Horizon Chase 2

Genre: Arcade Racing

Players: 1-4 Competitive (Local Split-Screen / Online)

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Review:

Horizon Chase 2 is an Arcade-style Racing Game released on Apple Arcade in 2022 and ported to PC and Nintendo Switch in 2023. This game is the follow-up to Horizon Chase Turbo, and similar to that game, this one aims to recapture the classic feel of faux-3D Arcade Racing games like Sega’s Out Run series, though I would argue that Horizon Chase 2 wisely chooses to be a bit more discerning about what it keeps from that era of games, and what it leaves in the past.

When this game was first revealed to be coming to Nintendo Switch in one of the Nintendo Directs, I admit I was a bit concerned, as the framerates in that trailer looked pretty rough. However, whether it was just a bad trailer or the game has been patched, I can happily report that the framerates when I played were unfailingly smooth, maintaining an excellent 60FPS, with the framerates even staying pretty smooth in 4-player split-screen (though the resolution drops noticeably).

The game overall looks very good, too, with extremely colorful, detailed 3D visuals with an outstanding sense of speed. I do feel like this game has a slightly-cartoony look to maintain the “retro” theme of the series, and if anything I think this is the one element that holds the game back the most visually, as I would have preferred more rough, realistic textures to ground the game in realism, rather than the somewhat detached feeling this game’s visuals give me… though that may just be personal preference. These visuals are backed by decent sound effects for the vehicles, as well as a synthesized soundtrack that largely succeeds in capturing that old-school ’80s-’90s feel.

As for the gameplay, I’m happy to say that the gas can pickups from the first game are gone here. You won’t have to worry about dwindling fuel running out before the race is over. There are still pickups on the track, but this time these are collected and used towards upgrading your growing collection of vehicles. Not exactly a revolutionary change, to be sure, but this is nevertheless a huge improvement over the first game.

Beyond that, I don’t really have much to say about Horizon Chase 2. This is a solid Arcade Racing game that doesn’t push any envelopes or take any big chances, but everything it does, it does exceptionally well. I suppose I should note that the speech bubbles that pop up from your car when they overtake another or when you use your turbo are a tad irritating, or applaud this game’s inclusion of cross-play for online races. But mostly, it all just comes down to this is a smooth, polished, fast-paced Racing game that does exactly what it sets out to do and not much more.

If you’re the sort of person who enjoys this sort of retro Arcade Racing experience, you’ll likely enjoy Horizon Chase 2, though I would expect that this game is highly unlikely to become you’re favorite. This is a well-crafted Racing game, but I can’t say it’s an especially memorable one. Still, it’s a safe choice for players wanting something fast, fun, and old-school in its sensibilities.

tl;dr – Horizon Chase 2 is an Arcade-style Racing game that once again aims to capture the spirit of classic games in the genre like Out Run, and this time around the game drops some of the frustrating elements from its predecessor to make for a polished, well-crafted experience that plays well, but doesn’t do much to distinguish itself or leave much of a lasting impression. Still, if you’re craving old-school Arcade racing fun, I do not think this game will disappoint.

Grade: B

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This game has been nominated for one or more of eShopperReviews 2023 Game Awards:

Winner:

Best Driving/Racing Game – Horizon Chase 2 doesn’t do anything especially unusual or ambitious, it’s just a very good Arcade-style Racing Game. However, the polish and the quality gameplay shine through here, and even if this isn’t as flashy as some other Racing Games, it’s still overall the game I felt was the best game this year for anyone who enjoys putting the pedal to the metal.

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