Horizon Chase 2 – Analysis (Review)

May 31, 2024 Off By Markus Norat

GAME SHEET:
Release:  September 14, 2023
Players:  Up to 4 players
Genre:  Racing
Developer:  Aquiris Game Studio / Epic Games Brasil
Publisher:  Aquiris Game Studio / Epic Games Brasil
Available languages:  English, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish (Spain), Turkish.
Available on platforms:  Mobile, PC – Computer, Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S.
Rating:  Free – Suitable for all ages.
Game version analyzed:  American version for Playstation 5.

Since the release of the first Horizon Chase in 2015, Aquiris Game Studio has been celebrated for revitalizing the arcade racing genre with a modern approach. Inspired by classics from the 80s and 90s, such as OutRun, Top Gear and Lotus Turbo Challenge, the original game captured the essence of these icons, offering a visual and auditory experience that evoked strong nostalgia in players. Horizon Chase brought back the simplicity and unbridled fun of arcade racing games, standing out in a market saturated with complex and realistic simulators.

When the news of Horizon Chase 2’s arrival in 2023 for iOS, PC and Switch broke, expectations were high, but doubts remained: Would the Brazilian studio be able to maintain the charm of the original while incorporating significant improvements? The answer was a resounding yes. Horizon Chase 2 not only preserves the spirit of its predecessor, but also elevates it to new heights with improved graphics, an exceptional soundtrack, and refined gameplay mechanics. Now on May 30, 2024, the game was released for PlayStation and Xbox brand platforms, ensuring that a wider range of players can enjoy this fast-paced, extremely fun and graphically stupendous adventure.

Horizon Chase 2 takes us on a journey around the world, with tracks located in iconic locations, including, of course, several locations in Brazil (the Olinda track is extremely colorful, showing the characteristics of the city’s carnival and the look of the Amazon track It’s simply breathtaking, it’s so beautiful!), as well as several locations around the world, each with its own characteristics. Each race is a true visual spectacle, full of vibrant colors and detailed landscapes, while the soundtrack, composed by the legendary Barry Leitch, fills the experience with exciting and nostalgic melodies. With varied game modes, including a robust multiplayer option, Horizon Chase 2 offers hours of fun for players of all ages and abilities.

I absolutely love the style of this game, and I’m so amazed by Horizon Chase 2!

Mechanics and Gameplay

Horizon Chase 2 maintains the simplicity of its predecessor, but improves and expands its mechanics so that each race is exciting and unique. The game offers an initial selection of cars, with more options unlockable as you progress. Vehicle customization is a welcome addition, allowing for changes to the bodywork and a wide range of paint jobs to choose from.

Every race is a high-adrenaline experience. The player starts in last position and must overcome 19 other runners to achieve victory. Collecting tokens along the tracks adds a strategic element, rewarding you with trophies or nitro boosts depending on the game mode. Three nitros are available from the start of each race, but more can be collected along the way, both in parts and in whole.

One of the big positive surprises is the multiplayer functionality. The split-screen mode works perfectly, providing classic and nostalgic fun. Additionally, the online multiplayer mode allows you to compete with players from different platforms, such as the Switch and the Epic Games Store, and even with some small initial delays, the overall experience is fluid and exciting.

Gameplay in Horizon Chase 2 is intentionally simplified, focusing on the pure pleasure of racing. There are no secret shortcuts or advanced drifting mechanics, just pure arcade racing. However, choosing the right car for each track is crucial, adding a layer of strategy. Tracks with long straights favor high-speed cars, while winding tracks require vehicles with good cornering ability.

Graphics

The graphics in Horizon Chase 2 are one of the biggest improvements compared to the original game. The game now features a vibrant, fully 3D world. Each location is meticulously detailed, from the stunning landscapes of San Francisco to the vibrant neon-lit streets of Japan. The transition from day to night during races, especially in locations like Italy and Japan, is visually stunning and adds an immersive atmosphere to the game.

The design of the cars is also worth highlighting. Although the game has moved away from direct references to iconic pop culture cars, the vehicles in Horizon Chase 2 have a unique and recognizable style. Customization options allow players to express their creativity, making each car truly their own.

Weather effects such as dense fog and torrential rain are not only beautiful to look at, but they also impact gameplay by increasing difficulty and the need for precise driving skills. The attention to detail in each track makes no race feel repetitive, keeping the visual experience fresh and exciting.

Sound

The soundtrack for Horizon Chase 2, composed by Barry Leitch, is simply fantastic. Leitch, known for his work on classic racing games like Top Gear, has brought a soundtrack that not only complements the game’s fast-paced action, but also evokes a strong sense of nostalgia. Each musical track is energizing, keeping the player engaged and motivated at every turn.

The sound effects are also notable. The roar of engines, the sound of tires screeching around corners and the noise of impacts add a layer of realism to the racing experience. Environmental sounds, like the sound of rain hitting your car during a storm, are equally immersive.

The music and sound effects together create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that is crucial to keeping the player engaged. The smooth transition between different music tracks as you progress through the tracks is another positive point that shows the developers’ care and attention to detail.

Fun

Horizon Chase 2 is, above all, fun. The fast, accessible gameplay makes it easy to pick up the controller and start playing, but the depth of customization options and variety of tracks and game modes keep the experience interesting for a long time. The simplicity of the racing mechanics allows players of all skill levels to enjoy the game, but there is enough challenge to keep even arcade racing veterans engaged.

The inclusion of multiplayer modes, both local and online, adds significant value to the enjoyment of the game. Competing against friends in the same room or against players around the world never gets old, and crossplay functionality ensures you always have someone to challenge.

Even playing alone, Horizon Chase 2 offers a very fun and rewarding experience. The different environments and weather conditions, combined with the progression of unlocking cars and upgrades, keep the game interesting. The balance between difficulty and accessibility is finely tuned, ensuring the game is challenging but never unfair.

Performance and Optimization

In terms of performance, Horizon Chase 2 is a shining example of efficient optimization. I played the game on Playstation 5 and the experience was consistently smooth. I didn’t encounter significant problems with frame rate drops or bugs that would harm gameplay. The optimization is impressive. Loading times are minimal, allowing you to get into races quickly without long waits.

Additionally, the game’s stability during multiplayer sessions, both local and online, is fantastic. Even with occasional latency, especially in crossplay, the game remained stable and playable, providing a fluid and stutter-free racing experience.

Conclusion

Horizon Chase 2 is an essential title for lovers of classic arcade racing games; the game arrived exquisitely, bringing back the simplicity and fun that defined the genre, but with a modern touch. The beautiful, extremely colorful and vibrant 3D graphics attract the attention of anyone viewing the television screen (or monitor), and the soundtrack is one of the game’s highlights, keeping players engaged and motivated. The gameplay is accessible but offers enough depth to maintain long-term interest, and the game’s performance is solid across all platforms.

I’m really a big fan of racing games, especially arcade-style games, but this game brought something more, because Horizon Chase 2 definitely brought me a feeling of extreme fun and happiness that few games today are capable of offering; It reminded me of the first time I played games from the Top Gear series (originally released for the Super Nintendo and recently re-released by QUByte Interactive for current consoles and PC), and the fantastic Diddy Kong Racing (the latter was originally released for the Nintendo 64; it’s not an arcade-style racing game, but it’s one of the games I love most in video games!).

I highly recommend Horizon Chase 2 to any fan of racing games, especially those who are nostalgic for classic arcade games. It is a game that can be enjoyed in short sessions or in gaming marathons, always providing fun and excitement. The simplicity of the mechanics combined with the beauty of the graphics and the energy of the soundtrack make this title a must-have addition to any gamer’s collection.

I can only thank the studio for producing and releasing Horizon Chase 2. You guys are awesome!