Not only does the upgrade bring native 4K resolution to the gorgeous game, but it also adds enhanced effects. While Forza Horizon 3 was always a beautiful experience, the increase in resolution and better reflections elevates the title. We tested out the patch and the best part is that it also looks markedly better on a 1080p display.
Aside from the trailer showcasing the enhancements, Microsoft issued the following statement detailing the changes.
Forza Horizon 3 on Xbox One X is powered by the same state-of-the art ForzaTech engine at the heart of the Forza franchise, also used to develop Forza Motorsport 7 for Xbox One X which brought native 4K resolution racing to the new platform. Forza Horizon 3 enhancements let players experience the game in native 4K along with a host of additional visual updates, including improved car reflections and shadow resolutions, improved texture detail for road and terrain surfaces, and more. In addition, 4K resolution enhancements will be fully compatible with both Blizzard Mountain and Hot Wheels expansions for Forza Horizon 3. Whether you're careening across the dunes of the Outback in your favorite off-roader or building up a legion of fans with death-defying stunt driving in the rainforest, the 4K-enhanced version of Forza Horizon 3 is a thrilling blend of fantastic gameplay and cutting-edge visuals.
Digital Foundry conducted an analysis on the game in which they determined that Forza Horizon 3 indeed ran at native 4K on the console. There isn't any checkerboarding or dynamic scaling solution involved here. Unfortunately, there isn't a 60 FPS option as the game even on Xbox One X is locked to 30 FPS. The base Xbox One also locked the game at 30 FPS.
It would've been great to see to see a 60 FPS toggle but Digital Foundry said that it might not be possible given the the CPU requirements. Despite the fact that it runs at 30 FPS, the Xbox One X patch is a worthy upgrade over the base experience for the improvement in visuals.
If you're looking for a thrilling open world racing game, be sure to give Forza Horizon 3 a go. In our review we said that "this is the biggest Forza Horizon to date and it's not just the best Forza game, it's one of the best games you can buy on the Xbox One. Playground Games outdid itself...and Microsoft has something truly spectacular here. The appeal of Horizon is wider than a circuit based racer, and this massive, glorious representation of Australia is something to behold. It is truly a work of art." Be sure to check it out at your favorite retailer.
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