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CRITIK

Forza Horizon 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Forza Horizon 2
Item: Forza Horizon 2
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2014

GenresAction, Third Person Perspective, Open World, Simulation, Sports, Vehicular, Single Player, Multiplayer, Racing, First Person Perspective

AvailableSep 30, 2014

PlatformXbox One

DeveloperPlayground Games

Overview

Race through a massive wide-open world featuring dramatic weather and day-to-night cycle in Forza Horizon 2. Instantly connect with friends in the ultimate celebration of speed, style, and action-packed driving. Explore beautiful and exotic locations in more than 200 of the world’s greatest cars, all created with precise detail in stunning 1080p.

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

89%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The positive aspects of the Story of Forza Horizon 2, as highlighted by some critics, include Gameplanet's opinion that the plot serves as a good justification for racing around Europe in fast cars. Impulsegamer also mentions that the story adds to the overall racing experience, indicating that there is some value in the narrative for enhancing the gameplay immersion. On the negative side, EGM criticizes the story mode for lacking compared to the original game, pointing out a mundane and soulless progression system that removes the charm and personality of the first game's nemeses. LevelUp echoes this sentiment by stating that the game lacks a strong narrative, focusing solely on the racing experience. Toronto Sun further criticizes the story as a shallow excuse to showcase a variety of vehicles, suggesting a lack of depth and meaningful storytelling. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed reception of the Story of Forza Horizon 2. While some reviewers appreciate the narrative for enhancing the racing experience and providing a justification for the gameplay, others find it lacking in depth, character development, and overall engagement. The general sentiment suggests that the story may not be a standout feature of the game, with a focus more on the racing events, car catalogue, and gameplay mechanics, as noted by Multiplayer.it and Telegraph. The absence of a compelling narrative, as highlighted by EGM and Softpedia, seems to be a common point of critique among the reviewers, indicating a missed opportunity to elevate the overall storytelling aspect of the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on the Story of Forza Horizon 2. Some praise it for adding depth to the racing experience, while others criticize its lack of narrative substance and character development. The consensus suggests that the story may not be a standout feature of the game, with a focus on racing events and gameplay mechanics instead.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the gameplay of Forza Horizon 2, highlighting its focus on driving style, diverse challenges, and customization options. Critics like COGconnected and Game Informer appreciated the variety of races on different terrains, unique car handling, and the inclusion of features like the Drivatars system and around 700 events to participate in. AusGamers and Gameplanet commended the game for combining hardcore sim elements with open-world arcade fun, offering a well-tailored experience for players of different driving levels. IGN also lauded the driving dynamics, mentioning the distinct feel of each car and the freedom to drive almost anywhere, showcasing a shift in the Horizon series. While the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of Forza Horizon 2 was overwhelmingly positive, some critics did point out a few drawbacks. Gamereactor Sweden mentioned issues with car handling and the lack of a vehicle selling feature, which may disappoint some players. Metro GameCentral highlighted the lack of variety in race types and track design as potential downsides, despite praising the game's mix of simulation and arcade racing. SpazioGames also noted that some repetitive tasks within the game could be seen as a drawback, indicating a need for more varied gameplay elements to keep players engaged in the long run. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Forza Horizon 2 delivers an exceptional gameplay experience that excels in offering a rich and immersive racing experience. Critics like Gamestyle and Pure Xbox praised the satisfying car handling, engaging challenges, and the vast open world that players can freely explore. The game strikes a balance between arcade-style fun and realistic driving mechanics, providing a near-perfect mixture of action, style, and speed, as mentioned by Digitally Downloaded. Despite minor criticisms, the majority of critics found Forza Horizon 2 to be a highly enjoyable and well-crafted racing game that caters to a wide range of players, solidifying its reputation as a standout title in the racing genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Forza Horizon 2 wows critics with its diverse challenges, customization options, and unique car handling. While praised for its immersive gameplay and vast open world, some critics point out drawbacks like issues with car handling and repetitive tasks. Overall, the game offers a well-balanced mix of arcade fun and realistic driving mechanics, making it a highly enjoyable and well-crafted racing game for players of all levels.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the graphics and visual design of Forza Horizon 2, highlighting its stunning visuals, detailed car models, and immersive environments. Critics like AusGamers, COGconnected, and Game Informer commended the game for its impressive graphics, mentioning dynamic weather effects, realistic reflections, and detailed landscapes that contribute to a visually appealing experience. EGM and God is a Geek specifically mentioned the attention to detail in the game's visuals, with EGM noting the authentic Western European vibe created by the well-crafted regions of Italy and France. The diverse range of tracks, challenges, and online features also added to the overall positive sentiment towards the game's graphics, as noted by Eurogamer Italy. On the flip side, some critics pointed out minor issues that detracted from the overall visual experience of Forza Horizon 2. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and SpazioGames mentioned that while the game was visually appealing, it did not surpass other titles in terms of graphical superiority. SpazioGames also highlighted shortcomings in building details and flat textures, which slightly hindered the overall visual immersion. Additionally, Softpedia noted that some tracks felt chaotic, impacting the overall visual coherence during gameplay. Despite these criticisms, the negative aspects were generally minor and did not significantly impact the overall positive reception of the game's graphics. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Forza Horizon 2. The game was praised for its stunning visuals, attention to detail, dynamic weather effects, and immersive environments that created a visually impressive open-world racing experience. Critics like Gameplanet and GamingTrend highlighted the detailed car models and realistic environments that enhanced the overall visual appeal of the game. While some minor issues such as texture pop-ins and limited geographical diversity were mentioned by a few critics, the majority agreed that Forza Horizon 2 stands out as one of the best-looking racing games on the Xbox One, showcasing the technical prowess of the console and delivering a visually captivating experience for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Forza Horizon 2 wows critics with stunning graphics, detailed car models, and immersive environments. Minor visual issues noted, but overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive for its attention to detail, dynamic weather effects, and captivating open-world racing experience. A top contender for best-looking racing game on Xbox One.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Forza Horizon 2 have received generally positive feedback from critics. Several reviewers highlighted the diverse and immersive soundtrack that enhances the overall gaming experience. Critics like 3DJuegos, COGconnected, and Everyeye.it praised the game for its varied music genres that contribute to the racing atmosphere. IGN also commended the realistic engine sounds and environmental effects, such as the crunch of gravel beneath the tires, adding to the authenticity of the gameplay. Additionally, God is a Geek appreciated the choice of radio stations and DJs that create a care-free festival vibe, further immersing players in the game world. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the Sound Design and Music of Forza Horizon 2. Gaming Age and Giant Bomb mentioned issues with the music selection, with Gaming Age stating that the music choices were not enjoyable for the reviewer. Giant Bomb noted that the radio DJs could become repetitive, and the reviewer preferred the tunes in the previous game. The Digital Fix highlighted the limited number of tracks on radio stations as a drawback, stating that the music seemed to blend together, making it difficult to distinguish between stations. These criticisms suggest that while the game offers a diverse soundtrack, there may be room for improvement in terms of variety and DJ interactions. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Forza Horizon 2 excels in its Sound Design and Music aspects, with the positives outweighing the negatives. The game's realistic engine sounds, diverse music selection, and immersive atmosphere were widely praised by reviewers such as DarkStation, GamingTrend, and Impulsegamer. While some critics pointed out issues like repetitive radio DJs and limited track variety, the majority of opinions leaned towards the game's ability to enhance the racing experience through its sound design and music choices. Forza Horizon 2 seems to have successfully captured the essence of a high-speed, adrenaline-fueled racing game with its well-crafted audio elements, making it a standout title in the genre.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Forza Horizon 2's Sound Design and Music praised for diverse soundtrack and immersive atmosphere by critics, highlighting realistic engine sounds and varied music genres. Some critics mention drawbacks like repetitive radio DJs and limited track variety, but overall consensus is positive. The game excels in enhancing the racing experience through its well-crafted audio elements, making it a standout title in the genre.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

86%

Negative (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Forza Horizon 2 received mixed reviews from critics. Some positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the introduction of a voice-controlled GPS system and interesting characters that enhance the immersive experience. Gamer.no appreciated the addition of the voice-controlled GPS system and mentioned that it added to the overall gameplay experience. Additionally, JeuxActu praised the clear and pleasant voice guidance provided by ANNA, the GPS system, which contributed to enhancing the gameplay experience for players. On the other hand, there were criticisms regarding the voice acting in Forza Horizon 2. Digital Trends criticized the forced use of a mute white guy protagonist, which may have detracted from the overall storytelling and character development in the game. Gamestyle specifically mentioned the "DUDE BRO" nature of the voice acting, indicating that some aspects of the voice performances may have come across as stereotypical or lacking depth. These criticisms suggest that the voice acting in the game may not have resonated with all players and could have been more nuanced or varied to cater to a wider audience. Overall, the consensus among critics seems to be that while the voice acting in Forza Horizon 2 had its strengths, such as the implementation of a voice-controlled GPS system and the performance of specific characters like ANNA, there were also notable weaknesses, including the portrayal of the protagonist and certain aspects of the voice acting that came across as cliché or lacking in depth. COGconnected described the voice acting as decent but not particularly memorable, indicating a somewhat lukewarm reception to the overall performances. In conclusion, while the voice acting contributed to the immersive experience for some critics, there is room for improvement in terms of character portrayals and diversity in performances to elevate the overall narrative and engagement for players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics had mixed feelings about the voice acting in Forza Horizon 2. Some praised the voice-controlled GPS and interesting characters, while others criticized the protagonist's portrayal as cliché. While some found the voice acting decent, others felt it lacked depth and variety. Overall, there's room for improvement in character portrayals and performance diversity to enhance player engagement.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the positives for the Xbox One version of Forza Horizon 2, critics like 3DJuegos, DarkStation, and Everyeye.it highlight the stable frame rates and smooth driving experience at 30fps and 1080p resolution. Game Revolution also praises the technical brilliance and seamless online integration of the game, while Gameplanet appreciates the dynamic day/night cycle and weather system that adds to the overall gameplay experience. On the flip side, some negatives mentioned by critics for the Xbox One version include minor texture pop-ins and brief loading pauses noted by COGconnected. Pure Xbox points out controversial aspects like the frame rate lock, occasional drops in frame rates, and issues with achievements and in-game GPS. IGN also mentions choppy shadows as a minor drawback to an otherwise smooth driving experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is generally positive for Forza Horizon 2 on Xbox One. The game is praised for its stable frame rates, immersive visuals, and smooth driving experience by a majority of reviewers like Digitally Downloaded, Eurogamer Italy, and Gaming Age. However, there are some criticisms regarding technical limitations, lack of polish, and minor issues affecting gameplay experience, as noted by SpazioGames and Pure Xbox. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment leans towards Forza Horizon 2 being a standout title for the Xbox One platform, offering an enjoyable racing experience with impressive visuals and solid performance.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Forza Horizon 2 on Xbox One for its stable frame rates, smooth driving experience, and immersive visuals, while noting minor texture pop-ins and frame rate issues. Despite some technical limitations, the overall consensus is positive, with the game being hailed as a standout title for the platform.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of the critics unanimously praised the replay value of Forza Horizon 2, highlighting various aspects that contribute to its high replayability. Critics like COGconnected, Gamer.no, and GamingTrend commended the game for offering a wide range of activities, races, challenges, and multiplayer options, ensuring that players remain engaged for hours on end. The game's extensive content, including hidden collectibles, vintage cars, special events, and online modes, was lauded by Digital Spy, Everyeye.it, and Eurogamer Portugal, emphasizing the depth and variety that adds to the replay value. Additionally, the customization options, exploration opportunities, and diverse gameplay modes mentioned by AusGamers, Impulsegamer, and Pure Xbox were noted as key strengths that enhance the overall replayability of the game. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks that could potentially impact the replay value of Forza Horizon 2. Metro GameCentral highlighted a lack of variety in race types and track design, which may lead to repetitive gameplay experiences for some players. VideoGamer mentioned that the game can feel repetitive at times, indicating a need for more diverse content to prevent monotony. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment from the critics suggests that the positives of the game far outweigh the negatives when it comes to replay value. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Forza Horizon 2. With a plethora of activities, races, challenges, customization options, and online features, the game offers a robust and engaging experience that keeps players coming back for more. Critics like Gameplanet, God is a Geek, and IGN highlighted the game's depth, longevity, and the sheer amount of content available, solidifying its status as a highly replayable title. While some critics noted minor issues such as repetitive gameplay elements, the general consensus is that Forza Horizon 2 excels in providing an immersive and enjoyable racing experience with substantial replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Forza Horizon 2's replay value, praising its diverse activities, races, and customization options that keep players engaged. While some mention repetitive elements, the game's depth and content far outweigh any drawbacks, making it a highly engaging and immersive racing title.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on Forza Horizon 2, it is evident that the game received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with the majority of critics praising it for various aspects. Critics like 3DJuegos, AusGamers, and COGconnected commended the game for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay mechanics, immersive racing experience, and a wide range of activities. The game was described as a must-play for those seeking a progressive driving experience and a well-rounded racing game. Additionally, reviewers such as Cheat Code Central and DarkStation highlighted the unique locations, gameplay variety, and extensive content of Forza Horizon 2, solidifying its position as a top-tier open-world racing game. On the flip side, some critics did point out a few drawbacks of Forza Horizon 2. For instance, EGM mentioned the lackluster story mode compared to the original game, while Game Revolution noted the absence of some skill-based challenges and avatar customization. Softpedia highlighted issues with poorly designed tracks and overly aggressive Drivatars, although they appreciated the removal of microtransactions. These criticisms, while present, were relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception the game received from the majority of reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the overall verdict of Forza Horizon 2. The game is widely regarded as a premier title in the racing genre, with praise for its enjoyable gameplay, stunning visuals, wealth of content, and immersive gaming experience. Critics like Game Informer, Gaming Age, and God is a Geek lauded the game as engaging, high-quality, and a must-play for both racing enthusiasts and casual gamers alike. Despite some minor flaws mentioned by a few reviewers, the general sentiment is that Forza Horizon 2 excels in delivering a top-notch racing experience that stands out as one of the best in its genre. The game's blend of excitement, fun, and technical brilliance has solidified its position as a standout title on the Xbox One and a strong contender in the racing game landscape.

TL;DR

Forza Horizon 2 wowed critics with its stunning visuals, immersive gameplay, and vast content, establishing itself as a top-tier open-world racing game. While some reviewers noted minor flaws like lackluster story and track design issues, the overall consensus remains overwhelmingly positive. Praised for its engaging experience and technical brilliance, Forza Horizon 2 is a must-play title that stands out in the racing genre.

CRITIK

Reviews

110 reviews found

100

Gaming Age

Xbox One

Sep 25, 2014