Microsoft launches its racing in the desert

Away from the slopes of the open road: With "Forza Horizon" Microsoft sends its racing franchise in the desert. Distance limitations there are (almost) no more, the game play falls significantly from arcade-heavy than before. The fun is doing but not the least demolition.

Ten places to participate in the Horizon Festival, a racing spectacle under the sun Colorado are still up for grabs. This is an opportunity we do not want to miss, however, jump to our VW Conrado and are already in the middle Microsoft in the racing world. In classic stages or circuit race, drift Challenges, offbeat show race against aircraft, helicopters and even hot air balloons and duels it is now about to acquire a reputation to dust every Menger great cars and of course the festival Ranking to rise to the top, to finally stand on the podium.
 
What "Forza Horizon"   Now as much fun making is that - including civil traffic and dynamic day and night cycles - for the first time, open world series. This is not only a great backdrop to go between races from A to B, but keeps itself provides many challenges. So wait about 100 distributed advertising signs to be found and destroyed, only to the workshop of trust can knock out an appropriate discount.

Safety Camera Race and "Straightener"

Speed ​​traps and "Section Control" - Sections in turn invite the speed records set up while waiting in hidden barns particularly exclusive carriage for a new owner. Before their first use, these cars are restored, however only. Who does not want to spend his free time with the search for classic cars can either buy a treasure map for real money or challenge instead cruiser any time on the open road to a rival "Straightener".
 
For most daring maneuvers, long jumps and long drifts on the open road, there are also points that in turn increase the prestige and unlock then further challenges. Moreover can compare these values ​​by pressing a button with those of friends, other players around the world or club members - as well as "Forza Horizon" offers during the game again in "Forza Motorsport 4" major opportunity to establish car clubs and a common garage quasi-Car Sharing operate.

Dreams on wheels

Where already the talk of cars is how the series usual, there are dozens of vehicles again earn to download or Package to acquire, with the focus this time was on particularly fine and sleek slider. Everyday vehicles can be found, with the exception of VW Beetle and Mini Cooper is not. How can had all the mobile pedestals in the workshop modified, tuned and repainted - it can also be imported templates from the predecessor.
 
Cars all have in common is that they are in their car physics are different. However, even now stick the PS most solid cars on the road than in the past, making the driving experience was significantly more arcade-oriented. As before, players are free to decide how many automatic aids (brake assist) they wish to use, and adapt the difficulty quite individually to their skill. The damage model is, however, a visual one.

Cat and mouse in multiplayer

In ostensible of the career with the exception of the fleet multiplayer online driver can finally put their skills to the test. In addition to classic races are here including the well-known fun- Modes "Cat and Mouse", "king" and "Infected" for selection. Drawback: Only eight more instead of the current sixteen riders go together at the start, also lacks civilian traffic, making the virtual Colorado and leave some empty act. On a split screen Mode must also be omitted.
 
Beautiful to look at canyons and prairies are still. Not to mention the usual highly polished vehicle bodies. Even the ears are plentiful: Three selectable radio stations not only offer different music, but also quite fun interviews and comments to races.
 
Conclusion: 

The transition from the racetrack to the open road is Microsoft's "Forza" - Series that clung always been the image of being a bit dry, amazingly well. "Forza Horizon" brings a good amount of coolness and arcade Action into the race without any gamer would have to give the same reason for an excellent driving physics. Deserves commendation because the open world that offers a plethora of challenges and discoveries, and thus - should bind single player for a long time in front of the screen - thanks in great look and sound. Minor criticisms must be "Forza Horizon", however due to the relatively late increasing difficulty and the limited number of participants to eight put up for racing.
  
Platform: Xbox 360
Publisher: Microsoft
crown. at Rating: 9/10