Forza Horizon 4: LEGO Speed Champions Review

You know, for the sheer amount of LEGO games on the market, there’s never been one that lets you drive to your heart’s content. That is, until now, and only if you have access to Forza Horizon 4. But if by some chance you do, then you’re in for a surprise with Forza Horizon 4: LEGO Speed Champions. A very “everything is awesome” surprise.

Game Name: Forza Horizon 4: LEGO Speed Champions
Platform(s): Xbox One, PC (Reviewed)
Publisher(s): Xbox Game Studios
Developer(s): Playground Games
Release Date: June 13, 2019
Price: Included in Expansion Pass / Sold separately

Announced during the Xbox E3 2019 briefing, this expansion takes the already polished racing formula and flips it into something far more playful and imaginative. Racing LEGO cars might sound obvious in hindsight, but it works far better than expected, especially when you see your vehicle break apart piece by piece after a collision. That simple mechanic alone taps into a sense of nostalgia that makes the entire experience feel fresh, even for longtime fans of the series.

Instead of treating this like a one-off novelty, Playground Games went all in by creating a full LEGO-themed world that feels like multiple kits were dropped into the Horizon Festival and left to evolve naturally. As someone who still enjoys building LEGO sets, there is something satisfying about exploring this environment and seeing how everything comes together. From the moment I started driving around, there was a constant sense of discovery that kept pulling me forward.

If you have ever wanted a proper LEGO racing game, this gets very close to delivering that experience. The expansion even includes a radio station that plays “Everything Is Awesome” on repeat, which somehow manages to stay entertaining longer than expected. It adds to the overall tone, reinforcing that this is meant to be a fun and slightly chaotic take on the Horizon formula rather than a serious racing sim.

The level of detail is what really helps sell the concept, as the LEGO cars not only look authentic but also behave like real vehicles within the Horizon physics system. Seeing pieces fly off during races adds a layer of visual feedback that makes every crash feel impactful, while still maintaining the accessibility that the series is known for. The fact that you can take these LEGO vehicles into the main game world also adds extra value, giving players more freedom in how they approach the experience.

Beyond racing, the expansion introduces progression systems tied directly to LEGO building, requiring players to collect bricks in order to construct various structures, including your home base. This mechanic starts off as a fun way to tie everything together, but over time it can become repetitive, especially when the objectives begin to feel too similar. It never completely derails the experience, but it does highlight one of the expansion’s weaker points.

Exploration ends up being one of the strongest aspects of the expansion, as the map is filled with creative and often unexpected LEGO environments. From a UFO crash site to a desert covered in dinosaur bones, and even a detailed LEGO city, there is always something interesting to find. Whether you are chasing challenges, smashing bonus bricks, or simply driving around to take in the sights, the world feels alive in a way that keeps the experience engaging.

For returning players, the core gameplay remains intact, with the LEGO vehicles handling similarly to their real-world counterparts. While that might seem strange at first, it quickly becomes second nature and helps maintain consistency with the base game. The new tracks, including Falcon Arrowhead and Brickchester Corners Circuit, are well-designed and offer a nice mix of speed and technical driving, while still allowing any car in the game to be used on them.

Despite everything the expansion gets right, there are still a few noticeable shortcomings. The biggest issue is the limited selection of LEGO vehicles, with only the Mini Cooper, Ferrari F40 Competizione, and McLaren Senna included. Considering how many iconic LEGO sets exist, this feels like a missed opportunity that could have added much more variety and replay value to the experience.

There are also moments where certain challenges rely on finding locations that are not clearly marked on the map, which can lead to unnecessary frustration. While not a major flaw, it does slow down progression in a way that feels avoidable, especially in an otherwise polished experience.

Even with those issues, Forza Horizon 4: LEGO Speed Champions stands out as one of the more creative expansions in the series. It successfully blends the charm of LEGO with the high-quality racing gameplay that the Horizon series is known for, resulting in something that feels both familiar and new at the same time. If you enjoy racing games or have any attachment to LEGO, this is an easy recommendation that delivers far more than just a novelty experience.

Go ahead and race your LEGO heart out. I will not judge, because I will be right there doing the same.