Forza Horizon 6 and Black Jacket, Only One Takes Place in Japan

This week on Game Pass or Pass, we're covering two games that couldn't be more different but are generating plenty of excitement: Forza Horizon 6 and Black Jacket.

We start with Forza Horizon 6, as Playground Games finally brings the Horizon Festival to Japan. It's a setting fans have been requesting for years, and after seeing the reveal, it's easy to understand why. From winding mountain roads and dense city streets to countryside highways and changing weather, we discuss how the new location could completely change the way Horizon feels behind the wheel. We also dive into the updated driving physics, new online features, expanded customization, and massive vehicle roster to see whether Horizon 6 is pushing the franchise forward or simply polishing an already successful formula. With the series now spanning over a decade, we ask whether there's still room to innovate in the open-world racing genre or if this is exactly what fans have been waiting for.

Then we switch gears to Black Jacket, one of the more intriguing new games on the horizon. While details are still emerging, the game's distinct visual style, atmosphere, and presentation have already captured plenty of attention. We break down everything shown in the reveal, discuss the gameplay mechanics that stood out, and talk about the questions that still need answering before launch. Is Black Jacket shaping up to be the next breakout hit, or is it a game that needs to show more before we buy into the hype?

Along the way, we also discuss what these games say about Xbox's current lineup. Is Xbox finding the right balance between established franchises like Forza and fresh, original experiences like Black Jacket? Are these the kinds of games that continue to make Game Pass one of the best values in gaming?

As always, we'll share our impressions, debate what works, point out our concerns, and finish the episode with the only question that matters: Is it a Game Pass... or a Pass?

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