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Forza Horizon 5 continues the series’ tradition of open-world racing excellence, transporting players to the vibrant and diverse landscapes of Mexico. This iteration sets a new benchmark for the genre, seamlessly blending freedom and speed in a way that leaves competitors like Need for Speed and Test Drive Unlimited in its dust. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

Experiencing Mexico’s Automotive Charm

The first thing that strikes you in Forza Horizon 5 is the breathtaking setting. From the snow-capped volcanoes to the scorching deserts and lush jungles, Mexico offers a stunning backdrop for high-octane racing. The game wastes no time showcasing this diversity, immediately dropping you into a thrilling descent from a volcano, followed by a high-speed dash through the desert. The contrast between tranquil natural beauty and the roar of engines is captivating.

Forza Horizon 5 – Scenic Desert

Guanajuato, the central city, pulsates with life, its narrow streets and vibrant NPCs adding a new layer of immersion. Venture further south, and you’ll find abandoned airfields perfect for setting distance records. The Expedition events truly highlight the environment, sending you on thrilling off-road adventures through ancient Mayan ruins amidst raging storms.

Forza Horizon 5 – Exploring Ruins

The seasonal changes from Forza Horizon 4 return, but with a welcome tweak. Winter is less harsh, with snow confined to the northern mountains, replaced by more frequent rain and thunderstorms. New weather effects, like sandstorms, add another layer of challenge and spectacle.

Refined Driving Dynamics

Forza Horizon 5 builds upon the series’ strong driving mechanics, introducing subtle yet impactful refinements. Cornering behavior is more nuanced, requiring careful throttle and braking management. The improved weight transfer, particularly noticeable in smaller cars, enhances the overall driving experience without demanding excessive tweaking in the tuning menu.

Forza Horizon 5 – Sandstorm

A long-standing criticism of the series, the engine sounds, has finally been addressed. Cars now roar to life with more distinct and realistic audio, adding to the visceral thrill of high-speed driving.

Abundant Content and Progression

Forza Horizon 5 offers a wealth of content, with a non-linear campaign structure through the Horizon Adventure. This mode divides the game into five disciplines: Road Racing, Street Racing, Dirt Racing, Cross Country Racing, and Story Missions. The new Accolade system tracks your progress and rewards you for completing various challenges, further incentivizing exploration and experimentation.

The extensive car collection, boasting over 500 vehicles, provides endless opportunities for collecting and customization. The Festival Playlist, with its rotating seasonal rewards, ensures there’s always something new to strive for.

Shortcomings Persist

Despite its many strengths, Forza Horizon 5 isn’t without its flaws. While the Mexican setting is visually stunning, the game’s portrayal of the country’s culture feels superficial. The storylines and characters often fall into clichéd tropes, failing to capture the richness and nuance of Mexican car culture.

Forza Horizon 5 – Racing

Several features remain underdeveloped, such as the rudimentary Garage system and the limited customization options in the Livery Editor. The Track Editor, while offering creative potential, suffers from clunky controls and a lack of essential features.

Online multiplayer can be a mixed bag. While co-op events generally function smoothly, the Horizon Life free roam mode is plagued by connectivity issues. The revamped Forzathon Live, now Horizon Arcade, struggles to find the right balance between individual and community contribution.

Forza Horizon 5 – Multiplayer

Lastly, the AI remains a persistent issue, often exhibiting unrealistic behavior and rubber-banding, requiring players to lower the difficulty to maintain a fair challenge.

Conclusion

Forza Horizon 5 delivers a thrilling and visually stunning open-world racing experience. While some legacy issues persist, the refined driving dynamics, expansive content, and vibrant setting make it a must-have for racing fans. However, the underdeveloped features and occasionally frustrating online experience prevent it from achieving true perfection. If you’re looking for a breathtaking escape into a world of speed and freedom, Forza Horizon 5 is well worth the journey.