With the disappointment of Need for Speed, The Crew, Project CARS and for me at least, Forza behind us the Forza Horizon series continues to be my favourite racing series on Xbox.

The graphics, they're eye meltingly beautiful, Top notch controls, Plenty of options for those that like a real challenge, Drone mode; Every open world game needs this now, Loads of event variety, Loads of cars, including some amazing Aussie classics, Plenty of multiplayer potential

The photo mode still needs a Y axis invert option; The drone mode height limit feels limiting; There is some minimal amount of pop-in; Uhh; Playground Games; we call ‘em sheds here guys

On paper it seems like the same old song and dance when it comes to annual franchises, but with the Forza brand, every new year comes with a new surprise. After every other year's fantastic offerings for simulation fans, a new contender enters the ring and that contender is Forza Horizon.

"You know, it's funny, you live there, but you never really visit any of these great places." That's probably going to be most Aussies' summaries of Forza Horizon 3 -- arguably Game of the Year for 2016 without even really trying, purely because it does such an amazing job of being a Forza Horizon...

From huge, recognisable set-pieces like Apostles Beach to small touches like the red- and yellow-topped bins out the front of stilted houses, Forza Horizon 3 nails its Australian setting.

Baz tears it up across the ditch in the latest Forza Horizon title from Playground Games.

Australian setting is an absolute winner; Terrific car roster and detail; Great arcade-style driving; Plenty to do

It dawned on me while travelling in excess of 250kmh through heavy traffic in Surfers Paradise that driving really expensive cars at high speed is so much easier on the left hand side of the road. Forza Horizon 3, the ninth instalment of the Forza series, is entirely set in Australia.

The Forza Horizon series is about as big as it gets for arcade racing games. The next game in the series, Forza Horizon 3 , is releasing soon for the Xbox One and Windows , and the game takes you to Australia where you'll face other cars in street races, off-road adventures, and on racetracks.

Awesome open world Australia

Some races get repetitive

In all honesty, PC gamers have really taken the back seat when it comes to racing games. Sure, Project CARS debuted last year, but there has never been "that" racing game, that has managed to stand out of the crowd.

In 2010 some of the most influential people in the racing game business got together and formed Playground Games. The aim for this talented group of individuals was simple – make the best driving game in the world. Six years later and perfection is on the horizon.

Graphics that make you question how it runs on the Xbox One| The soundtrack has finally been improved | The Online Adventure mode is exceptionally fun | It'll last you for eternity | Photo mode is still addictive

Navigation is a bit of a step back from Forza Horizon 2 | Co-op campaign has some flaws

Racing fans should definitely consider picking up Forza Horizon 3 , but even non-racing gamers will derive enjoyment from the free-roaming antics, stunt jumps and challenges. And if for some reason you're not enjoying it, well, at least it's a looker. Just don't expect the wheel to be reinvented.