STACK #259 May 2026

GAMING FEATURE

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GENRE: Racing MULTIPLAYER: Yes

FORMAT:

LAND OF THE HORIZON SUN

Forza Horizon 6 speeds our way this month, and it’s bringing with it the most requested location in the series’ history – Japan. We had the opportunity to drive around a preview build, and there’s much to look forward to. Words Amy Flower

• Forza Horizon 6 is out May 19

A s is Horizon Festival tradition, scenic wonders to come, while driving a selection of vehicles that we’d never be able to afford in real life. As such, our Japanese adventure starts with a fang in a Nissan GT-R, and culminates in getting busy with this release’s cover star, the absolutely wild Toyota GR GT. While the final release will feature all four seasons, our demo time only let us play in spring, likely to show off the stunning cherry blossom infused scenery. From trees by the side of the road to streets strewn with the pink stuff, the Playground Games team have upped the visual ante once again, after the impressive graphics of Forza Horizon 5 . Limited to just a handful of different racing and showcase events in the demo, that Forza feel remains whether belting around racetracks, streets, or cross country. The classic speed traps, speed zones, danger signs, trailblazer and, of course, drift zones all beckon, with the latter very much a Japanese car lover’s staple. One interesting point is that Horizon Festival progression will return to starting at the bottom and gradually working our way up the pecking order via earning new wristbands. The map this time out is massive! Delivering a classic Forza-styled mishmash of Japan inspired areas, it blends the real with the fantastical. Taking Tokyo as an example, which is the largest urban centre yet in a Forza game, we encounter real-life locations like Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Beyond the Tokyo streets there’s a huge map to explore, venturing through numerous regions, all of which, in classic Japanese style, have their own mascots. These may be things kick off with a spectacular prologue, showing off some of the

Speaking of discovery, the full map spans some 662-plus roads to find, dotted through 74 unique regions. As is the Forza way, you’ll likely set your in-game GPS for one spot on the map but get sidetracked along the way by any of numerous appealing distractions. On top of that which we’ve touched upon, the final release will deliver the expected homes to be purchased, which will offer customisable garages for players to show off not only their car collection, but also their various achievements in-game. Plus, cars can be upgraded with new wheel, body kit, and other aero options, on top of custom liveries that can now be applied to windows. And you’ll be able to show off your handiwork at the newly introduced car

The Tokyo City area is five times larger than any previous Forza Horizon city. DYK?

rice bowls, onigiri, or other mouthwatering Japanese delights, but in large, statue like form. There are 200 of

them to drive through as part of the collecting aspect of the game, along with 200 XP bonus boards. Travelling outside the city, we encountered small villages, open fields, forests, twisty mountainous roads,

meets, a Japanese motorhead staple. Motoring lovers, welcome to Japan!

a rocket base, various racetracks to play in (including new Time Attack events), and a whole lot more – while certain routes had us watched over by the majestic Mount Fuji. While we only got to

play with a handful of cars – the classic 1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four an instant favourite – the cutscenes reveal just some of the motoring marvels in the game, from the Civic Type R to classic Toyota Crown taxis. We’re promised over 550 vehicles ranging from modern day to

JDM classics in the final release, so there’ll be much motoring joy to discover.

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU’LL LOVE THESE:

Forza Horizon 5, Screamer, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

MAY 2026

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