Forza Horizon 5: Of Speed Demons and Serene Vistas
A fulfilling ride through Mexico's varied landscapes teeming with vehicular vibrancy, but not without its potholes.
last updated Dec 11, 2023
It's a thrilling open-world racing experience brimming with vibrancy and variety.
The Open Road Beckons
Forza Horizon 5 invites players to strap in for an exhilarating ride across the terrains of Mexico. With a car roster that'll make gearheads swoon, this game lets you do just about anything a car enthusiast could dream of. The sheer diversity in vehicles is matched by a robust range of activities, from sandy sprints to jungle jamborees. And when you're wielding a leather-wrapped steering wheel in your hands, the game's drivable bliss turns pixelated horsepower into heart-pounding joy. My garage is brimming, but hey, who's complaining, right?
Sounds of the Streets
The game's audio is like music to a car lover's ears, revving up a symphony of engines that ranges from the throaty roar of a V8 to the electric whine of a futuristic speedster. The soundtrack is a curated party mix that keeps the adrenaline pumping even in moments of downtime—though some might argue that the 'festival' never quite quiets down. And I've got to commend the natural sounds of the raging rivers and bustling city vida—it's like Mother Nature and urban chaos had a baby, and it's beautiful.
A Visual Feast for Cherry Rides
Graphics in Forza Horizon 5 are not just pretty—they're drop-dead gorgeous. Mexico is rendered with jaw-dropping realism, from the cacti of the desert to the crumbling ruins that somehow scream for a high-speed chase. It's a PC-sweat-test if you crank up the settings, but even on more humble rigs, speed demons look darn fine. Yes, there were some graphical bugs reported, but unlike a flat tire on the freeway, they don't hinder the journey too much. Performance is a smooth ride, if you've got the horsepower under the hood.
Navigating the Joyride
Navigating Forza Horizon 5 is like trying to find the perfect driving line; sometimes smooth, sometimes...not. The UI is a congested intersection of menus and submenus that might take some getting used to. And while we're talking about stalling, can someone explain the necessity of dressing up our Drivatars? It feels like a pit stop in SimCity unnecessary for a speed race. It's a minor speed bump on an otherwise open highway, distracting us from the feel of the tarmac under our tires.
The Qualms of Continuity
The AI in Forza Horizon 5 can sometimes feel like it got its driver's license from a cereal box. It's not the challenge, per se—it's the flagrant disregard for physics that triggers the raised eyebrow. Plus, starting from the back of the pack every time does make one question the fairness of the race—not everyone is looking to channel their inner 'Fast and Furious' to weave through the crowd. It's a mixture of pleasure and pet peeve, like finding out your dream car has a disappointing cup holder.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Playground Games
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release Date
November 08, 2021
Verdict & Summary
Forza Horizon 5 cruises, skids, and soars over Mexico's canvas with an explosion of automotive content that'd make any car lover's heart race. It brings some of the best and most diverse driving action there is, despite occasional graphical hiccups and AI shenanigans. It's a thrilling open-world racing experience brimming with vibrancy and variety, but buyer beware—some DLC packs can steer you into microtransaction territory. Still, for the pure joy of driving and sense of speed, it's a ride worth taking—if only for the countless photogenic moments when your ride catches the sunset just right over the Sierra Nueva.
