Forza Horizon 4

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Dynamic seasons change everything at the world’s greatest automotive festival. Go it alone or team up with others to explore beautiful and historic Britain in a shared open world. Collect, modify and drive over 450 cars. Race, stunt, create and explore – choose your own path to become a Horizon Superstar

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Play Modes

Reviews

89%

Audience ScoreBased on 46,351 reviews

graphics2,289 positive mentions

stability449 negative mentions

graphics
3,296 mentions
69 % positive mentions
30 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The graphics in Forza Horizon 4 are widely praised for their stunning realism and attention to detail, with many players noting that even on lower settings, the visuals rival those of other games at maximum quality. The dynamic seasonal changes enhance the immersive experience, showcasing beautiful landscapes and meticulously rendered cars. Overall, the game is considered a graphical masterpiece, maintaining impressive performance even on mid-range hardware.
- “On top of that, the graphics are absolutely top-notch, pushing the boundaries of realism in a racing game.”
- “Whether you’re watching the sunset over the hills or speeding through a snowy landscape under a clear sky, the game’s visuals make you feel like you’re really there.”
- “The graphics are stunning, with meticulously detailed cars and environments that reflect a vibrant, living world.”
- “The graphics are so realistic that when I screenshot the gameplay and posted it on my Instagram story, my elderly neighbor thought it was my real-life car.”
- “The 'realism' in this game is very poorly done, given that the only two realistic things could be the graphics (bad on console) and acceptable on PC.”
- “If you are looking into this or 5 and don't want to spend as much and don't care about the newer graphics, go with this game for sure.”
gameplay
1,740 mentions
42 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
Forza Horizon 4 offers a captivating blend of arcade-style racing and realistic driving mechanics, making it accessible and enjoyable for players of all skill levels. The dynamic seasonal changes significantly enhance gameplay by altering driving conditions and introducing variety to races and challenges. While the game is praised for its stunning visuals and extensive car customization options, some players note that the core gameplay can become repetitive over time, and technical issues like crashes and stuttering may detract from the overall experience.
- “In terms of gameplay, Forza Horizon 4 perfectly balances the thrill of arcade racing with the strategy of simulation, allowing players of all skill levels to enjoy the game.”
- “The seasonal changes not only affect the visuals but also influence gameplay, adding variety to the races and challenges.”
- “With its breathtaking visuals, engaging gameplay, and innovative seasonal mechanics, it sets a high bar for future titles.”
- “Repetitive gameplay: while the core gameplay loop is enjoyable, some players may find the repetitive nature of racing events to be monotonous over time.”
- “Worst racing game ever played... the worst mechanics for driving ever experienced... not a game for fun almost impossible to stay on the road... my Tacoma has better control than even the hyper cars seriously need for speed has better mechanics... the only reason I still play this game is because I'm trying to figure out the many other reasons it sucks...”
- “The gameplay felt very stale and boring.”
story
1,134 mentions
19 % positive mentions
71 % neutral mentions
11 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that it lacks depth and cohesion. While some enjoy the lighthearted, festival-themed narrative and various side missions, others find the story missions repetitive and filled with unskippable cutscenes that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game prioritizes open-world exploration and racing over a traditional narrative, which may appeal to some but leave others wanting more in terms of story engagement.
- “One of the best games I've played; it's been my childhood game, and the story is amazing so far. I recommend this game for everyone.”
- “Beautiful graphics, amazing story; would recommend 10/10.”
- “The game offers a variety of quests and missions that make you feel part of the pirate world.”
- “The story missions themselves are let down somewhat by most requiring a pointless 3-5 minute drive to a destination to give the game time to deliver a dump of exposition before doing a challenge that can be as short as 30 seconds.”
- “The 'story' submissions usually take away your ability to use your own cars, which can be frustrating, there aren't all that many of each kind of race, and the map isn't huge when you're encouraged to be zipping around at several hundred kilometers per hour.”
- “The game has a lot of unskippable cutscenes, some that introduce the background 'story' (if you can even call it that), some that just show new available events on the map (which are mostly just talking over a static image of the map).”
optimization
851 mentions
37 % positive mentions
31 % neutral mentions
32 % negative mentions
The optimization of Forza Horizon 4 has received mixed feedback from users. While many praise its ability to run smoothly on a variety of hardware, including lower-end systems, others report significant stuttering and performance issues, particularly with the Steam version compared to the Microsoft Store version. Overall, the game is often described as well-optimized for graphics and performance, but persistent stuttering and occasional crashes detract from the experience for some players.
- “The performance is outstanding and this is one of the most optimized games I've played in recent history, and it can even run (on low settings) fairly well on integrated graphics.”
- “The optimization, graphics, shading and lighting quality, map, atmosphere and events of this game are all very good and allow you to have a good time on the computer for a long time.”
- “The game runs surprisingly well on the Steam Deck, very smoothly, with no performance issues, making it perfect for gaming on the go.”
- “I meet the minimum requirements yet the loading times are horrible and the game is really laggy and choppy, and yes, I optimized the game in the settings.”
- “It's an Xbox controller-friendly game, sadly only optimized as an afterthought for a wheel on the PC.”
- “The game should have been tested and optimized for PC before its release, or at least patched afterwards.”
music
844 mentions
38 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The music in Forza Horizon 4 receives mixed reviews, with many players praising its eclectic soundtrack that enhances the game's vibrant atmosphere and driving experience. However, several users express frustration over the inability to completely turn off the music or customize playlists, leading to repetitiveness and annoyance during gameplay. Overall, while the soundtrack is appreciated for its variety and fitting ambiance, the lack of control over music settings detracts from the experience for some players.
- “The soundtrack features a diverse selection of music genres, catering to different tastes and enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game.”
- “The music selection in this game is fantastic, with a wide variety of genres that perfectly complement the high-energy racing atmosphere.”
- “The music is fitting and incredible in this game, creating a vibrant atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.”
- “The music selection is a bit hit or miss, with some tracks being enjoyable while others may not be to everyone's taste.”
- “The soundtrack is absolute garbage that even zoomers would not listen.”
- “It's a shame that games with licensed content like this (music and cars) have to stop being sold but still I'd encourage anyone who's even remotely interested in it to get it while they can.”
stability
482 mentions
6 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
93 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous users reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various bugs that significantly hinder gameplay. While some players have experienced smooth performance, many others face persistent issues, particularly in online modes, leading to frustration and extensive troubleshooting efforts. Overall, the game is described as unstable and buggy, making it difficult for players to enjoy the experience fully.
- “Runs great on ultra at 60 fps on a 3060ti.”
- “The cars all have great handling and act accordingly; it still looks great graphically but runs great even on lower-end hardware, even on the Steam Deck.”
- “While playing it on Xbox Game Pass, it ran smoothly on my system, with no stutters, no glitches, and no crashes.”
- “The game is unplayable due to frequent freezes!!!”
- “Game constantly crashes/freezes on Nvidia graphics cards.”
- “The game freezes every time I play it.”
monetization
359 mentions
1 % positive mentions
7 % neutral mentions
92 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism for its aggressive use of unskippable ads promoting DLC, which many players find intrusive and inappropriate for a paid title. Despite some positive remarks about the core gameplay, the overwhelming presence of these ads, often for content that is no longer available, has left a sour taste for many, leading to perceptions of the game as a cash grab. While microtransactions are present, they are not as heavily criticized as the incessant advertising that interrupts gameplay.
- “While the core gameplay delivers on the promise of a nice arcade racing experience, the monetization strategy leaves players with a feeling of greed overshadowing the initially enjoyable aspects.”
- “Microtransactions and in-game economy: although the game is generous with in-game rewards and currency, it does include microtransactions for purchasing additional content, cosmetics, and items.”
- “Very good game, in-game purchases are very reasonable.”
- “It's outrageous that a paid game has unskippable video ads (about DLCs) like some free-to-play trash.”
- “The unskippable advertisements for DLC that can no longer be purchased ruin the experience.”
- “I can't believe a game of this price actually has unskippable ads in it.”
grinding
254 mentions
2 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it excessively tedious and time-consuming, often requiring a significant investment of hours to progress or unlock desired cars. While some appreciate the rewarding nature of grinding and the ability to earn credits through various activities, others feel it detracts from the overall enjoyment, making the game feel more like a chore than a fun experience. Overall, players suggest that a considerable amount of grinding is necessary, leading to the sentiment that "you'll need a second life for grinding."
- “Great game, super fun and relaxing, and play your way - no grinding in order to win every race, as others have reviewed.”
- “Best racing game and it gives you lots of rewards; it's really a rewarding game and not that grindy. This game is almost for everyone!”
- “This game has a plethora of car choices, many of them are legendary cars. Even better, this game is not grindy at all if you want to collect many cars.”
- “Grindy progression: while the progression system is rewarding, the grind can be excessive for some players, particularly those who are primarily interested in the open-world exploration and car customization aspects of the game.”
- “The 1st and last Forza game I will ever buy, not grinding again, this is an occupation, not a game.”
- “Earning sufficient for a more extensive collection of cars and homes with full upgrades money is tricky without serious grinding and who really has the time?”
humor
118 mentions
97 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some players finding it genuinely funny and entertaining, particularly in the context of absurd scenarios and quirky character interactions. However, many reviews criticize the forced and repetitive dialogue, unskippable cutscenes, and a reliance on clichés that detract from the overall experience. While some appreciate the comedic glitches and the lighthearted nature of the gameplay, others feel that the humor often falls flat or becomes annoying.
- “It's so funny that the intro to the game talks about a festival that never ends but this one is set to end... either way, love the game, there is no other racing game quite like it.”
- “The special races where you race with a car against a jet/hovercraft/train was really funny and enjoyable.”
- “I thought of myself as a guy who's dead on the inside and somehow these characters made me laugh, chuckle, and empathize at the same time.”
- “The whole setting or 'story' is just some Instagram influencer wet dream (or nightmare) with unfunny super positive and quirky characters that will give you a gag reflex for every line of dialogue they'll say.”
- “Yeah, this game is so arcade even on full sim settings it's not funny.”
- “Roads are always wet which makes it unfunny to drive.”
atmosphere
110 mentions
48 % positive mentions
49 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its stunning graphics, dynamic weather effects, and immersive seasonal changes, creating a vibrant and engaging environment. Players appreciate the eclectic soundtrack that complements the racing experience, enhancing the overall festival vibe. Many reviewers note that the atmosphere in this installment surpasses that of its successor, Forza Horizon 5, making it a standout feature of the game.
- “The game's lighting and weather effects are particularly impressive, creating a dynamic and immersive atmosphere.”
- “The level of detail is unbelievable—whether it's the autumn leaves falling on country roads or the crisp snow crunching under your wheels in winter, the atmosphere is pure magic.”
- “The festival atmosphere, complete with a vibrant music selection and an energetic atmosphere, adds a layer of immersion that enhances the overall experience.”
- “But the setting atmosphere is not correct for a racing game.”
- “Compared to the first three Horizon titles, this one has zero festival atmosphere, which is just sad for the series.”
- “It's a good sandbox, with lots of cars, kinda fun to race and lots of different activities to partake in, but with an absolutely terrible online system, horrible dialogue and music, with a very boring and kid-friendly atmosphere, and with so many little problems that despite being a pretty looking game, your experience will only get worse with time.”
replayability
93 mentions
42 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The game is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, with many players highlighting features such as dynamic weather, seasonal events, and a variety of multiplayer modes that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. Custom events and player-generated content further enhance the experience, making it feel nearly limitless in replay value. Overall, it is considered a must-play for racing fans due to its extensive content and immersive mechanics.
- “This dynamic weather system forces players to adapt their driving style, enhancing immersion and replayability.”
- “This game has endless replayability, online and offline play, fully licensed vehicles, great graphics, and tons of events and new content being added all the time.”
- “Arcade racing games are fun for a couple of days or maybe a couple of weeks, but they generally lack replayability and I've never known anybody to play an arcade racer for a long period of time.”
- “After playing for a few hundred hours, I think Cyberpunk without an update was more playable than this one with a gigantic developer behind this game.”
- “The game’s multiplayer modes, such as the eliminator (a battle royale-style racing mode) and seasonal events, add variety and replayability, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.”
emotional
33 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to evoke strong feelings of nostalgia, joy, and comfort, particularly through its beautiful environments and engaging gameplay. Players express a deep connection to the game, often reminiscing about childhood memories and feeling a sense of home in its landscapes, while some moments, like the opening sequence, have even brought them to tears. Despite criticisms of its story, the game is praised for its wholesome tone and emotional resonance, making it a memorable experience for many.
- “The opening itself made me cry; it's peak fiction.”
- “It was an emotional companion to me.”
- “Now and then, such as the first time I drove past Edinburgh Castle in the perfect twilight blue of a summer night in Scotland, its beauty made me quite emotional.”
character development
2 mentions
150 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
150 % negative mentions
Character development in fh1 and fh2 is primarily centered around rival characters, each featuring basic designs, with progression tied to defeating these rivals at various festival levels, which serves as a form of character growth and challenge.
- “The character development in this game is truly engaging, with rivals that have distinct designs and personalities, making each encounter feel significant.”
- “Progressing to a new festival level by defeating rivals adds a layer of challenge and depth to the character development experience.”
- “I appreciate how the game intertwines character growth with gameplay mechanics, making each victory over rivals feel rewarding and impactful.”
- “The character development feels shallow and lacks meaningful progression, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
- “I was disappointed by the lack of depth in the character arcs; they felt more like stereotypes than fully realized individuals.”
- “The interactions between characters are minimal, which really detracts from any potential growth or development throughout the game.”