From Tokyo Streets To Mountain Roads: 5 Reasons Forza Horizon 6 Has Me Hyped To Hit The Streets

Forza Horizon 6 is the next title in Xbox Game Studios’ popular, open-world racing series, and this time it brings the Horizon Festival to Japan. In addition to the gorgeous vistas and iconic Japanese landmarks revealed in its new Xbox Developer Direct showcase, the upcoming racing game has many new and enhanced features that set it apart from its predecessors—and I can’t wait to play it. Here are five reasons why I’m excited to put the pedal to the metal when Forza Horizon 6 launches on May 19 for PC and Xbox (a PlayStation 5 version is coming later this year).

(Credit: Playground Games)

1. Japan Like You’ve Never Driven Before

Forza Horizon 6 is set in Japan, so it features an eye-catching blend of rural mountainsides, quiet suburbs, and Tokyo streets. Notably, developer Playground Games claims the Tokyo setting is five times larger than any of its previous cityscapes, which says a lot given the sheer size of Forza Horizon 5. I love the contrast between the city, the country, and the mountains, which should make for spectacular scenery as you cruise or race in heated competitions.

Forza Horizon 6 Overhead

(Credit: Playground Games)

2. Racing Reimagined: Steep Hills, Tight Turns, and Surprises

Forza Horizon 6 features much more verticality than previous entries in the series, owing to Japan’s mountainous terrain. You can expect winding roads, layered highways, and tight side streets to explore and race. This adds a layer of complexity to the map, which should make for a more engaging drive. For example, you can enjoy Initial D-style touge racing—nighttime races down narrow mountain passes—or tackle new time attack circuits. The showcase even featured a Mobile Suit-like giant mecha tease, hinting at a perfect thematic event for this new entry. Considering the mecha has wheels on its feet, maybe a truly bonkers race is afoot.

Forza Horizon 6 Car Meets

(Credit: Playground Games)

3. A Love Letter to Japanese Car Culture

With Forza Horizon 6, Playground Games focuses on Japanese car culture. It features a wide selection of JDM (Japanese domestic market) cars, including an incredible 550 vehicles at launch (with more sure to come via DLC). The racing game also features car meets, inspired by real-world Daikoku meet-ups, where you can hang with other players, inspect their rides, download custom paint jobs, or purchase new wheels. Considering the series’ strong social elements, these additions should fit right in with the Horizon Festival’s party vibes, and I dig it.

Forza Horizon 6 911

(Credit: Playground Games)

4. Progression With Purpose: From Tourist to Horizon Legend

Playground Games takes an entirely different approach to progression in Forza Horizon 6. Rather than playing as a rising superstar racer, you start as a humble tourist who must qualify for the Horizon Festival through the Horizon Invitational. It has the series’ familiar wristbands, items you earn through races to improve your rank. However, Forza Horizon 6 introduces a collection journal, which you fill with stamps representing the many sites you’ve visited across Japan. They also improve your rank, unlocking new racing events and higher-stakes championships. Your ultimate goal is the Horizon Legend status, which opens access to Legend Island, an exclusive location featuring unique events and specialized tracks.

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Forza Horizon 6 GT-R

(Credit: Playground Games)

5. Stunning Sights and Sounds

Forza Horizon 6 is a gorgeous title that runs on the same ForzaTech engine as previous series releases. But the engine has been extensively overhauled, delivering beautiful visuals that feature some of the densest, most detail-rich locales in the series. The showcase teased lush bamboo forests, vast fields and hills of susuki grass, neon-lit Tokyo city streets, and quaint suburbs. As with previous Forza titles, Horizon 6 features dramatic seasonal changes as you play, so the many city and country locales continually feel fresh. Finally, Forza Horizon 6 has markedly improved audio, featuring a new acoustic modeling system and authentic car sounds.