“Have I actually achieved anything?”
Falling back in love with Fo rza Horizon 4.
Ifell out of love with Forza Horizon 4 after, presumably broken by a magazine deadline, I became convinced I should try to climb the ranked multiplayer ladder. This is despite not enjoying ranked multiplayer’s finicky team-based game modes and race types. The whole thing was such a singularly miserable experience that I stopped playing the game entirely. I’m returning now to check out the first expansion, and also because it’s petty to hold a grudge over a game mode that I optionally inflicted upon myself. Forza Horizon 4’ s first DLC map, Fortune Island, proves to be a bit of a disappointment. The titular fortune is earned by solving riddles that lead to chests containing credits. In a game that gifts you a house, more free shit is less enthralling than, for instance, Forza Horizon 3’ s Hot Wheels island—a magical playground of bright orange loop-de-loops.
Nevertheless, going back reminds me why I loved the game in the first place. This is how I find myself jostling for position in a ’90s estate car, trying to navigate through the narrow streets of Ambleside. Each week, Forza Horizon 4 sets a new challenge focused around a specific car. This week it’s the 1997 Volvo 850 R. My first job is to win four circuit races. I head to the nearest icon, and put it through its paces.
As ’90s estates go, the 850 R is decidedly nippy. Almost sporty. Slaps roof of car. This bad boy can fit so much deceptive performance in it. The problem is my opponents are not driving estates. They’re in the 394BHP ‘03 BMW M5 or the 450BHP Audi RS 6. I lose the race.
Tune up
It’s time to get under the hood. Forza Horizon 4 has extensive tuning options, and while I have no idea what I’m doing, other players can upload their own tunes. I find one titled ‘Forzathon’, suggesting it was made specifically for this challenge.
By the end of the first lap I’ve taken the lead. Despite the extra speed, it maneuvers well. I easily win my four races. Have I achieved anything? No. I just copied someone else’s work. But I also made a Volvo fly through a small village, and that has to count for something.