In regards to the latter I found you’ll have to deviate from the pre-set course laid out for you and find short-cuts to your destinations. It also includes a continuation of the bucket lists found in Forza Horizon 2’s core game, with one set being fairly easy and the other set being frustratingly hard. Storm Island has a ton of new races including 24 championships and various other challenges. Overall the add-on looks every bit as good as the rest of the game. The island can be mired in fog for most of your time as well, which has its own set of challenges. This can become annoying at times especially if you are looking for all the new discount boards.
In free roam the weather changes pretty constantly. Some races may have bright and clear weather conditions but the ever blowing wind can push your car in ways you don’t want it to, especially when launching into the air. If you drive through big puddles they tend to slow you down and affect your steering while the roads get pretty greasy with mud and muck which presents its own challenges. The rain and water effects are simply amazing with its ultra-realistic look, sound and feel. The graphical differences are immediate, with lightning snapping across the sky and wind blowing all over the island.
At first you may wonder how, or even if, it influences your racing, but after a few races you’ll realize that it can figure prominently. Right off the hop you’ll notice the most pronounced change, the weather.