This weekend, Forza Horizon 4 will be completely delisted from digital storefronts, as Microsoft sunsets yet another Forza title due ongoing licensing issues related to racing games. It is, unfortunately, a reality we've gotten used to at this point - every Forza game before this one has already disappeared into thin air as a digital purchase. Personally though, this one really stings, because not only is FH4 up there with the best Forza games ever, it also contains a perfect little slice of home for me to cruise around in.
Yes, I know, Forza Horizon 4 will still be playable after December 15th — for all of us who've claimed a copy or bought a disc anyway — but the news of its delisting is still tough to take. In a world that's turning increasingly digital, new players with discless consoles will, from this weekend, be stuck without a way to access this fantastic Xbox title. Even Phil Spencer knows it's annoying that the game has to be removed from storefronts!
Still, while news of its delisting is all a bit doom and gloom, I want to pay tribute to this game and its fantastic open-world playground. I still stand by the fact that this is the best Forza Horizon game ever, and that's largely down to its condensed take on the UK. From the historic city of Edinburgh to the quaint lakeside town of Ambleside and everything in between, the FH4 map feels like one of the most unique in the genre. It also helps that this location made for some fantastic courses and driving routes that haven't gotten boring in more than six years since release.
Ever since I realised that some of my cherished childhood holiday spots would be present in this particular game, I've had a soft spot for it - I can't deny it! Yes, the sun-soaked highways of Forza Horizon 3's Australia were gorgeous, but you just rarely see this side of the UK in video game format; rain, snow and all. London doesn't mind popping up left right and centre in gaming, but Edinburgh? Bamburgh Castle? The Lake District? We were always in for a treat with these locations, and developer Playground Games did an amazing job at realising them.
And, earlier this month — with the game and its delisting firmly on my mind — I decided to go and visit one of these spots and remind myself of how good a job the team did. Ambleside was my closest location geographically, and considering it's one of the best areas of the in-game map, I was only too happy to have a little snoop around and remind myself of how well the town was captured in Forza Horizon 4.
As you enter the town from the south of the map in-game, you'll straight away notice the pier and boat dock area - this is a very recognisable part of Ambleside. So, here's how the area looks both in the real world and in-game - pretty impressive, right?
From here, it only felt right to visit The Wateredge Inn; a cosy hotel and pub that's also represented in-game. Playground didn't go quite as accurate with its rendition here (possibly due to rights issues, etc.), but still, they nailed the overall look - and how the place hugs the top of Lake Windemere.
Heading further into the main town, the St Mary's Church acts as the real centrepiece of Ambleside - and that's true in-game as well as in the real world. Its neo-Gothic style really stands out in the town, and it's instantly recognisable in Forza Horizon 4 as you cruise through this section of the map.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Ambleside is the town's Bridge House; a tiny 17th century building that sits atop a small archway. There's something really captivating about this place in-person, and although I didn't go inside on this visit, I got a good shot of the exterior. Playground really nailed this one in-game as well!
Finally, before heading home after a typically wet and windy day in the Lake District, I had to take a look at the town's water wheel. River Rothay was gushing on this visit, and although the historic water wheel is no longer in use, it looked right at home next to the fast flowing river. Looks a bit rustier in real life, eh?
I took a bunch more shots during my time in Ambleside, which I'm going to throw down at the bottom of this article just to show you how well the place was captured in-game. Forza Horizon 4 fans, you'll probably notice some familiar looking streets in and amongst these shots!
I had hoped to visit some more of the game's famous locations in recent times, and maybe I will at some point in the future, but I really wanted to just pay a little tribute to Forza Horizon 4 as it drops out of digital storefronts this weekend. This is a game I'll always remember, not only for its connection to my real world, but also because of how good a driving and racing experience it is - and always will be.
Who else absolutely loves this game and its open world playground? Talk to us about your FH4 memories down below.
Comments 24
I like more the map from FH5 as it’s more diverse though it’s feel somewhat disjointed, FH4 really felt like the UK, for better and worse lol
Days when Forza Horizon 4 was rainy or snowing just made me think 'Ah, a typical british day'.
The UK has a rich driving and building history, making me annoyed by one simple thing. Why couldn't Jezza have waited another year before punching someone?
It would have been nice to hear the classic Three Berks one more time during the Top Gear challenges.
I strongly disagree. I’m sure all locals say this about every other game but the scale just felt all wrong. Edinburgh to the Cotswolds? Who signed off on that one?! Has they had just done Cumbria it would have felt a little more realistic.
It’s fun to drive around certainly and unlike 5 the weather actually means something. I still think No. 2 has the best map.
Now that I think about it, this might well be one of Xbox’s few permanent exclusives. There’s no way they’ll relicense cars/music even if the series does drop on PlayStation. They’ll never get this one, boys.
RIP Forza Horizon 4, you ignited my love of gaming for the first time since I put down the Arkham trilogy
Even though it's not a one on one, I'm always excited when I get to play a game located in a place where I've been in real life.
To have a Forza Horizon located in your country, I'm a bit jealous (in a good way) 😊The map was very well-made imo!
Excited to see who's next in 6 ...
I honestly liked FH 3’s map the best. I enjoy the diversity and thought it was the best at making that work. No offense to those in the UK but I found myself bored roaming around the mostly just grass and countryside.
Brilliant game, still play it every week and love the changing seasons. The condensed mini-map merging the Cotswolds, Lakes and Edinburgh is inspired, as are the changing seasons. Stayed near Windermere and Ambleside in September and the resemblance is uncanny.
Can’t beat the progressive, mid-race, weather changes and gorgeous lighting (golden sunsets reflecting on snow and ice) -better than any other race game out there - and that includes FH5, Forza Motorsport and GT7.
Hope it stays back-compat for decades to come.
Very cool article, I do love the FH4 map and the game is still one of the best games ever made IMO and exactly the sort of thing that has kept me interested in video games all these days.
One thing I really loved about FH4 was the seasons, each season feeling and looking very distinctive. In FH5 the seasons mean little more than just "raining more often" and the occasional rain/sand storm.
As someone who's spent a lot of time in Ambleside, the Lake District as a whole, and Edinburgh, this game absolutely nailed it. It all feels incredibly authentic and familiar.
Absolutely loved this map. I know Broadway (the Cotswold village where the game starts), Snowshill, Edinburgh and some of the other locations really well in real life so it was a hoot to visit these places in game.
Horizon 2 had the best map easy. Pity it never came to PC so it's stuck in 1080p30. At least 3 came to PC, has a good map, and runs at 4k60 on a potato.
Excellent article and really interesting. I still prefer 3 but maybe I will go back and play 4 again.
Since the map itself isn’t licensed - it would be cool to see it get placed as an expansion in 5! Except of course that will get delisted at some point too.
And yes any PS players who skipped this waiting for the #fullslate just missed out on one of the best racing games of all time.
I really enjoyed this game, I'm from the UK so have been to Ambleside and Edinburgh before and this game just nails it perfectly.
I enjoyed that! It was my favourite too. Beautiful and engaging. The country lane feel was on point. Tbh any map where we are driving on the correct (left) side of the road is great! We've had the UK and Australia. How about Japan?
Great article. I've always said that Forza 4 is the pinnacle of the Horizon series, though the others are all good. Some of the course designs on this game are the best in the series, particularly on the fortune island dlc which has some really excellent courses to race and enjoy.
It's a little less brash and over exuberant than no 5, and thats is more to my tastes.
As a PlayStation main, I'll concede that this is my favourite car game of ALL time. I still fire up my digital copy on my daughters hand-me-down One S from time to time
Those side by side shots of the pier are fantastic!
Thanks for the article and pics. Very cool.
It's fun to see the inspiration behind some of the locations. I think I prefer 5 as it's more polished, and has a better range of locations. The Scottish highlands just can't compare to the Mexican jungles and a volcano
Never a big fan of driving games until FH4. Loved the map and the freedom. Even got to recreate my first car an old Ford Escort and could jump it off many huge hills and do donuts. Its my go on to game for just chilling and having a drive around with music playing, especially along Bamburgh Beach on of my favourite places.
Much better than the constant American based maps that are in over supply. UK maps are rare but always appreciated.
@RadioHedgeFund Sense of scale here is difficult imo. The Devs decided Edinburgh was significant for Scotland. Wanted a rural location for England picked the Cotswolds.
I get that the Lakes would have made more sense to make the map work but it's a massive area for England wanted it represented. You do that sense of scale is nearly impossible to get right. Overall I think they did a good job with the map.
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