Celebrating the Timeless Allure of Forza Horizon’s Iconic Simplicity

This weekend, Forza Horizon 4 is set to be permanently removed from digital shops, as Microsoft phases out another Forza game due to ongoing licensing issues related to racing titles. Unfortunately, this is something we have become accustomed to – every Forza title prior to this one has vanished without a trace from digital sales. Personally, this particular news definitely hits hard, because not only is FH4 among the best of the Forza franchise, but it also contains a meaningful slice of home for me to explore.

Yes, I understand, Forza Horizon 4 will still be playable after December 15th — for those of us who own a copy or have a disc, that is — but the announcement of its delisting is still tough to digest. In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, new players with disc-free consoles will, starting this weekend, find themselves unable to access this incredible Xbox title. Even Phil Spencer acknowledges the frustration of the game being removed from stores!

Nonetheless, while the news of its delisting feels somewhat gloomy, I want to honor this game and its fantastic open-world environment. I still maintain that this is the best Forza Horizon game ever, largely because of its condensed representation of the UK. From the historic city of Edinburgh to the charming lakeside village of Ambleside and everything in between, the FH4 map feels like one of the most unique in the genre. It also creates opportunities for some amazing courses and driving routes that haven’t faded in more than six years since its launch.

Ever since I discovered that some of my cherished childhood vacation spots were beautifully depicted in this particular game, I’ve held it in a steady affection – I can’t help it! Sure, the sun-drenched highways of Forza Horizon 3‘s Australia were stunning, but you rarely see this aspect of the UK translated into video game form; rain, snow, and all. London frequently appears in games, but Edinburgh? Bamburgh Castle? The Lake District? We were always in for a treat with these locations, and developer Playground Games did a remarkable job bringing them to life.

Earlier this month — with the game and its impending delisting on my mind — I decided to visit one of these locations and remind myself of the incredible job the team did. Since Ambleside was geographically closest to me, and thinking it’s one of the standout areas of the in-game map, I was more than eager to take a stroll around and remind myself how well the town was captured in Forza Horizon 4.

As you enter the town from the south of the map in-game, you can immediately spot the pier and boat dock area – this is an undeniably recognizable part of Ambleside. So, here’s how the area appears in real life versus in-game – quite impressive, right?

From here, it just felt appropriate to head into The Wateredge Inn; a cozy hotel and pub that is also featured in-game. Playground didn’t quite capture its look perfectly here (possibly due to licensing issues, etc.), but still, they nailed the overall appearance – as well as the way the location hugs the edge of Lake Windemere.

Moving further into the main town, St Mary’s Church serves as the true centerpiece of Ambleside – and this holds true both in-game and in reality. Its neo-Gothic architecture undoubtedly stands out in the town, and it is immediately recognizable in Forza Horizon 4 as you drive through this area of the map.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Ambleside is the town’s Bridge House; a small 17th-century building perched atop a quaint archway. There is something undeniably charming about this place in person, and although I didn’t go inside during this visit, I managed to capture a nice shot of the exterior. Playground truly nailed this one in-game as well!

Finally, before heading home after a typically wet and blustery day in the Lake District, I felt compelled to check out the town’s water wheel. The River Rothay was gushing heavily during this visit, and although the old water wheel isn’t operational anymore, it seemed perfectly at home beside the swiftly flowing river. Looks a bit rustier in real life, doesn’t it?

I took several more photos during my time in Ambleside, which I will include at the end of this article just to showcase how well the location was represented in-game. Forza Horizon 4 fans, you might just spot some familiar-looking streets among these images!

I had hoped to explore some more of the game’s iconic locations in the near future, and perhaps I will at some point, but I really wanted to take a moment to honor Forza Horizon 4 as it exits digital storefronts this weekend. This is a game I will always remember, not just for its ties to my real-world experiences, but also for the breathtaking driving and racing experience it offers – and always will.

Who else absolutely adores this game and its open-world playground? Share your FH4 memories with us in the comments below.