Forza Horizon 2: A Deep Dive Review | Is It Still Worth It?

Hey guys! Let's dive into the vibrant world of Forza Horizon 2. Released back in 2014, this game wasn't just another racing title; it was a festival on wheels set against the stunning backdrop of Southern Europe. Now, years later, the question remains: Does Forza Horizon 2 still hold up? Was IGN right in their initial assessment? Let’s buckle up and explore everything that made this game special, and whether it’s worth your time today.

What Made Forza Horizon 2 Special?

Forza Horizon 2 arrived at a time when open-world racing games were starting to find their stride. What set it apart was its seamless blend of arcade-style fun with simulation-level depth. Playground Games crafted an experience that was both accessible to casual players and engaging for hardcore racing fans. The Horizon Festival concept, with its music, vibrant atmosphere, and sense of community, was a masterstroke. It made you feel like you were part of something bigger than just a race.

The setting of Southern Europe, encompassing parts of France and Italy, was a breath of fresh air. The diverse landscapes, from coastal roads to rolling hills and quaint villages, provided a visual feast. Each area was meticulously designed, offering a unique driving experience. Whether you were drifting around hairpin turns in the mountains or speeding along the French Riviera, the game always felt fresh and exciting. This open-world environment encouraged exploration and discovery, rewarding players withBarn Finds, hidden challenges, and breathtaking vistas.

Forza Horizon 2's car list was another highlight, featuring a wide array of vehicles from classic roadsters to modern supercars. Each car was lovingly rendered, with attention to detail that made them feel authentic. The game's handling model struck a perfect balance between realism and fun. Cars felt weighty and responsive, yet forgiving enough for players to pull off spectacular drifts and jumps without requiring pinpoint precision. The ability to customize and upgrade your vehicles was also a major draw, allowing players to fine-tune their rides to suit their driving style.

IGN's Initial Impressions

When Forza Horizon 2 launched, IGN's review was overwhelmingly positive, praising the game's stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and immersive open world. They highlighted the seamless integration of online multiplayer, the extensive car list, and the dynamic weather system as key strengths. IGN lauded the game's ability to capture the spirit of a music festival, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that kept players hooked.

IGN's review also noted the game's accessibility, making it easy for newcomers to pick up and play while still offering enough depth to satisfy experienced racing fans. The combination of arcade-style fun and simulation-level realism was seen as a major achievement, appealing to a broad audience. Moreover, they appreciated the game's attention to detail, from the meticulously recreated environments to the authentic car models.

However, IGN's review wasn't without its criticisms. Some minor issues were raised regarding the game's AI, which occasionally exhibited erratic behavior. Additionally, the story, while serviceable, wasn't particularly groundbreaking. Nevertheless, these criticisms were relatively minor compared to the game's many strengths. Overall, IGN's initial assessment was that Forza Horizon 2 was a must-play title for racing fans, setting a new standard for open-world racing games.

Gameplay and Features

The core gameplay of Forza Horizon 2 revolves around participating in the Horizon Festival, a celebration of cars, music, and racing. Players progress through the game by competing in various events, earning experience points, and unlocking new vehicles and upgrades. The game's open world is filled with activities, from traditional races to drifting challenges, bucket list events, and photo opportunities.

One of the standout features of Forza Horizon 2 is its seamless integration of online multiplayer. Players can join convoys with friends, participate in cooperative challenges, or compete in online races. The game's online modes are designed to be social and engaging, fostering a sense of community among players. The ability to seamlessly transition between single-player and multiplayer is a major plus, allowing players to enjoy the game on their own terms.

Forza Horizon 2 also introduced the Drivatar system, which uses AI to mimic the driving styles of real players. This creates a more dynamic and unpredictable racing experience, as opponents behave in ways that feel human. The Drivatar system also allows players to earn credits even when they're not actively playing the game, as their Drivatar competes in races on their behalf. This innovative feature added depth and replayability to the game, keeping players engaged long after they completed the main campaign.

Graphics and Sound

Visually, Forza Horizon 2 was a stunner for its time, and it still looks impressive today. The game's environments are lush and detailed, with realistic lighting and weather effects. The car models are meticulously crafted, with attention to detail that makes them feel authentic. The game's dynamic weather system adds another layer of realism, with rain, fog, and sunshine affecting the driving experience.

The game's sound design is equally impressive, with realistic engine noises, tire squeals, and environmental sounds. The soundtrack is a highlight, featuring a diverse mix of music genres that perfectly complement the game's vibrant atmosphere. The Horizon Festival wouldn't be complete without its music, and Forza Horizon 2 delivers on this front with a curated selection of tracks that enhance the overall experience. Whether you're cruising along the coast or tearing up the countryside, the game's audio immerses you in its world.

How Does It Hold Up Today?

So, does Forza Horizon 2 still hold up in today's gaming landscape? The answer is a resounding yes. While it may not have the cutting-edge graphics of newer titles, its art style and attention to detail still shine. The gameplay remains as engaging as ever, with a perfect balance of arcade-style fun and simulation-level depth. The open world is still a joy to explore, and the car list is as impressive as ever.

One area where Forza Horizon 2 shows its age is in its lack of 4K resolution and HDR support. However, this is a minor issue compared to the game's overall strengths. The core gameplay experience remains intact, and the game's vibrant atmosphere and sense of community are still unmatched. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, Forza Horizon 2 is well worth playing.

Is It Worth Playing in 2024?

In 2024, Forza Horizon 2 remains a fantastic racing game that offers a unique and enjoyable experience. Despite being released almost a decade ago, its strengths still shine brightly. If you're looking for a racing game that combines arcade-style fun with simulation-level depth, Forza Horizon 2 is a must-play. Its vibrant open world, extensive car list, and engaging gameplay make it a timeless classic. However, there are a few things to consider.

Availability

One of the biggest challenges in playing Forza Horizon 2 today is its availability. The game was delisted from digital storefronts in 2018, meaning you can no longer purchase it digitally. This means you'll need to find a physical copy, which can be difficult and potentially expensive. If you do manage to find a copy, make sure it's in good condition, as used games can sometimes be unreliable.

Platform

Forza Horizon 2 was released on Xbox 360 and Xbox One. While the Xbox One version is superior in terms of graphics and performance, both versions offer the same core gameplay experience. If you have access to an Xbox One, that's the preferred platform. However, the Xbox 360 version is still a viable option, especially if you're on a budget. Keep in mind that the online multiplayer features may no longer be fully functional on the Xbox 360 version.

Alternatives

If you're unable to find or play Forza Horizon 2, there are several alternatives to consider. Forza Horizon 3 and Forza Horizon 4 are both excellent open-world racing games that offer similar experiences. Forza Horizon 5 is the latest installment in the series and features cutting-edge graphics and a vast open world. These games are readily available on modern platforms and offer a more up-to-date experience.

Final Thoughts

Forza Horizon 2 is a classic racing game that still holds up today. Its vibrant open world, engaging gameplay, and extensive car list make it a must-play for racing fans. While its availability may be limited, it's well worth the effort to track down a copy. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, Forza Horizon 2 is an experience you won't forget. So, fire up your console, grab your controller, and get ready to hit the road in this timeless classic!

IGN was right on the money with their initial review. Forza Horizon 2 isn't just a game; it's a celebration of cars and culture, and it remains a high point in the racing genre. Happy racing, folks!