Forza Horizon 2 is a nonstop thrill ride that takes place in a massive, open sandbox world that is always online. Just like Forza 5, Horizon 2 uses the Drivatar system to integrate both multiplayer and single-player into a seamless experience.
Forza Horizon 2’s open world is so massive that it’s literally mind blowing. While connected to Xbox live, Horizon 2 automatically downloads the personas of other gamers (also known as Drivatars) to incorporate them into the single-player experience. This helps to blur the line between offline and online gameplay, creating a near-perfect gaming experience.
Drivatars replicate your play style and driving behavior; think of them as virtual versions of yourself, but controlled by the CPU. Basically, the game monitors your behavior and then creates a virtual version that will end up in someone else’s single-player game. Horizon 2 still captures the greatness of the original Forza games without compromising any of the core fundamentals, so imagine Forza 5 with all the vehicles and mechanics, but with far more flexibility.
What makes Horizon 2 such a great racing experience (aside from the near-perfect driving physics, car selection, etc) is that you don’t have to make first place in a race in order to come out on top. Competitions are graded based on driving styles, drifting and, of course, coming in first place, but that’s not necessarily the only way to win. You can come in dead last in the polling and still win based on your skills as a driver. At the end of the competition, everything you do is tallied up and added to your overall score.
You have to be the best driver possible to be competitive online, and this is what makes Horizon 2 such a challenging game for anyone that loves cars or tuner culture in general. Most racing games don’t require you to be that good at racing to compete online, but Forza Horizon 2 is far less forgiving.
The gameplay involves traveling from location to location to enter competitions. It is possible to fast travel to new competitions and other events throughout the game world, but it’s not recommended. Due to the extensive amount of content that is located on the world map, it is important to explore; there are plenty of vehicles to unlock and secret items to find.
Forza Horizons 2 also incorporates role-playing elements via a talent tree. This allows you to unlock bonuses and new skills to benefit your Drivatar. These bonuses include, but are not limited to – higher money payouts, drift bonuses, and permanent discounts. Abilities can be unlocked by leveling up your driver profile. This is done by completing events, competitions and earning style points that will level your profile. Plus, you can use Perk Points – which are received when you level – to unlock skills via the talent tree.
The driving physics and the amount of customization available is mind-blowing. Moreover, the gameplay consists of the same amazing car modifications and ‘off the hook’ combos as in Forza 5. Not a gear-head? Don’t you worry; Horizon 2 offers a store where you can download an extensive amount of player car settings, designs and more. You can enjoy all the amenities of customizing your vehicle without the hassle of creating skins, vinyls, decals or car settings.
When playing online, the game has meeting spots you can visit where all the gear-heads and tuners congregate to show off their latest tunes and car designs, and there is no need to join an online lobby either. Once you locate and enter these meeting spots, you’ll instantly be sent into a virtual parking lot where you’ll see players showcasing the latest trends.
Online play is just as fun, if not even more enjoyable, than the single player experience. Aside from joining competitions and events, you can also drive freely through the game world with other gamers. This captures the true essence of car club culture and real-life car meets.
Horizon 2 does a fantastic job of replicating the tuner/car culture as a whole. The nonlinear gameplay allows you to race and explore; something that doesn’t exist in other games. As a racing game, Forza Horizon 2 is the most impressive next gen racing simulator available today. Even casual gamers can play without having prior knowledge of the series. If you’re looking for a simulation that offers a no-stress environment that provides a populated online world, then look no further than Forza Horizon 2. Racing fans will truly enjoy all the great content this title offers.
James ‘Daripp3r’ Pittaro
Platform: Xbox One (Also Available for Xbox 360)
Developer: Microsoft Game Studios
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
ESRB: E 10+ (Everyone 10+)
Price: $39.99
Forza Horizon 2’s Official Website
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |  |
| Visually stunning graphics, a dynamic weather system, and a ‘real’ day and night cycle enhance the Forza racing experience. | |
| Sound | |
| Aside from the realistic sound effects, there are a handful of radio stations to listen to while driving. | |
| Gameplay | |
| Incredible driving physics that are complimented by an open sandbox world; it’s perfection. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| This is one Forza game that will take you on the ride of your life. | |
#1
I just wished The Crew had the same graphics 😉