Microsoft Studios Music release Kaveh Cohen and Michael Nielsen's score for the latest offering in the Forza Motorsport gaming series. Experience unrelenting action in one of the most beautiful and comprehensive racing games...

Kaveh Cohen and Michael Nielsen's score for Forza Motorsport 6 was something of a surprise. While I've played Forza 4 and 5, I've not actually managed to get hold of 6 yet - mainly because I'm not that big a fan of racing games. I enjoy them, but to be honest if you've got one racing game in a series, for me, there's little point splashing out cash on what is usually just a long list of tweaks and slight modifications on the same format.

Likewise, unlike First Person Shooters, the music in Racing games hardly ever captures my attention. In my experience it's normally Rock, Indie, Rave or adrenaline pumping electronic tracks that are the order of the day.

So I was expecting a lot of loud, instantly forgettable, electronic tracks with this score. What we get are 34 tracks (1 hr, 17 min, 26 sec) that are as diverse and as lovingly crafted as you'd expect from a game with an intricate storyline. Who can't fail to enjoy tracks like 'Love of the Sport'?

Yes, of course there are thumping, adrenaline fuelled tracks - this is a Racing game after all. tracks like 'Traction' and 'The Pits' are a little more like the segments of music I was expecting to. More background menu themes that bring forth the excitement and anticipation of getting in your car and racing.

There are also electronic themes that sound a little more futuristic. 'Bottom Out' is probably the best example, bringing to mind the Wipeout series of futuristic racing games.

However, the majority of tracks are full of intricate, beautiful theme music that makes this an enjoyable listening experience outside of the game. In fact I'd argue that you'll need to listen to this on its own to truly appreciate what a wonderful collection of theme it represents. Personal favourites include 'Forza Motorsport'; 'Love of the Sport'; 'Tyre Smoke'; 'Starting Grid'; 'Negative Space'; 'Rust'; and 'Dial It In'.

An impressive score that may just surprise you.

8

Darren Rea