Horizon Chase 2

Horizon Chase 2 is a high-speed, arcade-style racing game developed by Aquiris Game Studio and published by Epic Games Publishing. It is the direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Horizon Chase Turbo and builds upon its retro foundation by introducing fully 3D graphics, enhanced car customization, and seamless online multiplayer. The game initially launched on Apple Arcade in September 2022, with subsequent releases for Nintendo Switch and PC (Epic Games Store) in September 2023, followed by PlayStation and Xbox consoles in May 2024.

The Arcade Spirit

The core of Horizon Chase 2 is a faithful revival of the classic 1990s arcade racers like Top Gear and OutRun. Gameplay is intentionally simple, prioritizing pure speed, sharp reflexes, and the thrill of overtaking 19 other racers from the last position. The controls are accessible: players rarely need to brake, instead relying on precise steering and the critical use of Nitrous boosts to navigate sweeping curves and maintain momentum.

The main single-player experience is the World Tour, which takes players on a visual spectacle across over 60 tracks spanning six different countries, including stylized versions of Japan, Brazil, and the Continental U.S. Each location is vividly rendered with a bright, cartoony art style, featuring dynamic weather effects like dense fog and torrential rain that visually and strategically impact the race.

Enhancements and Progression

Compared to its predecessor, Horizon Chase 2 features a significant visual overhaul. The game is now built in a vibrant, fully 3D world, allowing for more environmental detail and an even greater sense of speed as the backdrop blurs past.

Key feature additions include:

• Car Customization: Players can now modify their vehicles both cosmetically (with liveries, paint jobs, and decals) and functionally by upgrading performance stats throughout the World Tour. Cars, though fictional, are designed with distinct characteristics (e.g., the versatile Cruiser-R or the sporty Bisonte).

• The Playground Mode: This dedicated online mode introduces new challenges, tournaments, and competitive online races against global players, adding significant longevity to the game.

• Multiplayer Focus: The game heavily emphasizes multiplayer, offering both local split-screen action and crossplay-enabled online races across all platforms, allowing friends to compete or progress together in the World Tour mode.

Rounding out the retro experience is the original soundtrack, once again composed by the legendary Barry Leitch (known for Top Gear and Lotus Turbo Challenge), whose electronic, energetic tunes perfectly capture the nostalgic, high-octane mood. Horizon Chase 2 successfully delivers a polished, fast-paced, and highly engaging arcade racer for the modern era.