Four Changes Everything.
That's the tagline for the critically acclaimed, open-world arcade racer that is Forza Horizon 4. It has a double meaning because it refers to the fourth instalment of the Horizon series and it also brings seasonal variation to the series. Playground Games could not have picked a better game to implement seasons since Horizon 4 is set in the UK, a country where you can literally experience all four seasons in a day.
Thankfully, Forza Horizon 4 doesn't take season changes that far in the game. Instead, seasons change every week which bring a set of unique challenges, events and even exclusive items. It's a system which brings plenty of endgame, something which competitors like Need For Speed Payback and The Crew 2 are lacking at the moment. Granted, the latter has ongoing support with PvP multiplayer expected to make its debut in a couple of months, but that will be discussed in another post.
For now, we are focusing on how Forza Horizon 4 utilises seasons to create an experience unlike any other open-world racing game out there by taking a look at what unique features each season brings to the table. The first season players were greeted to at launch was summer, which presents a very familiar feeling to anyone who has played the previous Horizon games.
Autumn brings what feels like an Instagram filter to the game with the scenery featuring a warm glow as a result of the changing colour of the leaves. With most of Horizon taking place in rural British areas, you know how much agriculture dominates the environment and Playground Games have made sure they've captured its significance when seasons change, and in many instances, it feels like you are on a new map...
...But the change to the Autumn season is nothing compared to winter. The environment is covered in a blanket of snow and it truly looks unique and gorgeous. However, doesn't that mean your two-wheel drive vehicles with road racing setups are locked up for an entire week? Not really - If you stick to areas on the maps in more built-up areas, chances are the gritters (a unique traffic vehicle for the winter season) have passed by and these roads have less ice, and better suited to regular road racing. However, they are still slippery given the lower temps and damp surfaces.
Things gradually take a return to traditional Horizon settings with the arrival of the Spring season. Things have heated up enough to eliminate icy conditions, but it is still generally damp and you can still see the remnants of some snow at the peak of mountain tops. Also, the winter has left loose surfaces very slippery and muddy so you can quickly give your car a makeover following an offroad event.
And thus - four weeks pass and a Horizon "year" has completed its course and we are back in summer. Add to that themed challenges, it really does bring a sense of occasion when a new season begins. For now, this concept is bringing plenty of life to the Horizon festival, and I hope it continues for a long time! Kudos Playground Games, you really have proved four changes everything.
Thankfully, Forza Horizon 4 doesn't take season changes that far in the game. Instead, seasons change every week which bring a set of unique challenges, events and even exclusive items. It's a system which brings plenty of endgame, something which competitors like Need For Speed Payback and The Crew 2 are lacking at the moment. Granted, the latter has ongoing support with PvP multiplayer expected to make its debut in a couple of months, but that will be discussed in another post.
For now, we are focusing on how Forza Horizon 4 utilises seasons to create an experience unlike any other open-world racing game out there by taking a look at what unique features each season brings to the table. The first season players were greeted to at launch was summer, which presents a very familiar feeling to anyone who has played the previous Horizon games.
Autumn brings what feels like an Instagram filter to the game with the scenery featuring a warm glow as a result of the changing colour of the leaves. With most of Horizon taking place in rural British areas, you know how much agriculture dominates the environment and Playground Games have made sure they've captured its significance when seasons change, and in many instances, it feels like you are on a new map...
...But the change to the Autumn season is nothing compared to winter. The environment is covered in a blanket of snow and it truly looks unique and gorgeous. However, doesn't that mean your two-wheel drive vehicles with road racing setups are locked up for an entire week? Not really - If you stick to areas on the maps in more built-up areas, chances are the gritters (a unique traffic vehicle for the winter season) have passed by and these roads have less ice, and better suited to regular road racing. However, they are still slippery given the lower temps and damp surfaces.
And thus - four weeks pass and a Horizon "year" has completed its course and we are back in summer. Add to that themed challenges, it really does bring a sense of occasion when a new season begins. For now, this concept is bringing plenty of life to the Horizon festival, and I hope it continues for a long time! Kudos Playground Games, you really have proved four changes everything.
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