Game Reviews

Rush Horizon

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iOS
| Rush Horizon
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Rush Horizon
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iOS
| Rush Horizon

Rush Horizon shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Need for Speed, Real Racing, or Burnout. It actually harks back to far more classical racers like OutRun, or Super Hang-on. Maybe Rad Mobile, for all you ageing arcade creepers like us.

It has the look of modern racers, sure, but this is closer to a retro title than anything else. That's not a criticism, but it's important for players to understand that distinction to avoid any possible, and unfortunate, disappointments. Because what Rush Horizon does, it does extremely well.

Slip into the driver's seat

Controls are ultra-simple, and not at all what you might initially expect. Steering isn't handled using tilt controls or any form of analogue movement. All you're given are left and right buttons that nudge you across the lanes. You also have brakes, but they'll likely go unused.

This is a big part of why Rush Horizon is more closely related to OutRun than Real Racing. Tapping at the digital buttons seems a bit archaic, especially for a slick 3D racer like this, but as you get to know the gameplay a little more intimately, it starts to make sense. It's not trying to be a simulator, but a fast and fun casual title that happens to be wrapped up in a racing skin.

Your objective is to keep driving for as long as possible, with the fuel gauge acting as a timer. Slipstreaming other vehicles lessens the drain on fuel, but increases your chances or rear-ending someone.

Bonus tokens can be collected to add a drop more petrol, put a temporary shield around your car, give you a nitro boost, and more. Crossing a checkpoint also puts a bit more in the tank, but ultimately it's the fuel gauge that's your real opponent.

Cars cost money

Coins also litter the highway. These are used to pay for upgrades to your motor, new cars, paintwork, turbo boosts, and a wide range of other add-ons and power-ups.

Trophies are an equally important currency, however. These are awarded – reasonably generously – for completing achievements, winning races, and performing admirably.

As you start running on fumes toward the back of a race, for example, expending a couple of trophies will top up the tank and let you keep going a few miles more.

It can get expensive keeping the car running in this manner, as each time it costs you double the dollars to refuel, but if you've run a particularly good race it's nice to have the option of burning that extra bit of rubber.

Rush Horizon is moderately charitable when it comes to playing without paying, but if you have a hankering for the posh motors and lavish upgrades, you're probably going to have to dip into your wallet for an IAP.

But it's definitely a game that encourages the casual player - not only with its accessible driving mechanics but in its regular rewards for quick bouts of play.

Rush Horizon is intended to be an arcade racer through-and-through, and won't meet the needs of someone who's looking for a deep and authentic driving experience.

It's as much an infinite runner as it is a car racing game, but it's still a great entry in that niche genre and scores extra points for its unusual approach and bags of flair.

Rush Horizon

Although it looks like a hardcore driving simulator, this is a game that's fast and easy and is targeted at the 'arcade-casual' player. Serious drivers might find it wanting, but coffee time gamers will enjoy getting behind this wheel
Score
Spanner Spencer
Spanner Spencer
Yes. Spanner's his real name, and he's already heard that joke you just thought of. Although Spanner's not very good, he's quite fast, and that seems to be enough to keep him in a regular supply of free games and away from the depressing world of real work.