The Forza series has captivated racing enthusiasts and gamers alike with its stunning open-world environments, extensive car collections, and exhilarating gameplay. It is considered to be one of the best car racing franchises out there, and rightly so. The ability to customize, tune, and seamlessly engage in online multiplayer adds to the excitement. Furthermore, if you are playing one of the recent versions of the game, you will get regular updates and events that keep the gaming experience fresh.
Whether you are a fan of hardcore circuit-based racing or just a casual speedster, Forza has you covered with either a Motorsport or a Horizon game. Since the Forza Motorsport 8 is on the horizon, we’re ranking the ten best Forza games ever. The ranking includes entries from both the Horizon and Motorsport series. However, keep in mind that ranking is not solely based on visual appeal and performance since the first game of the franchise came a long time ago.
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1. Forza Horizon 4
Whether you are a fan of hardcore circuit-based racing or just a casual speedster, Forza has you covered with either a Motorsport or a Horizon game. Since the Forza Motorsport 8 is on the horizon, we’re ranking the ten best Forza games ever. The ranking includes entries from both the Horizon and Motorsport series. However, keep in mind that ranking is not solely based on visual appeal and performance since the first game of the franchise came a long time ago. It has received super-positive reviews from fans and critics, making it one of the best Forza games ever.
2. Forza Horizon 5
In a vibrant and culturally rich Mexico, Forza Horizon 5 takes the car racing experience to the next level. With a dazzling array of biomes and environments, the game’s attention to detail is second to none. There is a real sense of speed and control in the game, and if you are unable to master it, you won’t excel. Hence, it makes driving challenging, and depending on the terrain, you have to shift your strategies. Regardless, once mastered, it feels very satisfying, and the game does a wonderful job of rewarding you for your hard work.
3. Forza Motorsport 7
If you ever feel like there aren’t enough cars in Forza games, you might want to check Forza Motorsport 7. The game has a roster of over 700 cars, making it one of the most extensive car collections available in any game. While the Motorsport series of Forza is geared toward racing, Forza Motorsport 7 has done a fantastic job of stepping up the visual appeal and graphics compared to its previous iteration. The game supports virtual reality (VR) on Windows Mixed Reality devices, enhancing the immersion for VR users. It also offers 4K resolution support on capable platforms, which is always a bonus.
4. Forza Horizon 3
Forza 3 perfectly encapsulates the thrill of driving the wide nation of Australia by delivering a breathtaking open-world experience. The game’s dynamic weather and day-night cycle added realism to the already stunning graphics. The Horizon Blueprint and the ability to host your own music festivals gave players a taste of creative control over their virtual racing adventures. However, despite being an open-world racing game, the off-road experience in Forza Horizon 3 has been criticized for not being as realistic or challenging as some off-road-specific racing games. Off-road physics and terrain interactions are somewhat simplified.
5. Forza Motorsport 6
What makes the game special is the Drivatar system feature, where AI opponents mimic real player behavior, making races more engaging and competitive. Combine this with top-tier graphics and a massive collection of cars available to pick from, and you get a perfect car game. The game also introduced wet weather to the series, which adds a different appeal altogether.
6. Forza Horizon 2
Forza Horizon 2 takes players to the breathtaking locations of Southern Europe and presents an active and varied open-world setting to discover. The game features a diverse selection of vehicles and highlights the beauty of nations like France and Italy. Forza Horizon 2 stood out among the other games in the series thanks to the addition of the Horizon Bucket List and a fluid online multiplayer experience.
7. Forza Motorsport 5
Forza Motorsport 5 was one of the first big titles released on the Xbox One console. This was also the first game of the series that implemented the Drivatar system, which, as mentioned before, makes AI opponents drive like real players, keeping the races dynamic and competitive. The release of the Xbox One console, paired with a new Forza game, took Motorsport to incredible heights, and the game certainly deserves a spot on the list.
8. Forza Horizon
The game that started it all, Forza Horizon, introduced players to the festival-driven open-world racing concept. Set in the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, this inaugural installment set the foundation for the series’ success. With a vast open world, a wide range of events, and a strong emphasis on the joy of driving, Forza Horizon remains a beloved classic. Of course, Forza Horizon pales compared to newer games from the series in terms of graphics and features. Still, it is a fantastic game to pick up if you are looking for the classic Horizon experience.
9. Forza Motorsport
Forza Motorsport was released in 2005 and is the oldest game on the list. Needless to say, the game’s graphics are not up to the mark, but it was considered revolutionary back then. The simulation style of the game managed to win a lot of hearts, and as a result, we are continuing to receive Forza games till now.
10. Forza Motorsport 4
While Forza Motorsport 4 isn’t generally considered the best from Forza, it introduced one unique feature: the Kinect technology. For those who are unaware, Kinect technology allows players to track their heads while in a race, which means players can look around. This feature was later discontinued from the next-gen Forza games, but interested players can still try the Forza Motorsport 4 to experience a different take on car games.
