Microsoft
Summary List PlacementDuring the video game industry's annual E3 trade show last week, one message was clear: Video game visuals are more realistic and more richly detailed than ever before.
Look no further than the debut trailers of "Forza Horizon 5" and "Microsoft Flight Simulator" for evidence.
The former is the latest entry in the beloved "Forza Horizon" racing series, and it looks absolutely stunning in 4K:
Microsoft/Playground Games
The game is set in Mexico, and features richly-detailed environments that players can race through in dozens of different vehicles.
That includes desolate beaches below sharp cliffs:
Microsoft/Playground Games
Volcanic mountainsides that use photogrammetry data to accurately re-create the real place:
Microsoft/Playground Games
And seaside towns with elaborate murals from real artists, like this one by Mexican artist Farid Rueda:
Microsoft/Playground Games
Amid dozens of game trailers shown across the last week, "Forza Horizon 5" stood out because it's the first major demonstration we've seen of the potential power of the latest Xbox consoles — "Forza Horizon" is a first-party Microsoft series, and the latest entry is only headed to Xbox consoles and PC.
It's also just wild to see in action. For that, you can watch the debut trailer below (or head to this link for a more lengthy gameplay walkthrough).
"Forza Horizon 5" is scheduled to launch on November 9 for Xbox consoles and PC, and it will be available through the Game Pass subscription service as well as through the Xbox digital storefront.
Youtube Embed://www.youtube.com/embed/FYH9n37B7Yw
Width: 800px
Height: 450px
The other major standout game, "Microsoft Flight Simulator," has a somewhat unfair advantage: The game already looks unbelievable running on a PC.
Fans have been playing the new "Microsoft Flight Simulator" on PC since August 2020, and the game's richly-detailed graphics are an expectation at this point.
Still, it's incredibly impressive that the game pulls off such dazzling visuals on Xbox consoles.
Microsoft/Asobo Studio
Notably, the game features a large variety of aircraft and destinations all over the world — like a more detailed version of Google Earth that you have to physically fly around.
If you've ever dreamed of piloting a commercial aircraft from New York City to Dubai in stunningly accurate detail, this is the game for you.
Microsoft/Asobo Studio
The long anticipated launch of "Microsoft Flight Simulator" for Xbox consoles is imminent: the game is scheduled to arrive on July 27 for both Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X, and it will be available on the Game Pass subscription service as well.
Take a closer look at "Microsoft Flight Simulator" for Xbox right here:
Youtube Embed://www.youtube.com/embed/QZ6XpfaWbko
Width: 800px
Height: 450px
Got a tip? Contact Insider senior correspondent Ben Gilbert via email (bgilbert@insider.com), or Twitter DM (@realbengilbert). We can keep sources anonymous. Use a non-work device to reach out. PR pitches by email only, please.
NOW WATCH: Sneaky ways Costco gets you to buy more
See Also:
- Here's how Microsoft is preparing for a future without Xbox and PlayStation video game consoles
- Nintendo slipped some surprises into its annual showcase, including a new 2D 'Metroid' game and a mini, handheld console. Here are the 6 most interesting things fans can expect from the iconic brand through next year.
- Forget about the Xbox: Microsoft is all-in on its 'Netflix for gaming' subscription service