Forza Horizon 4 has been out for quite some time now (2018 release!) and it’s about to become de-listed from digital stores. With that, and a recent Steam Sale on Forza games, I had to come back to it and get it going on the Steam Deck.
The Forza Horizon games are some of my favourite driving games anyway, but 4 always felt more special. Perhaps due to the United Kingdom setting and seeing some familiarity, which is rare in AAA titles. Or perhaps just because the work in the seasons and how much of a step-up it seemed at the time, made it feel incredible.
Either way, I’ve been back on a Forza Horizon 4 kick, and before it goes invisible on digital stores, I wanted to give it a review. One for the road, I guess!
Feels like home
The game’s rendition of Britain is a masterpiece in its own right. The rolling hills of the countryside, the quaint villages, the bustling cities, and the iconic landmarks all come together to create a world that is both instantly recognizable and undeniably stunning. But what truly sets Forza Horizon 4 apart is its dynamic seasons. Every week, the world transforms, bringing new challenges, breathtaking vistas, and a renewed sense of wonder to the game.
- Spring: Lush greenery, blooming flowers, and the occasional shower create a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
- Summer: Long days, warm sunshine, and dry roads make for perfect cruising and high-speed racing conditions.
- Autumn: A kaleidoscope of colors as the leaves change, providing a picturesque backdrop for off-road adventures.
- Winter: Snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and treacherous roads demand a different driving style and offer unique challenges.
Car choices
I’m no petrol head, but I sure do love driving real cars in games. Particularly when they use the Forza engine for realism in how the move and feel. There’s nothing like driving a car that you used to own in real life, and thrashing it around in races, in Forza Horizon 4.
With over 700 cars from a wide array of manufacturers, Forza Horizon 4 boasts an impressive and diverse roster. From classic muscle cars to modern hypercars, off-road behemoths to nimble track toys, there’s something for everyone. Each car is meticulously modeled and handles with a satisfying level of realism, making every drive a joy. The game also features a robust customization system, allowing players to personalize their rides with a variety of paint jobs, body kits, and tuning options.
As I understand it, it has to de-list from stores, because of licencing agreements in place. They can no longer sell the game new with these brands and cars. That may be way off, but this killer selection may also be what is killing Forza Horizon 4, off.
What to do, what to do?
Forza Horizon 4 is overflowing with content. The main campaign, a series of championship races and showcases, will keep you entertained for hours.
But the real magic lies in the open world. There are countless races, challenges, stunts, and collectibles scattered across the map, ensuring that there’s always something new to discover. The game’s online component adds another layer of depth, allowing players to compete against each other in a variety of modes, team up for co-op challenges, or simply cruise around the world together.
Barn Finds are one of my absolute favourite features of the Forza Horizon series. It’s like a treasure hunt for something that I largely wouldn’t care about in real life.
There’s even Top Gear content, and a battle royale! And we all know how much we love a battle royale here at Ninja Refinery!
Forza Horizon 4 – Easy to enjoy
One of Forza Horizon 4’s greatest strengths is its ability to cater to players of all skill levels. The driving model is forgiving enough for newcomers to pick up and enjoy, yet offers enough depth and nuance to satisfy seasoned veterans.
A variety of assists and difficulty settings allow players to tailor the experience to their liking. Whether you’re a casual driver looking for a fun arcade experience or a hardcore sim racer seeking a challenge, Forza Horizon 4 has you covered.
On-deck
Forza Horizon 4 works an absolute treat on the Steam Deck, and let me tell you, it looks stunning. Sure it’s a 6-year old game at this point, but it looks amazing.
Barn Finds in bed, dirt races in the living room with a film on. You have one of the best racing games there is, in your hands no matter where you are.
Framerate is stable, too if you were worried that it would be seeing massive dips when you’re trying to drift around a hairpin bend!
Sure, it looks and performs better on the main PC, but I’d wager Forza Horizon 4 performs and looks as good as it did on the Xbox One at release. Totally worth the investment!
Overall
Forza Horizon 4, and the Horizon series at large, are more accessible than their core racing sim series, Forza Motorsport. This works on so many levels that it just makes the game an almost comfort-food level of pleasure.
Easy to pick-up and play. Stunning to look at with so much to do. Forza Horizon 4 is still a modern contender today 6 years down the line. Sure, number 5 in the series has come out and is in many ways an improvement. But nothing feels quite the same as the Forza Horizon 4 Great Britain, in all its seasonal glory.
Performing well on the go is an additional bonus that none of us would have even considered when it came out! What an all-round exceptional game and a jewel in the crown that is Forza Horizon.
As soon as Forza Horizon 5 goes on sale again, I’ll give it the same treatment, but I’m in no rush. Rolling around the countryside in my Ford Escort is a level of personal comfort that I just can’t get out of other games.
