Summary
Horizon Chase 2is now available on theSwitch, with its surprise release receiving confirmation during the latest Nintendo Direct. This love letter to 8- and 16-bit racers has so far been exclusive to iOS devices.
Developed by Brazilian studio Aquiris,Horizon Chase 2is a follow-up onHorizon Chase Turbo, a 2018 homage to arcade racinggame classics from the ’90s. This sequel originally debuted on iOS devices as an Apple Arcade exclusive in early September 2022. Aquiris used the game’s mobile launch as an opportunity to confirm that it’s working on bringing its latest title to PC and “all major consoles” in 2023, but has been mum on the matter ever since.
RELATED:Nintendo Switch 2 Leak Points to Familiar-Looking Launch Window
The Switch version ofHorizon Chase 2is the first of its ports to hit the market, having just reached the eShop within minutes of its release announcement during the September 2023 Nintendo Direct. This turn of events might surprise racing game fans, not least because the Switch and Xbox One were the last platforms to receive Aquiris’s last title in November 2018, some six months afterHorizon Chase Turbodebuted on the PS4and PC. It is still unclear whenHorizon Chase 2will reach the rest of its target platforms.
In the meantime,Switchowners with fond memories of classics likeLotus Turbo ChallengeandTop Gearare in for a treat, withHorizon Chase 2delivering yet another love letter to such iconic arcade racers from the ’90s. But while its core gameplay formula is focused on emulating thrilling lap chasing perfected by its role models, Aquiris’s latest title very much belongs to the 21st century, as underlined by its incredibly vivid graphics and a touch of modern genre elements like car customization and performance upgrades.
Online and split-screen multiplayer modes are also part of the package, as is an original score by Barry Leitch, a bona fide legend in arcade racing circles who authored a variety of iconic soundtracks for the likes ofRush,TFX, andSan Francisco Rush 2049. The overall experience has already received widespread praise among mobile gamers, withHorizon Chase 2being lauded as one ofthe best games on Apple Arcadesince its 2022 debut.
While this Switch release is a surprise treat for fans ofarcade racing games, it remains to be seen whether Aquiris continues itsHorizon Chaseseries moving forward. Namely, the Brazilian studio has just been acquired by Epic back in April, with its new parent previously saying that its first-ever Latin American studio will primarily work on content and “social experiences” forFortnite.
Horizon Chase 2is available on iOS and Switch. Ports for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S are also in development.
