Exploring the Sun-Kissed Landscapes of Forza Horizon 2: Where is it Set?

The breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-pumping races of the Forza Horizon series have captivated gamers worldwide. Among these titles, Forza Horizon 2 holds a special place with its stunning portrayal of Southern Europe. So, to answer the central question directly: Forza Horizon 2 is primarily set in a fictional representation of Southern France and Northern Italy. The game combines iconic locations from both countries to create a vast, diverse, and utterly enthralling open-world racing playground. This is not a one-to-one recreation, but rather a beautiful amalgamation of the region’s most picturesque and dramatic features.

The Allure of Southern Europe in Forza Horizon 2

A Blend of French Riviera and Italian Charm

Forza Horizon 2 does not adhere to a single country but instead, blends the charm of the French Riviera with the rustic beauty of Northern Italy. Imagine driving along sun-drenched coastal roads reminiscent of the French Riviera, followed by weaving through vineyards and quaint villages that reflect the Italian countryside. The developers at Playground Games carefully selected iconic locations and landscape features to create a truly memorable driving experience.

Key Features of the In-Game Environment

The game map is roughly three times larger than the one featured in the original Forza Horizon, allowing for extensive exploration. You’ll find diverse terrains that test your driving skills, from winding mountain roads to open fields and dense forests. The game features key locations based on real-world places in the south of France and northern Italy that include:

• Coastal Towns: Drivable environments inspired by the coastal regions of the French Riviera and the Italian Riviera are abundant.
• Vineyards: Winding roads cut through lush vineyards, a nod to the region’s rich winemaking history.
• Mountain Roads: Explore treacherous mountain passes and enjoy breathtaking views from the peak.
• Open Fields and Countryside: The game features vast open fields and rural areas where you can freely explore and engage in various races.

The seamless transition between different landscapes adds to the game’s charm, making it a true joy to explore.

A Fictional Festival, Real-World Inspirations

Just as in other games in the series, Forza Horizon 2 revolves around the Horizon Festival, a fictional racing event that brings drivers and car enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. The festival provides the perfect backdrop for the open-world environment, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny of the map. The vibrant atmosphere of the festival further enhances the driving experience. While the locations are fictionalized, the inspirations drawn from Southern France and Northern Italy are unmistakable, making the game incredibly immersive and visually appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Forza Horizon 2

To provide a more comprehensive understanding of Forza Horizon 2, here are 15 frequently asked questions about the game:

General Questions

1. What is the main focus of Forza Horizon 2?

   • Forza Horizon 2 is an open-world racing game that focuses on the Horizon Festival, allowing players to freely explore a fictionalized version of Southern France and Northern Italy, participate in various races, and collect and customize cars.

2. When was Forza Horizon 2 released?

   • The game was initially released in 2014 for Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

3. Is Forza Horizon 2 still playable?

   • Yes, it is still playable, especially for users who own the game. However, online services for this game closed on August 22, 2023, and the game was delisted from stores on September 30, 2018. Players who own the game and associated content can still download and play it.

4. How does the map in Forza Horizon 2 compare to the original Forza Horizon?

   • The map in Forza Horizon 2 is three times larger than the one featured in the original Forza Horizon, offering players a much larger and more diverse environment to explore.

Setting and Environment

5. Is the Forza Horizon 2 map a real-world replica?

   • No, the map is a fictional representation of Southern France and Northern Italy. However, the game’s locations are heavily inspired by real-world landscapes and landmarks from those regions.

6. What types of landscapes are included in Forza Horizon 2?

   • The game features a wide range of landscapes, including coastal roads, vineyards, mountain passes, open fields, forests, and quaint villages. The blend of terrains provides a dynamic and engaging driving experience.

7. Are there any landmarks in the game based on real places?

   • While the locations are fictionalized, they draw inspiration from real-world places such as the French Riviera and towns in Northern Italy. Expect to see elements that closely resemble these areas.

Gameplay and Features

8. What kinds of racing events are included in Forza Horizon 2?

   • The game offers a variety of racing events, including circuit races, point-to-point races, street races, cross-country races, and drift events.

9. Can players customize their cars in Forza Horizon 2?

   • Yes, Forza Horizon 2 provides extensive car customization options, including paint jobs, body kits, tuning setups, and performance upgrades.

10. Does Forza Horizon 2 feature weather effects?

    • Yes, the game features dynamic weather, including rain, storms, and sunshine, which affects driving conditions.

Discontinuation and Availability

11. Why was Forza Horizon 2 delisted from stores?

    • The game was delisted because the licensing agreements for the cars, music, and branding within the game expired.

12. Is the DLC for Forza Horizon 2 still available?

    • The DLC was delisted along with the base game and are no longer available for purchase. However, players who own the content can still download and play it.

13. When did the online services for Forza Horizon 2 shut down?

    • The online services for Forza Horizon 2 were closed on August 22, 2023.

Comparing to Other Forza Titles

14. How does Forza Horizon 2 compare to other Forza games?

    • Forza Horizon 2 is notable for its open-world design, blend of racing and exploration, and its fictionalized Southern Europe setting. It is different from the track-focused Forza Motorsport games, offering a more free-form experience.

15. Are there any specific cars unique to Forza Horizon 2?

    • The game includes a diverse roster of cars, some of which are unique to that particular game, reflecting the era and region it is set in.

Conclusion

Forza Horizon 2’s setting in a fictionalized representation of Southern France and Northern Italy is a key reason why the game is so beloved. The stunning landscapes, the exciting blend of terrains, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Horizon Festival combine to create an unforgettable racing experience. Even though it’s no longer available for purchase and has had its online services shut down, Forza Horizon 2 remains a significant entry in the series, showcasing the potential for creating beautiful and engaging open-world racing games. The game’s charm and legacy continue to live on for those who own a copy of the game and its associated content.