Format: Windows 10
Genre: Racing
Developer: Turn 10 Studios
Publisher: Microsoft Studios

The two features in the game that were most used by this reviewer: replay, and screenshot mode. Blue skies, vivid red and yellow bumpers separating the Spa track from the surrounding grassy verdure; torrential downpours at Silverstone, with reflective puddles and rain drops that crawl up the wind screen until they are smitten by the wiper blade; jet black Yas Marina at midnight, pierced only by two thin beam headlights. The game is Pro Evolution Soccer generic in presentation-- rather unfortunately indeed-- but the actual race imagery is positively astounding, even at the lower detail settings. At maximum detail in 4k? It beggars belief.

What happened to the memorable and bonkers licensed soundtracks of the Forza games of yore? "I think I'm off the hook baby-- off the hooook!" Instead the world gets this drab and dreadfully weary space-age rubbish, intermixed with generic "Hollywood Trailer CD #16" ditties. At least the in-race music can be disabled-- the very first act any player should take because, By George, those engine and tire noises! Certainly this is one of the most authentic sounding racing games yet, with surround audio that properly roars.

Forza 1 was barely a notch above the PSX Gran Turismo games in terms of realistic handling. In Forza 2, the rear-wheel drive cars had butter tires. In Forza 3, everything understeered. In Forza 4, the cars lacked substance. In Forza 5, every car had butter tires. Finally, finally in Forza 6, the developers got things just right: 62/38, front-axle heavy Audis understeer, live rear axle Pontiac Trans-Ams oversteer, and Le Mans prototypes... do... whatever it is they do... hover maybe? The rain physics are especially commendable, and on the balance, it's difficult to find any obvious faults with this game's physics whatsoever!

Turn 10 describes Apex as "a powerful demonstration of what the ForzaTech engine can do", and as having been "designed for players who are new to the Forza franchise." There is no career mode, and no car upgrades. The "unlock cars with tokens" mechanic is simplistic and bare bones, for sure-- and yet, the game's outrageously beautiful in-race engine, with some of the best car physics and sound this side of the real thing... the game also has a robust "free play" mode, letting the player savor the wide variety of racing types on offer, in his own way. As a mere pre-meal teaser, Apex is a solid game in its own right-- and it makes this reviewer positively salivate at the possibilities the inevitable, full course meal "Forza 7 on Windows 10" combination will bring to bear!