Next week, the garage doors will swing open for *Forza Horizon 6*. The highly anticipated new installment in the open-world motorsport series spans a vast map inspired by Japan’s natural scenery and the sprawling urban landscape of Tokyo. Like its predecessors, the new racing events and stunt modes draw from the culture of its setting, often resulting in outrageous outcomes. Japan’s rich history of robotics and mech culture brings *Forza* to one inevitable conclusion: giant robot racing.
In the “Mech My Day” competition, *Forza Horizon 6* puts you behind the wheel of a Honda Acura, going head-to-head with “Chaser Zero,” a massive robot that is part Gundam and part Patlabor. This racing spectacle echoes the time FOX had Shawn Crawford race 100 meters against a giraffe; players must tear up the asphalt to keep pace with a robot barreling through overpasses. While it may seem like the odds are against the player, the robot turns out to be quite the good sport during the final stretch of the race.
*Forza Horizon*’s showcase events are usually the most extravagant races in the game, pitting luxurious vehicles against severe weather elements or powerful machines. In *Forza Horizon 5*, set in Mexico, players raced against stunt aircraft and hot air balloons. While some players might not be up against the Shinkansen in *Forza Horizon 6*—leading to complaints about the scarcity of showcase events—it appears players will be honing their skills against an even more bizarre feat of futuristic engineering.
*Forza Horizon 6* is turning out to be a dependable addition to the franchise. The more accessible *Horizon* series has largely overshadowed the primary motorsport simulator, making way for elevated levels of eccentricity. Moving away from the traditional route, players can explore the vast Japanese landscape at their own pace or execute stunts akin to *Jackass*, featuring cars that only Jay Leno could dream of owning. Just be sure not to disturb the cherry blossom trees.
