This game is for keeps

Humans like to race, to compete, to be the fastest. It is an innate part of human nature to be the best; you can even say that it is human nature itself. Sometimes we race on foot, while other times we build beautiful machines with which we push the limits of the physical world in our quest for dominance. Forza Motorsport 6 celebrates this coming together of man and machine in their quest for immortality.

Cars are more than just a beautifully masked deathtrap of nuts and bolts; they represent the pinnacle of modern ingenuity and technology. All of Forza Motorsport 6’s 460 detailed cars are available in the franchise’ signature Forzavista mode that allows users to get a close look at each car along with a nice backstory. Of course for those of you wondering whether Xbox One hit the magic numbers, yes it is all in full 1080p 60 fps without a single hiccup in the 20+ hours I put in. Being a racing simulator at its core, Forza 6 attempts give you an “accurate” driving experience. However, that doesn’t mean it’s only meant for hardcore fans. Turn a few assists on like I did and you’ll feel just at home, more importantly you won’t make a fool of yourself as your drift around in circles.

Now the main gameplay has had a few additions with Forza 6, namely mods and weather. Mods range from single use or permanent boosts for speed, grip or even credits to handicaps for extra rewards. The second new addition is the introduction of Night and Wet Weather racing. Both completely change how you approach tracks you might otherwise be familiar with. Wet weather racing throws in mist, spray and the troubles of Hydroplaning that will force even the most seasoned drivers to rethink their approach and always be on their toes. Night racing while seemingly straightforward severely reduces visibility, with the only light for the most part of the race coming from headlights; there’s a constant feeling of dread and overwhelming darkness with beady lights chasing you in the distance. Both the new features completely change even the most straightforward tracks.

The game’s career mode sees you compete in several series spread across various locations. Race winnings are generous and every time you level up you get a “wheel spin” much like Forza Horizon 2 where you stand a chance to unlock new cars and credits. The best parts however are the showcase events you unlock as you progress through the ‘Stories of Motorsport’. These let you relive some of the iconic races from decades long past hosted by iconic figures like James May and Richard Hammond.

Most folks like tinkering with their cars in racing games and Forza Motorsport 6 gives you the freedom to truly make it your own. From engine mods and tuning to liveries, you can make your changes and even upload them for folks like me to download and use. Being a racing game, Forza gives multiplayer modes its due. Yes, there is a split screen for two players, but that’s just the start. All new ‘Leagues’ are scheduled 24 player races that groups drivers of similar skills together in a division. You can also “spectate” others racing anywhere in the world.

Forza Motorsport 6 re-establishes the franchise’s dominance in the racing genre with an absolutely mind-blowing racing experience for both gamers and auto enthusiasts alike. Not only has Turn 10 Studios created a visually and technically sound racing game, they also created an experience that celebrates motorsports’ rich history. Forza Motorsport 6 shows just why Forza has been and will remain the very best the racing genre has to offer.