First Runner Up: Forza Horizon 3
The Forza franchise has dominated the console racing scene for years now thanks to a blend of arcade style gameplay that offers some much-needed depth for those looking for a challenge. Attention to detail and a focus on great driving have carried the core series to the forefront of the genre, and it was time for the spinoff Horizon series to be just as big. For the Xbox One exclusive Forza Horizon 3, the developers provided a larger world, more cars, and a level of control that fans had yet to see so far in the series. For the first time, the player was the boss of the festival and it led to one of the most dynamic racing games on the market, and easily the best Xbox One exclusive of the year.
Having full run of the festival meant creating your own races and challenges then seeing how they fare as you earn fans, money, cars, and fame. Growing your Horizon festival is the greatest feeling as it offers new types of terrain and more cars to take out on the open road. Also, that terrain would end up being one of the more interesting components of the game. Most racers allow you to choose between race types, offering different types of vehicles suited for each, but Forza Horzion 3 allowed you to blend them together, leading to difficult choices and crazy challenges. Want to have a race start on paved road before hitting the dirt and rocky pathways? Go ahead. You can even set it so any car can compete, testing once and for all what’s really the best machine on the road.
Forza Horizon 3 was a great surprise that anyone with the slightest interest in open worlds and vehicles should check out. If you like to drive fast and show off, this is the game for you.
