Dview: Forza Horizon (Xbox 360)

The Bottom Line:
Forza Horizon is a spin-off of the Forza series.  As opposed to a more simulation based game (like the Forzas seem) this is more of an open world game where you drive around and do certain events (culminating in a very long last race).  You can also drive around looking for discount signs (which are not all easy to find) and pulling off tricks like drifting or narrowly missing traffic.  These trick may earn you credits or unlock events (like racing against a balloon, plane or helicopter) and will "level" you up.

Overall, I would put this pretty low on my Forza list (I liked 3 the best).  In order of how i liked them: 3, 2, 4, 1, Horizon).  There are not nearly as many cars here as those games.  It is a lot different from those Forzas though.  Basically, at times, I was frustrated by the controls (and rear wheel drive vehicles) and some of the races. 

There is already an add-on available: Rally Expansion (1,600 points, $20).  There are bound to be sales on this in the future. 
Grade: C-
 
What to Expect:
* Driving, lots of driving
* Upgrade signs scattered around Horizon area to find (and get discounts on upgrades for doing so)
* Lots of inadvertent drifting - as there are basically 2 surfaces: road and dirt
* Numerous events to do
* Occasional Barn Finds: old cars in barns that get restored (some are useful)
* Some street races to do for money (some of the achievements even reference the Fast and the Furious)
* you can use the map to set waypoints, then the line shifts to lead you there
* Speed traps scattered around - can beat friend's top speeds
* PR stunts to do at outposts (cheaper quick travel) - hit certain speed, take certain picture or get X points doing tricks. 

How I Played (My Stats too):
* Difficulty: Easy/Casual/whatever it is called
* Playtime: About 20 hours
* Completion: 81.1%
* Popularity: 4th (I hit 1st wondering around)
* Barn Finds: 8/9 (the last one has yet to unlock)
* Discount Signs: 92/100
* Roads Traveled: 216/216
* Distance Driven: 1,442.75 miles
* PR Stunts: 4/30
* Showcases: 8/10 completed (I couldn't beat the last helicopter or the RUF plane one)
* Highest Skill Chain: 14,875
* Achievements: 33/50 for 740/1,000 Gamerscore

Achievements:
There are 50 achievement for 1,000 Gamerscore (add-on has 10 for 250).  There are a few achievements for online activities.  However there are some for stuff like: leveling up, completing tiers of races, etc.  I guess it is a fair list though some of them are kind of annoying (win every race in the game, etc).  10 of those achievements are for online activity requiring a Gold account (or 125/1,000).