Starting May 19, you can officially make the streets of Japan unsafe in Forza Horizon 6. Included is the ability to crash your car into the various trees lining the roads. All? No, because especially one type of tree is deliberately protected.
Which plant is it? When thinking of Japan, the world-famous cherry blossom probably comes to mind quickly. Known as “Sakura” in Japanese, the blooming of cherry trees every spring is a highlight that attracts numerous tourists and represents an important symbol for the country itself.
In Forza Horizon 6, which is set in Japan, the cherry trees are of course present as well. However, unlike other trees and shrubs, they cannot be destroyed at high speeds. The developers have now explained the reason for this.
Respect for the Culture
What do the developers say? In an interview with Japan Times, design chief Torben Ellert discussed the Japanese setting and addressed the cherry tree:
Almost all trees in the game can be destroyed, making exploring the world map both fun and rewarding […] some tree species are exempt from this – for example, the cherry trees – as they are a symbolic element of Japanese culture.
The cherry blossom stands for beauty and transience. In the game, this is most apparent through falling petals, not splintering wood.
Other elements like temples or shrines are also protected from collision by cars. Players should not be tempted to want to destroy them. Although all this may not seem realistic overall and it can be confusing that some trees fall while others do not, it is an expression of respect for Japanese culture from the developers.
So when you encounter the beautiful cherry trees in Forza Horizon 6 soon, be careful not to experience a full collision. Aside from that, they are of course an indispensable part of the scenery of Japan. Does this limitation bother you? Feel free to let us know in the comments. MyMMO editor Dariusz tested the game: I had the best moments when I neglected the races and played it like GTA
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