With Forza Horizon 4's upcoming release on October 2 for Xbox One and PC, the open-world online racing series will see its biggest entry yet. In addition to over 450 cars, a brand-new setting in the United Kingdom, upgraded Drivatars, and an expanded Forzathon online service offering more daily and weekly challenges, Horizon 4 aims to be the most comprehensive game in the series. We recently spent some time going hands-on with the game, and spoke with creative director Ralph Fulton about what's new with Forza Horizon.
In the above video, we show off the opening acts of Forza Horizon 4 and its bombastic approach to introducing drivers to the game's new setting and vibe. Moving away from the Australian outback, Horizon 4 brings the racing action to the Edinburgh countryside in England. In the opening race, players dive right into Horizon 4's game-changing system known as Seasons. Depending on what season it is in-game, its accompanying weather change have an influence on vehicle handling and dynamics, along with the type of missions you'll find while exploring the open world. During our talk with the creative director, he reflected on the growth the series has had over the years, and how Horizon 4 will be the studio's most ambitious game.
"We kind of pitched this game almost eight years ago, and honestly it was like our dream game," said Fulton. "We love cars, we love open world games, we love music, and it was kind of a synthesis of all those things. For a long time it was like we had to explain to people what we were doing, how it would all come together--and for a long time it was like, 'Who are these guys, and what are they doing?' But since then, each game has been better received than the last, and then Horizon 3 really blew up in a big way. I don't think any of us expected the popularity of the series, and with 4, I think it's the best game we've ever made."
During our hands-on time with the game, we saw that our Drivatars have more of a place in the game world, which was one of the key areas the developers wanted to improve upon in Forza 4. After completing missions and acquiring credits, you'll gain access to a player home set within one of the countryside's rustic mansions. Furthermore, the returning online infrastructure--along with Blueprints--will offer more activities for players to take part in, which includes some new multiplayer modes and other fun distractions.
For more info about Forza Horizon 4, check out our talk about some of the big changes coming to the game, along with our full Gamescom interview with Ralph Fulton about what's to come with the Forza Horizon series.