Horizon 2 is a different type of game though. Yes it has open world and more of a story to it with races and challenges thrown in. Yes it set the bar high, but it is a different type of racing game from DC. It's like comparing FH2 to F5. For the record, I have FH2 on X360 and like it. I also like DC. I must be in a minority, lol.
DC is more like the original NFS games, racing others in lap races or point to point. The added social element was a big selling point and unfortunately with the server issues, they have dropped the ball big style.
If folks stick it out if/when the issues are resolved, I think many will enjoy it.
I've played a few of the early tour events and like it. I wasn't expecting a PCARS, iRacing, AC sim type offering, but a casual well made console pick up and play affair. For me, this is what I have got. I can just turn the PS4 on, pick up the DS4 and away we go, sat on the sofa and having a blast without concerning about getting the sim rig dialled in, messing with setups and then getting run off track at Turn 1, lol.
Gameplay is fine, visuals are top notch, sounds is great, feedback through DS4 is well done. No issues for me with game locked to 30FPS. Obviously only run the Mini so far, but it's great fun.
If you want to compare DC to a Forza, compare it to 5 and not FH2, as it is basically racing from the start line to the finish line, like you do in Forza 5.
I feel some of the negative reviews come across as folks who have only seen the game on video (whilst I appreciate they have more than likely actually played it) and reviewed from a third person point of view. One review said DC lacked depth as it was just racing from start line to finish. What is Forza 5 then?
Also many pick fault with DC having no tuning. IMO it is no bad thing as at least you know in challenges, if someone is beating you it is because they are driving faster with the very same car and not because they have some whizz-bang setup applied. Only like running fixed setup series at iRacing, lol.
One other review marked it down because there was no replays or photo mode. Had they done their research, the would know these have always been scheduled as post release updates, along with dynamic weather.