Party on the (Forza) Horizon


Microsoft was showing off the latest installment in the Forza series: Forza Horizon. Horizon stays true to the authenticity of the series, using the same physics and graphics engines as Forza Motorsport 4, but adds open world exploration to the mix, along with a festival flavor, so get ready to party.

If Forza Horizon is a party, then Rob da Bank, renowned BBC Radio DJ must be your host. Who is Rob da Bank? Well, for one, he's the founder of a little shin-dig in the UK called, "Bestival." He is also the Forza Horizon music supervisor, selecting music for the three in-game radio stations spotlighting today's hottest music artists. Yeah - welcome to the Horizon Festival.

When you're not partying, checking out the cars and the music, there's racing to be done, and Forza Horizon is designed to appreciate you for the racer you are. There is a new action-based gameplay dynamic, rewarding players for the types of racing they excel at, whether it be skills, speed or simply style.

In Forza Horizon, you'll get to drive your dream car - not just on the track, but on the open road, in the vast expansive landscape of Colorado. This time around, you'll get to take your dream car off of the tarmac, across some scenic mountain highways and down some dirt roads. Enjoy the view, as Forza Horizon features a realistic day/night dynamic lighting cycle, bringing night racing to a Forza game for the first time.

Forza Horizon is slated for release on October 23, 2012.