14 DAY TRIAL // Both Forza Horizon 2 and DriveClub were launched earlier during the fall, the first exclusive to the Xbox One and the second only on the PlayStation 4, setting up a battle for the racing game audience that is unprecedented for the current console generation.
The experiences created by Playground Games and by Evolution Studios are different in terms of core mechanics and overall aims, but given the clear rivalry between Microsoft and Sony, it is interesting to take a look at the way they approach the genre.
Rich rewards versus stern teacher
Forza Horizon 2 is a game which is concerned with constantly showering the player with rewards and points and moments when even bigger prizes can be earned, only punishing him by eliminating a multiplier for his score.
On the other hand, DriveClub wants to teach gamers how to approach a race as the professionals do in the real world, clearly showing when they make a big mistake and challenging them to do better next time.
The PlayStation 4 title has a more serious nature and I like the way it wants to help me improve, but most gamers will probably love the generosity of the Xbox One experience more.
Open world versus guided experience
Traditionally, gamers have been more interested in open-world experiences, but when it comes to racing, a well-put-together set of confined tracks is often a much better idea because it allows for tighter design and more exciting racing.
Forza Horizon 2 can offer a feeling of possibility and freedom, but often its tracks are weirdly constructed and feel a bit too random.
At the other end, DriveClub is clearly designed by a team of racing fans who understand how to create a layout that can challenge gamers in interesting ways while offering them a feeling of accomplishment when they finally manage to win.
Focus on fun versus focus on improvement
The two racing titles are almost polar opposites, despite the fact that they exist in the same genre and launched very close together.
DriveClub faced major connectivity and multiplayer issues on launch but now seems to be working well and caters to the needs of the more hardcore crowd that aims to constantly improve its performance and create better and better times for each track.
Meanwhile Forza Horizon 2 is more attractive for lovers of wide open space who are looking for a chance to get a less structure experience with some very cool bucket Challenges.