Horizon Chase 2 is an arcade racing game that offers fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping gameplay. While it may not have the same level of excitement as popular racing games like Mario Kart or Burnout, it still manages to captivate players with its simplistic yet enjoyable mechanics. However, the game does fall short in certain areas, leaving players wanting more.
One of the standout features of Horizon Chase 2 is its nostalgic throwback to the arcade era. The game focuses on the thrill of racing towards the horizon and crossing the finish line. With low-fidelity courses inspired by real-world locations, players are transported to places like Morocco, Japan, the U.S., and Brazil. The retro visuals, although charming, can sometimes feel muddier and less vibrant compared to the first game in the series, which is a missed opportunity for improvement.
The soundtrack in Horizon Chase 2, composed by Barry Leitch, successfully captures the essence of classic racers from the ’90s and early 2000s. Each track pulsates with energy, immersing players further into the racing experience. The high-energy music keeps players engaged and motivated to push their limits and strive for victory.
In World Tour mode, players race across various courses around the world, aiming to secure a place on the podium. Collectible blue coins add an extra challenge to the races, as players must strive to collect them while maintaining their position in the race. However, the upgrading and leveling system in Horizon Chase 2 could be improved. Instead of earning garage-wide upgrades, players can only upgrade and unlock parts for one car at a time. This limitation restricts players from enjoying the full potential of different vehicles.
Time Trials introduce a unique challenge in Horizon Chase 2, requiring players to reach specific times by collecting time coins and utilizing strategically placed boost pads. These trials offer a refreshing change of pace and test players’ skills and precision. The sense of accomplishment that comes from beating seemingly impossible times is one of the highlights of the game. Unfortunately, these challenging trials are sparse throughout the gameplay, leaving players wanting more.
While Horizon Chase 2 offers different modes, including multiplayer and power pickups, the gameplay can start to feel repetitive after a while. The lack of significant variations in gameplay elements can make races blend together and diminish long-term engagement.
On the technical side, the game experiences frame rate drops, particularly on the Nintendo Switch platform. Although these drops don’t affect gameplay performance, they are noticeable and can disrupt the overall experience. Additionally, Horizon Chase 2 suffers from crashes, particularly when players encounter issues while logging into an Epic Games account. These crashes can be frustrating and detract from the gameplay enjoyment.
Horizon Chase 2 delivers a fun and fast-paced arcade racing experience that harkens back to the golden age of arcades. Despite its limitations and performance issues, the game manages to provide an enjoyable gameplay experience. However, the lack of content variety and technical shortcomings prevent it from reaching its full potential. If you’re looking for a casual racing game to enjoy in short bursts, Horizon Chase 2 is worth a try. However, for players craving a more immersive and diverse racing experience, it may leave them feeling unsatisfied.
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