Forza Horizon 4
- January 16, 2018
- Playground Games
- 14h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games StoreDynamic 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.
PC
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Cloud
NVIDIA GeForce NOW
Xbox
Xbox Game Pass
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Reviews
- graphics6,592 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, making every drive visually captivating. Overall, the game is considered a benchmark for graphics in racing games, showcasing beautiful landscapes and meticulously rendered cars that contribute to an engaging open-world experience.
“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.”
“My only gripe is the poor UI and graphics driver optimization (I had to roll back my graphics drivers to play it), but once that was sorted out I had endless hours of fun and even the opportunity to play with friends and interact with other players.”
“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.”
“If you are looking into this or 5 and don't wanna spend as much and don't care about the newer graphics, go with this game for sure.”
- gameplay3,480 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
Forza Horizon 4 offers a captivating blend of arcade-style racing and simulation mechanics, making it accessible and enjoyable for players of all skill levels. The dynamic seasonal changes significantly impact gameplay, adding variety and strategic depth to races and challenges. While the game is praised for its stunning visuals and engaging mechanics, some players note that the core gameplay can become repetitive over time, and technical issues like crashes and loading times can 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.”
“Forza Horizon 4 stands as a pinnacle achievement in the racing game genre, offering a stunning open-world experience filled with diverse cars, breathtaking landscapes, and addictive gameplay.”
“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.”
- story2,268 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story aspect of Forza Horizon 4 is generally viewed as minimalistic and lacking depth, with many players noting that it does not feature a traditional narrative. Instead, the game focuses on an open-world experience filled with various racing events and side missions, allowing players to explore freely without being tied to a linear storyline. While some enjoy the lighthearted nature of the missions and the vibrant festival setting, others find the unskippable cutscenes and repetitive nature of story missions frustrating, leading to a mixed reception regarding the overall storytelling quality.
“One of the best games I've played, it's been my childhood game and it feels so nice to finally buy it. I remember rushing home just to play the demo for hours; it's just amazing having the full game and the story is amazing so far. I recommend this game for everyone.”
“Beautiful graphics, amazing story would recommend 10/10.”
“The game also introduces 'horizon stories,' which are narrative-driven missions where players can work as stunt drivers or even participate in movie scenes, adding depth beyond traditional racing.”
“Is very cool, but when you finish the story it is boring.”
“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.”
- optimization1,702 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. Overall, the game is generally considered well-optimized for graphics and performance, but persistent stuttering and crashes have marred the experience for some players, especially during cutscenes and free-roam sections.
“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.”
“This game is so well optimized, even with stunning graphics, I feel like this game could run on a microwave.”
“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.”
“Very badly optimized.”
“The game should have been tested and optimized for PC before its release, or at least patched afterwards.”
- music1,688 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 spans various genres, enhancing the game's vibrant atmosphere. However, a common complaint is the inability to completely turn off the in-game music, which can become repetitive and intrusive, especially during loading screens and cutscenes. Overall, while the soundtrack is appreciated for its diversity and quality, the lack of customization options and some subpar tracks detract from the experience for many players.
“The atmosphere in this game plus the music makes me feel good.”
“10/10 top intro, beautiful graphics, cool music and sound design.”
“This game captures the car music festival vibe really well and I love it.”
“The minimum setting for the in-game music is 1... should always be 0!”
“You can turn the master volume down to 0, but that leaves you with no sound effects either, and voices and music individually can only go to 1, at which point they're still annoyingly audible.”
“The soundtrack is absolute garbage that even zoomers would not listen.”
- stability964 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 93 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous reports of frequent crashes, freezes, and bugs that significantly hinder gameplay. Many players experience random freezes every 10 to 30 minutes, particularly during online play, leading to frustration and extensive troubleshooting efforts. While some users report smooth performance on certain hardware configurations, the overall consensus indicates that the game is plagued by stability issues, making it difficult to recommend without significant patches and fixes.
“Runs great maxed out with every setting on my 3060 card and the fps is glued on 60 fps and have had zero crashes so far.”
“While playing it on Xbox Game Pass, it ran smoothly on my system, no stutters, no glitches, and no crashes.”
“The game runs great, feels great to play, and sounds just as good.”
“The game is unplayable due to frequent freezes!!!”
“You won't even be able to play it because it crashes every time after the loading screen or freezes and many people are facing very similar multiple issues right now and finding it real hard to play it.”
“Game constantly crashes or freezes. I've got a MSI gaming G series laptop running a 1060. I have put the game in potato mode and still have the same issues. I'd expect this out of a brand new game like MW2 (runs like a dream btw and it doesn't crash once) but not this older game.”
- monetization718 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 the presence of microtransactions, which some players feel detract from the overall experience, the overwhelming sentiment is that the constant interruptions for advertisements undermine the enjoyment of the game. Overall, players express frustration over feeling like they are being subjected to a free-to-play model in a premium game.
“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.”
“However, the monetization never feels intrusive.”
“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 already paid 60 bucks for this, I don't want to see ads.”
- grinding508 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 time to unlock cars and complete challenges. While some appreciate the grind as a means to enjoy the game and collect cars, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, labeling it as a chore rather than a fun element. 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.”
“Instead Microsoft has sucked all the fun out of this game and ensured you have to spend your time farming credits instead of driving and tweaking cars how you'd like just for the experience.”
- humor236 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 absurdity of the gameplay and character interactions. However, many critiques focus on the unskippable dialogue and repetitive jokes that detract from the experience, leading to frustration rather than laughter. Overall, while the game has its comedic moments, the execution of humor often falls flat for a significant portion of the player base.
“In conclusion, Forza Horizon 4 is not just a game; it's a wild, hilarious, and occasionally heart-stopping adventure through the British countryside.”
“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 special races where you race with a car against a jet/hovercraft/train were really funny and enjoyable, but overall it just didn't scratch my Gran Turismo itch.”
“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.”
“Roads are always wet, which makes it unfunny to drive.”
“Yeah, this game is so arcade even on full sim settings, it's not funny.”
- atmosphere220 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its stunning graphics, dynamic weather effects, and immersive seasonal changes, which create a vibrant and engaging world. Players appreciate the festival-like ambiance, eclectic soundtrack, and detailed environments that enhance the overall experience, making it feel lively and inviting. Many reviewers note that the atmosphere in this installment surpasses that of its predecessor, Forza Horizon 5, highlighting its unique charm and captivating setting in Great Britain.
“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.”
- replayability186 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The game is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, with many players noting that it offers an "infinitely replayable" experience due to its dynamic weather, seasonal changes, diverse events, and robust multiplayer modes. Customization options and player-generated content further enhance the game's longevity, making it a favorite among racing enthusiasts. Overall, players report spending hundreds of hours enjoying the game's vast array of activities and challenges.
“This dynamic weather system forces players to adapt their driving style, enhancing immersion and replayability.”
“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.”
“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.”
“However, on pure replayability, graphic fidelity, gameplay, and stuff to do, this game takes the cake by a mile.”
- emotional66 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 connection to the environment, with many players expressing that it made them feel like children again. The stunning visuals and heartfelt moments, such as the opening sequence and driving through beautiful landscapes, contribute to a wholesome experience, although some critique the voice commentary as cringeworthy. Overall, players find the game to be a comforting and emotional companion, despite its lack of a deep narrative.
“The opening itself made me cry; it was 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 development4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % 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 as bosses to unlock new festival levels. This structure provides a straightforward but engaging way to enhance player interaction with the characters.
