Forza Horizon 6 arrives with a Japan‑themed map, new Kei cars and expanded visual flair, prompting a close look at whether the latest entry lives up to its premium price tag.
Gameplay and handling retain the series’ sweet spot
The core driving experience remains as balanced as previous installments, blending arcade fun with a touch of realism. Players can tune vehicles for oversteer or high‑grip cornering, and the game differentiates handling across drivetrains, engine types and chassis tweaks. Adjusting caster angle, for example, noticeably speeds front‑end self‑righting when the joystick is released.
That fidelity is a relief after concerns that the title might adopt a “brake‑to‑drift” mechanic popular on platforms aimed at a younger audience. The developers stick to the series’ established formula, avoiding the more gimmicky systems seen in some competing racers.
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Customization, sound and new house features feel uneven
Customization options are a mixed bag. While the game adds a few paint finishes, wheel designs and a window‑sticker editor, the overall parts list mirrors that of the prior release.
Sound design shows modest improvement. The Mini’s A‑Series engine sounds raspier, and large V8s retain a robust rumble.
The new house customization system lets players decorate garages and, on remote properties, build small towns or tracks. In practice, the menu is clunky: items don’t snap to a grid, and precise joystick placement is required to avoid floating objects.
Despite these drawbacks, the Japanese map design shines. Players traverse narrow city lanes, bamboo forests and expansive rice paddies, with environmental details like blossom trees shedding petals as cars speed past. The foliage reacts realistically, bending around vehicle paths rather than snapping away.
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The Premium Edition sits at £110, while a lower‑priced option at £90 omits expansion packs and a VIP membership that boosts in‑game earnings. Given that the core car roster largely repeats that of the previous two games—aside from the addition of Kei cars—the value proposition feels stretched.
The game’s reliance on familiar loops may limit its appeal to newcomers. Forza Horizon 6 does introduce fresh visual elements and a few niche mods, but without deeper changes to the progression system or broader customization, it risks feeling like a re‑skin rather than a true evolution.
Overall, the game delivers a solid driving experience with impressive scenery, yet its incremental updates and pricing raise concerns about its necessity for those who already own earlier Horizon entries. Potential buyers may find it prudent to wait for a sale, particularly if they seek the full suite of expansions and VIP benefits.
