Another year, another Forza, but this time it will take place in scenic Australia.
At Microsoft’s E3 Press Conference, the company unveiled the next entry to the Forza franchise in Forza Horizon 3.
Since this is an even-numbered year, we’re getting a Horizon variant of the series as opposed to its more sim racing-focused older brother, Motorsport. This year’s Horizon will take place in an open world Australia, featuring cities, outbacks, deserts, canyons, and forests. It will feature over 350 cars, including the McLaren P1, Ferrari La Ferrari, the Ford GT, and the new Lamborghini Centenario.
Because Horizon has always been a more arcade-focused experience, it will include new challenges like Danger Sign Jumps, Convoys, and Drift Zones. There will also be new showcase events. In Forza Horizon 2, this meant racing against crop dusters or trains. In Horizon 3 gamers will be able to race against zeppelins and powerboats.
Microsoft will also be integrating its Groove Music platform to Forza Horizon 3. This means that gamers will be able to listen to their own music along with races.
A new feature coming for Forza Horizon 3 will be four-player co-op. Players will be able to quickly invite friends to their party and set out on various challenges. Leaderboards will also be returning, featuring your own challenges called Bucket Lists, or beating your friends in speed challenges.
Forza Horizon 3 will also be a part of Microsoft’s Play Anywhere program. It’s a new initiative where if gamers buy a game on Xbox One, it will also be available on PC via the Windows 10 store, and vice versa.
Microsoft will release Forza Horizon 3 on Xbox One and PC on September 23 for those that purchase the Ultimate Edition, and September 27 for everyone else.