Editor's Review

Horizon Chase – Arcade Racing is a vibrant mobile racing game developed by Aquiris Game Studio that pays homage to the classic arcade racing titles of the past. With its retro-inspired graphics, high-speed gameplay, and a wide variety of tracks and cars, Horizon Chase aims to deliver an exhilarating racing experience for both casual gamers and racing enthusiasts. In this review, I will explore the strengths and weaknesses of the game based on my personal gameplay experience.

One of the standout features of Horizon Chase is its unique visual style. The game adopts a colorful and simplistic art direction reminiscent of 16-bit graphics, which creates a nostalgic atmosphere for players who grew up with classic racing games. The environments are beautifully designed, with each track offering a distinct backdrop that enhances the overall experience. The vibrant colors and smooth animations make the gameplay visually appealing, contributing to the immersive feel of racing through various landscapes, from bustling cities to serene coastlines.

The gameplay mechanics in Horizon Chase are straightforward yet engaging. Players can choose from a variety of cars, each with different attributes like speed, acceleration, and handling. The controls are responsive and easy to learn, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. The game features a fuel mechanic that adds an extra layer of strategy, as players must manage their fuel while racing to reach checkpoints. This element encourages players to find the best racing lines and optimize their speed, enhancing the overall challenge and excitement of the races.

Another highlight of Horizon Chase is its diverse selection of tracks and races. The game features over 70 tracks set in various locations around the world, each with its own unique challenges and aesthetics. Players can participate in different racing modes, including championships and time trials, which provide ample content to keep them engaged. The ability to unlock new cars and upgrades as players progress adds a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue racing. Additionally, the game includes a multiplayer mode, allowing players to race against friends or challenge others online, further enhancing the replayability.

However, Horizon Chase is not without its drawbacks. One notable criticism is its reliance on a freemium model. While the game is free to download, players may encounter prompts to purchase in-game currency or unlock additional content. This can create a pay-to-win atmosphere where players who spend money can gain advantages over those who prefer to play for free. A more balanced approach to monetization, such as a one-time purchase for full access, could improve player satisfaction and ensure a fairer competitive environment.

The pacing of the game can also feel uneven at times. While the initial races are enjoyable and manageable, some players may find that the difficulty spikes unexpectedly as they progress. Certain tracks can become overly challenging, which might deter casual players who may not have the time or skill to improve. Implementing a more gradual increase in difficulty or offering additional hints and tips could help alleviate this issue and make the game more accessible to a wider audience.

Additionally, while the core gameplay is enjoyable, some players might desire more depth in terms of storyline or character development. Currently, the narrative feels minimal, with little context provided for the racing adventures. A more robust storyline could enhance player engagement and provide a greater sense of immersion as they progress through the races.

In terms of replayability, Horizon Chase offers a substantial amount of content with its various race modes, unlockable cars, and challenges. Players can continually strive to improve their times and compete for high scores on leaderboards, encouraging repeated engagement. However, once players have explored most of the available content, they may find themselves wanting new updates or features to maintain excitement.

Overall, Horizon Chase – Arcade Racing is an entertaining and visually appealing mobile racing game that successfully captures the essence of classic arcade racing. Its engaging mechanics, nostalgic graphics, and diverse track selection make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. However, the reliance on a freemium model, uneven pacing, and limited narrative depth can detract from overall enjoyment. For those seeking a fun and fast-paced racing game on their mobile devices, Horizon Chase is definitely worth checking out.

About Game

Experience the thrill of the drive in Horizon Chase – Arcade Racing, the ultimate tribute to classic arcade racing games. A love letter to the games of the 80s and 90s, Horizon Chase combines retro gaming nostalgia with contemporary gaming elements to create a truly addictive gaming experience.

With its unbounded speed limits and breathtaking landscapes, Horizon Chase transports players around the world in extraordinary races. Echoing the legendary arcade racing games of the past, each curve and lap recreates the exhilarating sense of speed and competition, while offering a fun and modern gaming experience.

How to play

• Horizon Chase is essentially a race around the world. With every new cup, players get to drive their car through a variety of stunning settings, from sunsets to snow-capped mountains, volcanic ashes, and even severe sandstorms. Whether it's day or night, each race takes place in picturesque locations that act as virtual postcards from around the globe.
• Control is straightforward, focusing on speed and timing, leaving players to simply immerse themselves in the race. There are also different racing modes to explore, such as endurance races or time trials. The Expansion Pack, a homage to legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, adds an intriguing layer to the game, allowing players to relive some of the greatest moments of Senna’s career, with a whole new set of cars and tracks.

Features

• An addictive recreation of 80s and 90s racing games with a modern twist.
• Unique 16-bit graphics styled in a contemporary manner.
• Thrilling variety of tracks with different weather conditions to challenge your skills.
• Senna Forever Expansion Pack - allows you to relive the greatest moments in Ayrton Senna's career.
• Soundtrack composed by legendary musician Barry Leitch, adding to the retro atmosphere of the game.