Xbox One
So then, how’s the Xbox version? It’s honestly not that bad. Of course, if you want uncompromised visuals and performance, the only place to get that is on PC. But the Xbox version isn’t too bad.
The base Xbox One version runs at 1080p and 30fps. The Xbox One X has two modes you can choose from: Quality mode and Performance mode. Both modes feature HDR. Quality mode runs at native 4K (none of that “dynamic 4K” or “checkerboard 4K” garbage) and 30fps. In my experience with the Xbox version, I noticed a few infrequent drops from this 30fps line. The visuals are also closer to the maxed out PC experience, with a few things dialed down such as motion blur samples, model detail, and the like.
Performance mode drops the resolution to 1080p and targets 60fps. Like the Quality mode, I noticed framerate drops in particularly high-stress situations. To hit this framerate, visuals are dialed down further from the Quality mode, such as lack of shadows cast by headlights. But I doubt your average gamer will notice these things because Forza Horizon 4 is meant to be played at speed.
These framerate drops in both modes weren’t frequent, mind you, but they did happen and must be brought up. I find these drops in performance in both Quality and Performance mode to be disappointing, especially when you stop to consider that this is happening on a $500 premium console — a not insignificant amount of money — being sold as, “THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL CONSOLE.” Again, not game-breaking or frequent by any means, but I noticed them and they did impact my experience.
Sound Design, Music, and Voicework
Sound design in Forza Horizon 4 is very similar to that in Forza Horizon 3. If you liked in the previous game, you’ll like it here. The converse is also applicable. Personally, I love the sound design.
Especially when played with headphones as I have, I can hear every pebble, every mud squelch, every whoosh of vehicles, every gear change. And it all sounds crisp, precise, and completely immersive.
Cars sound absolutely incredible (that McLaren Senna, holy balls). You have audio sliders for music, cars, effects, and an overall volume slider. My advice? Turn the music down a notch or two, and turn the car audio all the way to the max.
Music has always been a high point for the Forza Horizon games, and it’s absolutely brilliant this time around. You see the return of radio stations from previous games, like Horizon Pulse, Bass Arena, etc. My personal favorites are Horizon Pulse (EDM) and Hospital Records (drum n’ bass).
It honestly feels like the game is picking the perfect song for my situation, whether I’m cruising down a B-road, or taking part in an epic rally in my Lancia Stradale in the winter with mud squelching under my tires, spraying everywhere. The music is a major impetus in selling the festive atmosphere, and man, it really shows. Taking part in the Horizon Festival with the music thumping feels like I got a day off school. I absolutely love the music in this game. It’s another knockout selection.
Voice work is about on par with Forza Horizon 3. While it’s not outright bad, it’s not award-winning either. It’s completely acceptable. And in conjunction with the music, it helps sell the party atmosphere. I think had the music selection been less impressive, the voice work would stand out even more as equally less impressive.
Overall, the audio in Forza Horizon 4 is great, with the music being a standout acoustic experience. I cannot heap enough praise on the soundtrack. It’s just incredible.
Seasons
The big difference between Forza Horizon 4 and the previous games sees the addition of seasons, which last for a week each. Much has been made of these seasons, almost to the point of parody. Coupled with an excellent dynamic weather system, I can say for a fact that these changes in seasons have a noticeable effect on the world and gameplay.
I found that roads cast with gravel in the summer were suddenly a muddy sludge in the fall. This profoundly affects the handling of your car, especially when you have disabled all assists as I have. I found myself changing my driving behavior.
In addition to the tangible difference in driving, the seasons bring about aesthetic changes to the world. They honestly all look incredibly beautiful. The autumn especially makes me incredibly homesick for my New England roots.
The lighting is standout. Playground has done an impeccable job capturing the lighting in each season. The low winter afternoon sun casting its steely off-blue hue is especially spot on. It just looks so crisp and clear, exactly as the atmosphere behaves during winter. As a New Englander, I approve. Phenomenal work from Playground Games here.
Each season also has its own events you can partake in, rewarding you with various items. It’s a cool way to encourage you to try out these different things. I found myself trying a couple just for the hell of it.
It would be hyperbolic of me to claim that the addition of seasons is akin to having four completely different versions of Forza Horizon 4. It’s much more accurate to say that these seasons do affect your gameplay and the world around you. In my opinion, it’s a welcome addition.
Continue to Page 3 — Solo and Multiplayer, Skillz, Customization, Microtransactions, and Conclusion
