Horizon Chase Turbo Releases it’s first DLC: “Summer Vibes”
Release Date: July 23, 2019
Publisher/Developer: Aquiris Game Studio
Platform: PlayStation 4 (reviewed), Steam, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Price: $1.99 for DLC, $19.99 for main game (though on PS Plus and Xbox Sale as of this writing)
Horizon Chase Turbo is a love letter to 90’s racers. Released early last year, HCT welcomes an era where gaming evolved differently: keeping the gameplay and style of those yesteryear games while aiming for slick smooth graphics instead of hyper realism. After some initial PS4 exclusivity, the title popped out on other platforms in November. This past month (and up until August 6th, go go go!) it’s a PlayStation Plus game. The PS Plus run is the first time I’ve gotten to play it, and I feel like I missed out on it’s original release. With the silky smooth action that reminds me of classic arcade racers, I hope to procure a Switch copy soon so I can take it on the go.
Now the team is looking to give players more. They have a dedicated roadmap for future releases, such as new game modes, challenges to unlock seasonal skins, and the like. This all kicks off with the “Summer Vibes” DLC, a simple $1.99 add on that not only unlocks the Best Possible Car for a game dedicated to 90’s racers, but adds a few tweaked levels to feel like you’re taking that red convertible with the top down and cruising down to the beach in a bareknuckles race.
The newly-skinned racetracks offer a new campaign series of twelve races that throw a hardcore 80’s and 90’s vibe. Strewn with bright colors and beach flair, Horizon Chase Turbo feels even more like the games it has been trying to emulate. Each car skin is unlocked through this mode, and the different cars are made even more unique by the passengers in the top-down convertible. You can go classic with the red car and the couple, with her blonde hair flowing in the breeze, or channel your inner Don Johnson with a couple dudes straight out of Miami Vice. The convertible even has it’s own set of “commentary bubbles” that pop up during the race to add a bit more of a unique flair.
Regardless, Horizon Chase Turbo is a steal as is at $20, and even more so if you get it free before the 8th. This $2 add-on is integral for nostalgia factor alone. As summer winds down, hold onto it a bit longer as you cruise down the highway top-down for some classic arcade racing.
Special Thanks to Aquiris for giving me a chance to review this awesome addition!