Forza Horizon 4 Review - IGN

A gorgeous, rewarding, and self-renewing driving experience that raises the open-world racing bar yet again.

[Kribwalker]

Playground games with another racing masterpiece. I’m excited to see what they do with their new open world game. Great studio acquisition by MS

[CarlDechance]

Playground is by far Microsoft's best developer. Consistent excellence.

[Army_of_Darkness]

I probably won't get a xbone/x cause my PS4 pro is awesome and more than enough for this Gen( game wise), however I must give my respect to these developers cause this looks to be the best open world racing game this gen and Sony( so far) has no other racer that can touch this right now.... The ps4 seriously needs an exclusive open world racer to compete with these guys... regardless, well done Horizon 4! just giving credit where it's due.

[Ricegum]

Army

Pick it up on PC.

[badz149]

WTH is this review? All the reviewer talking about are the looks/graphics of with very little mention of gameplay. After all the rave about the graphics, he then proceed to talk just a little on the number of cars? And that's it? Not even a single paragraph about the driving? The AI?...or you know...anything about GAMEPLAY?? Terrible review! "Car nerd" LOL nice try

[CitizenFour]

It's a moot point. The gameplay is always good.. everybody and their dog knows it.

[lptmg]

Talking about Forza Horizon's gameplay is as unnecessary as talking about a music game's sound design, we all know it's stellar

[darthv72]

Uhh... that's because Playground nailed the gameplay a long time ago. They have been improving things graphically with each iteration.

[Kribwalker]

@biggerboss

LOL way to put words in his mouth.

The game is way more than just upgraded graphics, but if you had played their last entry in the series you would have known that the gameplay was gonna be fantastic. Now it’s about all the extra stuff they have added and the new location

[Kingthrash360]

I'm on record as saying forza horizon is the best arcade racing game this gen....that said, a review should be a review. It's supposed to give more information than just how pretty it is...no matter how the last game was, this is a new game and I expect a review from a huge gaming site like ign to be more detailed.
I dont doubt the score, I just wish the review was more informative

[fiveby9]

I love how some mods just mark your comment as inappropriate. Such modding is often selectively enforced.

[badz149]

@Ixeasy

LOL why would I be upset? I hope you didn't just assume that I don't have a PC to run this game. you do know it's coming on PC too, right? I've played the demo, thank you very much and "stellar" is not the word I'm going to use for the gameplay/driving in this game. there is simply no weight to the cars and the driving feel floaty.

just read the freakin review! it's not a review, more like an ad for the graphics for this game.

@Iptmg

talking about a core element of the game is unnecessary now for a sequel, ha? why? is it because it's the same game with different coat of paint? so in RDR2 reviews later on, they shouldn't mention anything about gameplay because it's RDR with improved graphics and just slap it with 10/10? that's like the dumbest argument I've heard so far.

[sammarshall102]

Playground is so talented. I'm anxious to see what they can do with other genres

[princejb134]

i wonder also what else can they do? Some developer may dominate one game but when they try something new they fall flat on their face. Does bungie ring a bell?

[bennissimo]

Bungie's first game wasn't Halo. Halo WAS Bungie trying something new.

[Obscure_Observer]

Another awesome game from an awesome developer! Great Job Playground Games! I can´t wait for your Open World Action RPG! Hopefully it will feature "Seasons" as well. :)

[BiggerBoss]

YES. I can't wait for them to make something that's not a damn racing game lmao.

They're such talented devs that I think an rpg would be fantastic. A Fable game from Playground would be top notch

[Rhezin]

no kidding if it's actually a BERSERK game I'm going to shit myself.

[InsaneGam3r]

This is the best Horizon yet. The demo was mind-blowing

[Zeref]

So far, every Forza has been the best Forza yet, especially the Horizon series. How do they keep doing it?

[gamer7804]

it was, best racing series ever.

[BuildTheWall]

There is no such thing as best game, series, genre, music, etc BEST is a personal preference. Is Forza Horizon 4 still releasing on October 2nd?

[lxeasy]

Definitely the best racing series

[LucasRuinedChildhood]

When it comes to the overall number of high quality games in the series, I'd have to agree but I'm more of a Burnout guy myself.

[Kribwalker]

@Biggerboss

Forza Horizon 3 has 10 million players http://n4g.com/news/2203056...

while GTSport has hit 5 million. And there’s almost exactly a year between them

http://www.playstationlifes...

definitely digging your downplaying tho

[Obscure_Observer]

@BiggerBoss

"Gran Turismo and Need for Speed are like the only racing games that actually sel decently nowadays."

Wonder where did you got that info from?

Forza Horizon 3 sold 3.81 million copies
http://www.vgchartz.com/gam...

GT Sport sold 3.41 Million copies
http://www.vgchartz.com/gam...

Need for Speed: Payback (PS4) sold 1.89 million copies
http://www.vgchartz.com/gam...

[AngainorG7X]

The King is back

[Zeref]

The king was never gone

[AngainorG7X]

True

[FPS_D3TH]

Lol it was with forza 7. That game went two steps backwards and was worse than forza 5.

[King_Noctis]

@D3TH

But this is Forza Horizon, not Forza Motorsport.

[Gaming4Life1981]

@D3th_D33LR

Forza 7 is great and way better than forza 5 in everyway.

[TranceHop]

Can't wait to play it on my One X Oct. 2nd.

[jagermaster619]

I'll be playing it this Thursday night see you on the track!

[ProjectVulcan]

Ultimate edition on PC the 28th of September 4K 60FPS here we come!

[Neonridr]

I think I will play @1440p instead and get like 144fps :P

[CDbiggen]

I'm so glad I don't need an Xbox for this.

[Ricegum]

Can't wait for this on PC. It looks and plays amazing.

[Gaming4Life1981]

Yea I played the demo on my X and was blown away, cant wait until I can destroy this game like I have all forza games.

[Team_Litt]

Whoa! All hail the King of racing games. Nothing comes close at this point. Even with The Crew 2 and the last Need for Speed adding elements from Horizon, PG's winning formula cannot be duplicated

[Profchaos]

Not sure if this actually tops fh3 and unlocking the maloo

[PhantomS42]

Racing games aren't my cup of tea but it's great to see this getting good reviews.

[littletad]

Same lol. My little cousin plays the hell out of these games, but I'll never understand it. Then again, he feels the same way when I play JRPG's.

[Imalwaysright]

They can go from around $50 to thousands of $. I don't advise buying one and a game because you could be spending at least more than $100 on something you might not enjoy but if you want one, try to get as much information as you can from features like force feedback, to how easy it is to calibrate and its compatibility with the games you want to play. If you have a friend that has one give it a try.

[Imalwaysright]

If you haven't already, try playing a racing game with a wheel. Might change your mind about them.

[littletad]

I'm getting Red Dead and Darksiders 3, so I probably won't get this. But I'll probably get it for the cuz, since he recently got an Xbox X. I'll check it out then. And about the wheel, man idk. Isn't that like a 100 bucks accessory? Especially for one game, that's a bit much. I'm currently waiting on the LS35x headset. My wallet can't bear much more stuff. : (

[PhantomS42]

Oh, I have, still not into them. They definitely make things fun though.

[rainslacker]

I got a wheel in the ps3 days, and it's hard to go back to a controller. I haven't felt compelled to get one this gen. Was waiting on gt sport, but even though it's a good game, I can't seem to invest in a wheel. I'd get one for x1 along with forza horizon(3 was great), but we have a great wheel setup at work, so I just play there.

[Kiwi66]

It's getting a lot of 9's

[SkippyPaccino]

I'm surprised ign gave out a review yet... Don't they usually do "review in progress" when there's a major online element?

Let's hope there's no major online problems or ign will get some major pie to the face...

[Obscure_Observer]

@SkippyPaccino

Did you missed "IGN First"? IGN has been playing Forza Horizon 4 way before any other major gaming site has their hands on a review copy.

[SkippyPaccino]

@obscure

And? The review is for the consumer, not supposed to be used as a promotional material... A review needs to reflect real world usage... So if the online element (not saying it will) is broken on release and doesn't get fixed for weeks would it still deserve a 9.6? Horizon 3 had its fair share of problems on release, so it's not that far fetched...

There's no need to be upset, this should apply to any games released with an online component. Microsoft has had there most important games broken on release that giving them the benefit of the doubt is questionable...

The game looks great and won't stop people from enjoying it... Unless some elements are broken on release. As a consumer those are things I look for before spending bank on a game.

[Neonridr]

can't we just leave it alone. Relax, it's a great game. Why does everyone feel the need to put an * next to something positive about MS.

[SkippyPaccino]

@neonridr

When did I say it wasn't a great game? At the same time there's no need to remove the asterisk till after Oct 3rd? After that day my friend you're free to erase away and enjoy it to the fullest.

@drumbeat

Not sure where you read that I wanted it to fail? I guess you're the one taking the pie

[SkippyPaccino]

@drumbeat

IGN first is a promotional tool that all 3 use (Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony) it's a great way to showcase the game before you get to play it for yourself. Since it's a promotional tool, they'll never truly give their full opinion since that's not the purpose of it. It's to inform and promote

A review is a totally different beast. It's all opinion zero promoting. There's nothing wrong with a review in progress. You're assuming allot when you're saying ign tested everything and there's zero chance of problems... There's going to be millions playing on day 1, so there's no way for ign to test that out without real world testing.

You're very insecure if you think my valid concerns are "hostile"... Halo Master Chief Collection had problems, Halo 5 had problems, Gears of War had problems, Forza Horizon 3 had problems, Sea of Thieves had problems, state of decay 2 had problems etc...

Knowing what we know, I was just surprised ign didn't have a review in progress for a online game is all... Thats what started it all

I truly believe that horizon 4 will be a great game and I will never insult a fellow gamer that is enjoying because of gaming politics. That's not my style. You don't have to believe me and that's fine with me.

I'm sure you're excited to play and I'm not raining on your parade

[Kiwi66]

How have it got even 1 disagree when if people had looked at the reviews that are up they would see that it has mostly 9's with some 10's & a few high 8's, this just goes to show that some people are blind and can't read

[Kiwi66]

Out of the 38 reviews I counted
21 are 9's
11 are 10's
6 are 8's
There are a few more but they didn't seem to have a score

[XxSPIDEYxX]

Sounds like an amazing experience with pure fun, whether you're into racing games or not. Well deserved praise. I hope that Crackdown 3 gets this type of praise.

[generic-user-name]

"whether you're into racing games or not"

Not sure I'd agree with that.

[hennessey86]

Ultimate edition for me on PC this Friday, can’t wait 😁

[thexmanone]

Game pass for me on the X

[CarlDechance]

Awesome! Had no doubt PG would knock this out of the park. Looking forward to playing this on my PC!

[gamer7804]

its awesome that with one digital copy, I can play with my son on the xbox one x and on my pc driving around together.

[twiggytree12]

It's always nice saving money!

[CarlDechance]

Yep. Loved playing FH3 with my sons. They have PCs as well. One of the best features of Windows 10/Xbox, imo.

[Kribwalker]

I’ve got multiple xbox’s and my oldest has a PC. Love with play anywhere games my oldest can play on his PC while me and my other son play on our xbox’s all together at the same time. Now with gamepass too, i save even more money. Play Anywhere has to be one of the most consumer friendly moves of the gen by any side

[twiggytree12]

My Xbox has been hungry all year, I'm about to feed it Forza Horizon 4! Can't wait!

[cfc83]

Playground games raising the bar it set in the first place. No wonder the xbox division aquired them for big bucks.

[ScootaKuH]

Have it pre loaded and ready to go on my PC

Roll on October 2nd!

[CarlDechance]

I guess you preordered? I'm getting FH4 on PC via Game Pass, but doesn't look like I can pre-load.

[Kribwalker]

can’t preload on gamepass. That’s fine with me though. It’ll only take me an hour to download it. You can start to download it at 12:01 eastern time in the US (west coast so i love how they unlock their games at 9:01 Pacific the monday night so I can play them before i go to bed)

Gamepass for me too. The best Deal in gaming by far. especially if you took advantage of their 50% off sale during E3

[CarlDechance]

@Kribwalker

Good info. Thanks.

"The best Deal in gaming by far. especially if you took advantage of their 50% off sale during E3"

Even better if you take advantage of Microsoft Rewards. I get Game Pass for free. :-)

[ScootaKuH]

Yeah I pre ordered. There's an option to buy when you play the demo and it applies the licences and unlocks the full game. Looking forward to it!

[PhoenixUp]

Can’t go wrong with Forza

[Automatic79]

Congratulations to Playground games and team Xbox.

[V10Elit3x]

Maybe this game gonna be my first game on PC after I sold a xbox one x for a PC I recently bought with GTX 1080Ti and i7 8700K processor

[RizBiz]

I'm so jelly.

[CarlDechance]

This game is going to scream on that PC. Well done!

[Neonridr]

welcome to the club (same CPU and GPU).

[marcoskids]

Super jealous as a PS4 owner, looks amazing!!

[RizBiz]

Yeah, if PS4 lacks anything it's a good racer. Driveclub was alright I guess, but that was almost half a decade ago.

[Neonridr]

GT is solid, Driveclub was a little underwhelming (but got better post launch via updates).

[chiefJohn117]

PS4 lacks racer and FPS

[CaptainOmega]

Chief...

Yet it still is a good system to play FPS and racing games...weird

[rainslacker]

I actually do wish Sony had a newer racing ip, or do it through gt, where they have a proper career mode. Sometimes I just like to veg out doing multiple races in ridiculously overpowered for the race vehicles.

I.might end up picking up this game though. I skipped fh3 because we had it at work, but I think I'm overdue for a staple racer to play at home, and I've already finished up all the stuff in driveclub

It just feels really weird going a whole gen without an a-spec

[DrumBeat]

I think I'm going to buy this. Not really into racing games, but this looks like a ball.

[BenRC01]

Bought an X just for this game. £450 Forza pack with fh4 and f7 (Let's be honest, there eff all else to play)

[P_Bomb]

Xbox’s MVP, right here.

[CR7JUVE1897]

Can't wait. Cannot. Wait.

I've given up trying to get the last 2 Barn Finds on FH3 anyway.

[CR7JUVE1897]

When does this show up on Game Pass?

[CarlDechance]

Release day. October 2nd.

[Elit3Nick]

Well, standard edition release day, Ultimate Edition buyers play it on the 28th

[iplay1up2]

I downloaded the demo and it looks amazing. Hands down the best looking racing game out there! Also it is included in games pass! Games Pass is the best thing that has happened to gaming.

[EazyC]

Wow, these reviews are something else. I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with that demo on PC, what a stellar racing experience. Will definitely be picking this up when some free time arises - hats off to PG.

[Blu3_Berry]

Damn thats a mighty impressive score. Congratulations.

[MaximusPrime_]

I've been watching various gameplays and must say I'm impressed. As a Brit myself, I always wanted a decent openworld driving game set in UK. I've been looking for Xbox bundle with this game. Not much success. Still searching....
Sorry if I missed it, but I'd rather play offline. Is that possible?

[StifflerK]

Yes, you can play offline with a.i. controlled cars.
I've seen a FH4 X bundle for 449, but Black Friday is only a few weeks away - might be worth waiting for the deals.

[MaximusPrime_]

Thanks for replies. Will check out Black Friday deals.

[Outlawzz]

Can I play this free with gamepass ?

[iistuii]

Yes

[Outlawzz]

Great thanks

[iistuii]

Looks great, can't wait.

[Kyizen]

This series makes me sad I dont own an Xbox cause I would totally love playing it. But I cant justify buying one for just this...

[Question_Mark]

You can play it on PC. No Xbox required.

[deafdani]

You assume he has a PC powerful enough to play this game. Or maybe he doesn't even have a PC.

[AizenSosuke]

Good job Playground

[Petebloodyonion]

Funny that it raises the bar yet again but an MS game is never allowed a perfect 10 score.

[3-4-5]

I loved FH2...skipped FH3, because I was still playing 2 and having fun with it.

I'll buy this for sure....but I might wait for a price drop a bit or until I don't have a game to play.

Currently playing Dragon Quest XI....which is awesome btw....and then I'll have RDR2....once I complete that, I'll get FH2 and then I'll have that + Smash Bros to play into the holiday.

[Wulfer]

This franchise is now the greatest rated racer of all-time.

Avg. Overall MetaCritic Score for Playground Games.

Forza Horizon: 85
Forza Horizon 2: 86
Forza Horizon 3: 91
Forza Horizon 4: 92 (Sits upon the highest seat for a racer by itself!)

[Tankbusta40]

Man I love the Horizon series but I'm going to have to wait on this for a bit... Too many freaking games coming out in the same window

[nondescriptcitizen]

Why not a perfect score

[Critic4l_Strik3]

Out of curiosity played the demo on PC, its great.