“Horizon Chase” is an arcade racing game that has managed to capture the essence of what makes the genre so exhilarating and accessible. With its vibrant and eye-catching graphics, delightful soundtrack, and straightforward yet engaging gameplay mechanics, it stands out as a hidden gem that I’m sure to return to.
The first thing that strikes you about “Horizon Chase” is its simple but highly appealing graphics. The game’s bright colours and distinct artistic style make each level feel unique and alive. The tracks take you on a global journey, with each map offering a fresh visual identity. Whether you’re racing through the neon-lit streets of Tokyo or the serene landscapes of the Italian countryside, the game’s environments are always a treat for the eyes. Not only are they all vastly different from each-other, some will even offer environmental “hazards”. From dessert levels being covered in sandstorms or the cities changing into night time over the course of the race are among some of these nice little additions.
Complementing the visuals is an amazing soundtrack that perfectly matches the game’s high-energy races. The music in “Horizon Chase” is not just background noise; it elevates the entire experience. Each track feels tailor-made for the high-speed, adrenaline-pumping action, making every race not only a test of skill but also an auditory delight. That being said it was also the only bad thing I can say about the game, as I have experienced a couple bugs that resulted in the music not playing. From the music playing while paused which resulted in the track running short and me finishing the race in silence, to one race straight up being longer than the track playing no matter how fast the player gets through it. This was not a super prominent issue but it happened enough to have to mention it.
One of the standout features of “Horizon Chase” is its easy-to-pick-up driving mechanics. Even if you’re new to racing games, you’ll find yourself quickly getting the hang of it. The controls are intuitive, allowing you to focus on enjoying the race rather than grappling with complex manoeuvres. This accessibility doesn’t come at the cost of depth, however. The game offers plenty of challenge for more experienced players, especially in the later stages.
“Horizon Chase” offers a variety of modes to keep you engaged. The main World Tour mode takes you through a series of progressively challenging races across different locations. This is where you’ll spend most of your time, honing your skills and unlocking new cars. Tournaments provide a side activity, stringing together a series of levels from the World Tour in quick succession, perfect for those looking for a bit more structure and competition
In addition to the regular races, “Horizon Chase” features time trials that offer a greater test of your driving skills. While the early time trials are relatively simple, the difficulty ramps up quickly. Mastering these trials requires precision and perfect turns at maximum speed, providing a satisfying challenge for those looking to push their abilities to the limit.
The progression system in “Horizon Chase” is straightforward but effective. Completing races earns you XP, which can be used to level up your cars to a maximum of level 10. As you unlock new cars, they start at higher levels, ensuring they remain competitive in later stages. This system keeps you motivated to continue racing and improving your vehicles, providing a steady sense of achievement. In addition to these, completing races with the same car will unlock new body customisation as well as completing certain events will unlock new wheels and livery’s to ensure you can keep your looking fresh throughout your journey.
For those who enjoy racing with friends, “Horizon Chase” does not disappoint in that aspect either. The game includes a robust multiplayer mode and supports split-screen play. This feature is a fantastic addition, making it an excellent choice for gatherings and parties. The thrill of racing against your friends on the same screen is something that many modern racing games have neglected, and it’s refreshing to see it included here. The best part for me is that the world tour is also playable in split screen, which means the game can be enjoyed with a friend or partner and not hinder the progression.
Overall, “Horizon Chase” is an absolute joy to play. Its combination of stunning visuals, engaging music, and accessible yet challenging gameplay makes it a standout in the arcade racing genre. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick race or a longer session tackling the World Tour, the game is always ready to provide a good time. It’s the kind of game that you can easily pick up for a few minutes or lose yourself in for hours. With its variety of modes and multiplayer options, it’s a game that will keep you coming back for more.
Horizon Chase 2 is available on all platforms now.
