Above: The open road of Forza Horizon 2
Forza Horizon 2
For Forza Horizon 2, I spoke to creative director Ralph Fulton of Playground Games, which worked on the Xbox One version.
The Numbers
Out Sept. 30 for Xbox 360 and Xbox One for $60.
Unique features
The team set out to create a relaxed take on car culture counter to the hyper-competitive racing feel of the Forza Motorsport series, according to Fulton. He also discussed at length how his team used the technology available in the new console generation to create a large, lush representation of Southern Europe that’s three times the size of the American world of Forza Horizon.
Fulton believes the major selling point of Forza Horizon 2 is its position as a social driving simulator. Playground Games sent research teams out France and Italy to take pictures and videos that would allow them to create the pleasant surroundings that will surround each driver on their trips.
Fulton noted the new weather system, which was one of the most frequent requests Playground received from gamers. Realistic rain will now play a role in how your car drives, Fulton said.
Horizon 2 will improve upon its predecessor’s practice of holding large in-game festivals for players, Fulton said. BBC Radio DJ Rob Devine returned to program the radio stations and festival soundtracks for Horizon 2, which has more than double the music of the first installment.
Cars
Horizon 2 will have over 200 cars available at launch, Fulton said. Some of the varieties include cult classic cars, modern racers, rally cars, and off-roaders.
Fulton also gushed about a wealth of customization options for each vehicle. You can Cars customize cars with an advanced paint tool that grabs other people’s paint designs and apply them to their car. You can also upgrade their cars with other visuals, such as spoilers, wheels, etc.
A tuning system can adjust each car’s mechanics, Fulton said. This allows players to tweak the handling, breaks, gears, etc. of each of their cars.
Why should people buy your game over the competitors?
Fulton: Xbox Live is an incredible place to play games with people, making this an incredible game to play with other people and with friends. Things are better with other people. Horizon 2 has cars, music and festivals that are all meant to be experienced together.
Horizon 2 is the most social game we’ve ever made. We are bringing together people of like interests, and it is my hope that people might make new friends in this game.
Screenshots
