Forza Horizon 3

The positive aspects of the Story in Forza Horizon 3, as highlighted by critics such as EGM and M3, include the unique concept of the player taking on the role of a festival organizer. This fresh approach replaces the traditional career mode and adds a festive and engaging element to the gameplay experience. Critics like NZGamer appreciate how this new story mechanic adds depth to the gameplay by tasking players with finding race locations to unlock and upgrade festival sites. Additionally, Vandal praises the player's role as a festival boss, aiming to gain fans by expanding festivals and unlocking new challenges, which adds a sense of progression and accomplishment to the narrative. On the other hand, the negative aspects of the Story in Forza Horizon 3, as noted by critics such as GameCrate and Trusted Reviews, revolve around the lack of a substantial narrative. GameCrate mentions that there is essentially no story in the game, with the main focus being on driving, exploring, and doing tricks. Trusted Reviews echoes this sentiment by stating that the racing festival storyline serves as a mere backdrop for gameplay mechanics, rather than being a central element. Hardcore Gamer also points out that while the open world is impressive, the story itself is described as generic and not award-winning. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Story in Forza Horizon 3, while not a standout feature, adds an enjoyable layer to the gameplay experience. Critics like Metro GameCentral appreciate the festival motif and the player's role in expanding the festival's scope, providing a sense of purpose and progression. While some critics highlight the lack of a deep or compelling narrative, the majority acknowledge that the unique concept of being a festival organizer adds a fun and engaging twist to the traditional racing game formula. The general sentiment is that while the story may not be the main focus, it contributes positively to the overall immersive and entertaining nature of the game.

The majority of critics have praised the gameplay of Forza Horizon 3, highlighting various positive aspects of the game. CGMagazine commends the open-world racing experience, emphasizing the plethora of activities available to keep players engaged. Xbox Achievements and Gameplanet both appreciate the balance between realism and accessibility in the handling of the cars, making the driving experience enjoyable for players of different skill levels. Additionally, Gamer.nl and Game Over Online commend the extensive customization options and diverse range of activities, from thrilling races to custom event creation, contributing to a rich and engaging gameplay experience. On the flip side, some critics did point out certain drawbacks in the gameplay of Forza Horizon 3. Wccftech mentions that player-created race options were considered dull and repetitive, detracting from the overall experience. We Got This Covered notes that the gameplay can start to feel repetitive over time, potentially impacting long-term engagement. Furthermore, PCWorld highlights that the hands-off approach in customization may limit experimentation with different vehicles, potentially restricting player creativity and variety in gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Forza Horizon 3. Critics such as Guardian and Trusted Reviews appreciate the balance between casual and skilled driving, offering a rewarding and engaging experience for players. Game Informer and GameCrate highlight the variety of activities, customization options, and unconventional racing experiences as standout features that contribute to the game's appeal. The blend of arcade and simulation gameplay, extensive customization options, diverse range of activities, and overall fun and rewarding driving experience have resonated well with the majority of critics, making Forza Horizon 3 a highly recommended title for fans of racing games.

The majority of the critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Forza Horizon 3, highlighting various positive aspects. Attack of the Fanboy commended the game for its stunning visuals, especially in 4K resolution on PC. PCWorld set a new benchmark for the series with its visually stunning open-world environment in Australia, featuring diverse biomes and natural monuments. Multiplayer.it and PC Games appreciated the wide range of graphical options for high-end systems, while PCGamesN and Areajugones emphasized the meticulous detail in visuals and sound design, including realistic weather effects and stunning skyboxes. However, some critics did mention a few negatives regarding the game's graphics. We Got This Covered pointed out technical performance issues like pop-in, shadowing problems, and frame rate dips on Xbox One. VideoGamer acknowledged minor details and shadow pop-in, though overall considered the visuals impressive. Giant Bomb highlighted that while the PC version has the potential to look great, meeting the recommended specs for stable performance at 60 frames-per-second can be challenging. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Forza Horizon 3. Critics like Gameplanet and GameCrate described the game as one of the best looking console games available, with stunning graphical fidelity and breathtaking landscapes. Guardian praised the visuals as state-of-the-art, especially for players with 4K TVs and HDR support. TheSixthAxis considered it one of the best looking Xbox One games yet, with beautiful visuals and a lush open-world environment. The diverse and beautifully designed world of Australia, attention to detail in cars and environments, and the dynamic weather effects were commonly highlighted as standout features, making Forza Horizon 3 a visually captivating and immersive racing experience according to the majority of critics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Forza Horizon 3 are overwhelmingly positive. Critics such as PC Games and PCGamesN praise the immersive experience created by the sound effects and detailed sound design, including the realistic engine sounds and brake disc effects. Wccftech and Areajugones highlight the dynamic soundtrack and vast selection of radio stations, contributing to the festival atmosphere and overall gameplay experience. Additionally, Game Over Online and Vandal commend the diverse and excellent soundtrack, as well as the inclusion of Groove Music, enhancing the audio experience for players. On the other hand, some critics express minor concerns or mixed opinions about the sound design and music of Forza Horizon 3. EGM notes that the Groove Music feature only works about half the time, which could be frustrating for players looking to customize their music experience. TheSixthAxis mentions that the inclusion of Microsoft's Groove streaming service can detract from the atmosphere and escapism of the game, suggesting a preference for a more traditional music integration approach. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Forza Horizon 3. The majority of reviewers appreciate the attention to detail in sound effects, the diverse and engaging soundtrack, and the integration of Groove Music for a personalized audio experience. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and Xbox Achievements highlight the immersive atmosphere created by the realistic car sounds and the variety of music options available in the game. Despite some minor criticisms, the overall sentiment is that the sound design and music significantly enhance the overall gameplay experience in Forza Horizon 3, contributing to its success and enjoyment among players.

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In terms of the technical performance of Forza Horizon 3 on PC, several critics highlighted both positive and negative aspects. Positive aspects include the game offering a playable experience with some settings adjustments, as mentioned by PCWorld. Additionally, Multiplayer.it praised the detailed visuals on the PC version. However, there were also notable negatives mentioned by critics such as Wccftech and Giant Bomb, who reported performance issues, crashes, and the need for patches to improve stability. Attack of the Fanboy also noted varying frame rates and the impact of different GPU configurations on the game's performance. Moving on to the technical performance on Xbox One, the consensus among critics was generally positive. Critics like Gamer.nl and GameOver.gr praised the smooth performance and engaging experiences on the console. Furthermore, ICXM described the game as technically perfect with no major flaws, while NZGamer mentioned the implementation of lag prevention measures for online races. However, there were some negative aspects highlighted by critics such as We Got This Covered, who pointed out technical issues like pop-in, shadowing problems, and frame rate dips, making the game feel like a sub-par console port. Hardcore Gamer also mentioned technical issues like crashes and freezes, albeit nothing game-breaking. Overall, the opinions of the critics regarding the technical performance of Forza Horizon 3 vary across platforms. While the PC version faced challenges with performance issues and crashes, the Xbox One version generally received positive feedback for its smooth performance and seamless multiplayer experience. Critics like Trusted Reviews and VideoGamer highlighted the stable performance on Xbox One, while acknowledging minor issues like frame drops. The consensus suggests that while the game may have some technical hiccups on PC, it delivers a more consistent and enjoyable experience on Xbox One, with some minor technical issues reported.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the replay value of Forza Horizon 3, highlighting its extensive content and diverse gameplay elements that offer hours of entertainment. PC Games commended the game for being packed with races, challenges, and collectibles, providing a plethora of activities for players to engage with. PCGamesN echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the vast amount of content, customization options, and engaging gameplay frameworks that contribute to a rewarding replay experience. Wccftech also lauded the game for its wide range of activities, cars, and upgrades, ensuring long-term enjoyment for players. Additionally, Game Over Online appreciated the constant stream of rewards and the ability to join other players for added fun, further enhancing the replay value. On the flip side, some critics mentioned potential downsides to the replay value of Forza Horizon 3. PCWorld noted that unlocking all activities could feel like a grind in the later stages, which may deter some players from fully experiencing all the content the game has to offer. Furthermore, Cheat Code Central highlighted that while there is a lot to do in the game, the reviewer did not specify any major drawbacks or limitations to the replayability factor. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Forza Horizon 3. Critics such as Gameplanet and TheSixthAxis emphasized the game's near-endless range of events, challenges, and customization options that keep players engaged for extended periods. With a vast open world to explore, a variety of racing experiences, and seamless online integration, the game offers a high level of replayability that appeals to both solo and multiplayer enthusiasts. Despite some minor concerns about potential grind in unlocking activities, the overall sentiment is that Forza Horizon 3 excels in providing a rich and engaging experience that keeps players coming back for more, solidifying its reputation as a standout title in the racing genre.