Bonus content on offer with Forza Horizon pre-orders

Pre-orders are open for one of this year’s big driving-simulators, and if you’re a petrol-head it could well be worth the extra cash.

Forza Horizon is scheduled for release on October 23, but the bonus content for pre-ordered copies of the game will give fans of the series good reason to purchase the game early.

Buying the game today will immediately unlock a download code for a custom Forza Horizon-themed 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 for Forza Motorsport 4.

A special offer to New Zealand buyers is an extra token which unlocks one of five sports cars, including a 2012 Aston Martin Virage, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, 2010, Ferrari 458 Italia, 2010 Nissan 370Z and the 2010 Volkswagen Golf R. To be perfectly honest, none of these names mean anything to me, but I googled them and they look fancy.

The limited collector’s edition is also available for pre-order today, and includes a steelbook and VIP membership for the game which gives access to bonus cars and in-game events.

The Forza franchise is generally considered to be Microsoft’s answer to the Gran Turismo series, which is exclusive to PlayStation.

Although it lacks the impressive legacy of GT, Forza places the same emphasis on the customisation and modification of cars.

Horizon is the fifth instalment in the series, and will be the first to implement an open-world format, reminiscent of the classic Need for Speed and Burnout games.

Forza Horizon is an Xbox 360 exclusive now available for pre-order at participating New Zealand retailers – so does the bonus content make it worthwhile? Check out the pre-order video below and let us know what you think in the comments.