The acclaimed racing franchise from Xbox and Playground Games has made its highly anticipated return, delivering what might be its finest installment to date. Forza Horizon 6 brings the action to Japan, a setting that enthusiasts have been clamoring for over the years. Beyond its stunning visual appeal, Japan boasts a deeply rooted and passionate automotive culture. After refining the series for over a decade, Playground finally felt ready to tackle this iconic backdrop, resulting in the most expansive Forza title ever created.

Consequently, the game embraces its Japanese setting through numerous creative details. Drifting naturally takes center stage, and culturally revered cherry blossom trees have been made indestructible to respect their significance. The game is also packed with cultural Easter eggs; in fact, one of the premier showcase events pits players against a massive mech through city streets. While wild, this over-the-top spectacle perfectly matches the high-energy vibe of the franchise. Perhaps the cleverest nod, however, is a subtle tribute to Pokémon, Nintendo’s powerhouse gaming franchise.

While cruising and listening to the in-game radio, players might catch the hosts encouraging them to snap some photos during their Japanese road trip. In doing so, the hosts use the phrase, "Snap 'em all"—a direct, playful riff on Pokémon’s legendary catchphrase, "Gotta catch 'em all."

The broadcasters then jokingly add that it is "like that Japanese collecting game we're not allowed to name for legal reasons." This witty reference has delighted fans, particularly because Nintendo is notorious for its aggressive legal team, which rarely hesitates to protect the Pokémon brand from copyright infringement.

In related news, the Pokémon franchise celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, marked by a wave of commemorative merchandise. For instance, retail giant Target recently partnered with Kellanova to launch a limited-edition line of Pokémon-themed Pop-Tarts. Predictably, these collectibles quickly became a prime target for scalpers, who cleared out store shelves only to flip them online for four to five times their original retail value.