Horizon Chase 2 | Revving Up Nostalgia

Horizon Chase 2 is a love letter to the golden age of arcade racing games, capturing the spirit of classics like OutRun and Top Gear while adding a modern twist. Developed by Aquiris Game Studio, this high-octane racer has finally made its way to the Xbox Series X, and it’s a thrilling ride that will leave you breathless.

A Visually Stunning Joy Ride

From the moment you fire up Horizon Chase 2, you’re greeted with a vibrant, stylised world that pays homage to the retro aesthetic while still looking fresh and modern. The game’s visuals are an absolute feast for the eyes, with crisp, almost AI-like graphics that bring each location to life with stunning detail. Whether you’re racing through the sun-drenched streets of California or the bustling cities of Japan, every environment is a visual masterpiece.

The Need for Speed

At its core, Horizon Chase 2 is all about speed. This isn’t a simulator; it’s a full-blown arcade racer that prioritises breakneck pace and adrenaline-fuelled gameplay over realism. You’ll find yourself guiding your car around tight corners and dodging opponents at blistering speeds, with the slightest lapse in concentration potentially leading to a catastrophic collision.

A World Tour Like No Other

The game’s main attraction is the World Tour mode, which takes you on a globetrotting adventure across six distinct nations, each with its own unique set of tracks and challenges. From the United States to Morocco, Japan, Italy, Brazil, and Thailand, you’ll experience a diverse array of landscapes and environments, each offering a fresh set of obstacles to overcome.

Modes Galore

While the World Tour is the main draw, Horizon Chase 2 offers a wealth of additional modes to keep you coming back for more. The Tournament mode pits you against increasingly difficult challenges, while the Playground mode introduces new challenges and leaderboards on a regular basis, ensuring there’s always something new to tackle.

Multiplayer is also a highlight, with both local and online options available. Whether you’re racing against friends on the couch or taking on players from around the world, the multiplayer experience is seamless and exhilarating.

Customisation and Upgrades

Horizon Chase 2 doesn’t just offer a thrilling racing experience; it also allows you to customise your rides to your heart’s content. With a range of body kits, paint jobs, and upgrades to choose from, you can truly make your car your own. Upgrading your vehicles is essential for success, as you’ll need every edge you can get to stay ahead of the competition.

A Few Minor Hiccups

While Horizon Chase 2 is an outstanding arcade racer, it’s not without a few minor flaws. Some tracks can feel a little too narrow, making it challenging to overtake opponents without risking a collision. Additionally, the game’s humour and speech bubbles can grow tiresome after a while, though this is a relatively minor gripe.

Horizon Chase 2 is a masterclass in arcade racing, delivering an experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. With its stunning visuals, breakneck speeds, and wealth of content, it’s a must-play for anyone who loves the thrill of the chase. Whether you’re a seasoned arcade racer or a newcomer to the genre, Horizon Chase 2 is sure to leave you grinning from ear to ear.