Aussie love for Forza Horizon 3

We are unashamed fans of the Forza Horizon series, but things just got real in the digital ether. Forza Horizon 3, an open-world racing game, is set entirely in Australia and looks likely to set a new benchmark in terms of photorealistic graphics.

Before you read too much more, watch the video. It's epic.

The premise behind the racing is simple, if far-fetched.

The Horizon Festival (think Burning Man meets the Summer Nats) returns as the excuse to modify every aspect of available race events.

So, jump in the Lambo and take on that jet fighter as you careen past the Twelve Apostles on your way to victory!

Simply put, if you've ever wanted to race some of the world's fastest, most exotic and rare vehicles – plus a few desert duellers too – then Forza Horizon is your game. Around 350 vehicles will feature, many of them customisable, and it's exclusive to the Xbox One and PC.

It will even feature cross-platform compatibility which is very cool.

Exploding onto web at the world's biggest videogame expo this week, E3, in Los Angeles, it means Playstation 4 owners miss out (but they get Gran Turismo, so it's okay).

That Australia is the star of the new game, alongside several very desirable Ferraris and Lamborghinis, is very exciting.

The video begins as supercars jostle along the Great Ocean Road, followed by dune-buggy racing along our iconic beaches and over the ridges of obvious Outback environments, complete with kangaroos bounding away at dusk.

All we can say is whoo-hoo!

Combining the exotic pleasures of getting behind the wheels of cars we seldom drive in reality, with the ability to take said car (if you so dare) off the tarmac and through our wide brown land is truly exciting.  LaFerrari on the beach at full tilt? No drama!

A more involving physics engine, better visuals and new challenges including tougher races against everything from cars to jet fighters are just the tip of the iceberg for the new game, which is expected to be top-seller.

The game launches on September 27 and Microsoft is pushing the ability to cross-play. So whether you own an Xbox One console, or a Windows 10 based PC, Forza Horizon 3 is one of the titles where you will be able to compete in multiplayer games together.

For us, this offshoot of the hard core Forza simulation that blends open-world gaming and a touch of fantasy is simply a brilliant way to race and drive and drink in the gorgeous vistas.

The last iteration Forza Horizon 2, took the festival of racing to the magnificent southern coastline roads of Spain and Italy and then, with Forza Horizon 2: Storm Island, on a ferry to a mythical rain-drenched isle for some more off-road digital bush-bashing.

And now it's Australia's time to shine. This is going to be good.