Horizon Chase 2 has made its way to the Xbox platform after its initial release on other systems, including the Nintendo Switch. The game serves as a sequel to the well-received Horizon Chase Turbo from 2018 and has been highly anticipated by fans of the series. Building on the foundational elements of its predecessor, Horizon Chase 2 introduces players to an adrenaline-pumping experience that fortifies its roots in classic arcade racing while embracing a slightly more contemporary aesthetic.
The essence of Horizon Chase 2 is its homage to the vintage arcade racers. Those who recall the joy of steering through sharp bends in SEGA's Outrun or speeding along in Kemco's Top Gear, will find familiar enjoyment here. The gameplay of Horizon 2 remains faithful to the 'guide over control' mechanic where players focus more on plotting their path rather than intricately managing the car’s dynamics. This approach ensures the action stays fast and fluid, essential aspects of a top-notch arcade racer.
Engaging players further is the World Tour mode, the main highlight of the game. This mode takes you on a whirlwind tour of stunning locations beginning in the USA and journeying through six countries, culminating in Japan. Each destination is depicted with visually pleasing, albeit stereotypical, elements that encapsulate the cultural essence and picturesque beauty of each location. The transit from one region to the next is seamless, keeping the adrenaline pumping without interruptions.
Visually, Horizon Chase 2 takes a noticeable leap from its predecessor, opting for a more modernized look while retaining some nostalgic charm. The updated graphics boast vibrant, animated styles coupled with densely packed backgrounds that enhance the overall sense of speed and immersion. While it may deviate from the pure retro aesthetics some purists desire, it effectively captures a broader appeal that complements the fast-paced nature of the game.
However, it's in the area of variety that Horizon Chase 2 could see improvement. The racing, while exhilarating, predominantly revolves around standard circuits and occasional time trials, lacking the diversity that could elevate the experience to new heights. Modes like Elimination or perhaps a strategic crash mode, urging players to tactically remove competitors from the race, would add welcome depth to the gameplay. Moreover, additional locations would enrich the World Tour, making each playthrough feel more fresh and exciting.
Beyond the single-player campaign, Horizon Chase 2 features Tournaments and a multiplayer Playground mode. The Tournament mode repackages races from the World Tour into concise, challenge-laden series, ideal for quick sessions after completing the main mode. The multiplayer aspect, while potentially a significant draw, had limited activity during the review phase, but it shows promise for engaging community-based racing action once more players join post-launch.
Lastly, a word on the game’s performance on the Xbox Series X: it's nearly flawless. Despite minor hiccups, the game maintains a consistent 60 FPS, ensuring smooth gameplay that keeps pace with the swift vehicular movements that are signature to the Horizon Chase ethos. This performance reliability speaks well of the optimization for Microsoft's console, especially considering the reported issues on the Nintendo Switch's version earlier this year.
Horizon Chase 2 is a robust follow-up to its acclaimed predecessor, advancing the series while retaining much of the charm and thrill that fans have come to expect. While there's room for improvement in diversifying gameplay elements, the game remains a compelling pick for anyone craving high-speed arcade action delivered through a polished, visually appealing package.
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