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2 gorgeous new games are the best examples yet of how video games are looking noticeably more realistic and detailed than ever before

A screenshot of Microsoft Flight Simulator, a flying simulator, running on the Xbox Series X
A screenshot from upcoming Xbox game, "Microsoft Flight Simulator." Microsoft
  • With new game consoles boasting more power than ever, modern video games can be especially beautiful.

  • The recent debut of "Forza Horizon 5" highlighted as much, as did "Microsoft Flight Simulator."

  • Both games feature rich, sweeping environments and ultra-detailed vehicles.

  • Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories.

During the video game industry's annual E3 trade show last week, one message was clear: Video game visuals are more realistic and more richly detailed than ever before.

Look no further than the debut trailers of "Forza Horizon 5" and "Microsoft Flight Simulator" for evidence.

The former is the latest entry in the beloved "Forza Horizon" racing series, and it looks absolutely stunning in 4K:

A field of flowers in "Forza Horizon 5," a racing game for Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Microsoft/Playground Games

The game is set in Mexico, and features richly-detailed environments that players can race through in dozens of different vehicles.

That includes desolate beaches below sharp cliffs:

A screenshot of "Forza Horizon 5," a racing game for the Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Microsoft/Playground Games

Volcanic mountainsides that use photogrammetry data to accurately re-create the real place:

A screenshot of "Forza Horizon 5," a racing game for Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Microsoft/Playground Games

And seaside towns with elaborate murals from real artists, like this one by Mexican artist Farid Rueda:

A screenshot of "Forza Horizon 5," a racing game for the Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Microsoft/Playground Games

Amid dozens of game trailers shown across the last week, "Forza Horizon 5" stood out because it's the first major demonstration we've seen of the potential power of the latest Xbox consoles - "Forza Horizon" is a first-party Microsoft series, and the latest entry is only headed to Xbox consoles and PC.

It's also just wild to see in action. For that, you can watch the debut trailer below (or head to this link for a more lengthy gameplay walkthrough).

"Forza Horizon 5" is scheduled to launch on November 9 for Xbox consoles and PC, and it will be available through the Game Pass subscription service as well as through the Xbox digital storefront.

The other major standout game, "Microsoft Flight Simulator," has a somewhat unfair advantage: The game already looks unbelievable running on a PC.

Fans have been playing the new "Microsoft Flight Simulator" on PC since August 2020, and the game's richly-detailed graphics are an expectation at this point.

Still, it's incredibly impressive that the game pulls off such dazzling visuals on Xbox consoles.

A screenshot of "Microsoft Flight Simulator," an upcoming game for the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X.
Microsoft/Asobo Studio

Notably, the game features a large variety of aircraft and destinations all over the world - like a more detailed version of Google Earth that you have to physically fly around.

If you've ever dreamed of piloting a commercial aircraft from New York City to Dubai in stunningly accurate detail, this is the game for you.

A screenshot of "Microsoft Flight Simulator" for the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X.
Microsoft/Asobo Studio

The long anticipated launch of "Microsoft Flight Simulator" for Xbox consoles is imminent: the game is scheduled to arrive on July 27 for both Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X, and it will be available on the Game Pass subscription service as well.

Take a closer look at "Microsoft Flight Simulator" for Xbox right here:

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Read the original article on Business Insider