fast travel is available to previously visited roads. Garages can be decorated, a unique and cool feature. Exploration includes treasure cars, barn finds, XP boards, and smashable mascot sculptures. The game's often 'goofy' action sequences (like a giant robot or low-flying plane) are noted but add to its charm. The dialogue and side characters are a significant improvement, not being annoying like in previous titles, and the silent protagonist is appreciated.
The reviewer rates Forza Horizon 6 an 8 out of 10, acknowledging its flaws but highlighting the overwhelming fun factor. He anticipates creating more videos on the game due to his addiction. He recommends the game to fans of open-world arcade racers. For those like him, accustomed to hardcore sims, the game might be a 50/50 experience. Unlike Forza Horizon 5, which he quickly abandoned, he feels a strong desire to return to FH6, finding it a fulfilling arcade racing fix.