Forza Horizon 5 Review

Forza Horizon 5 originally debuted in 2021 to widespread acclaim, earning top marks from us when we experienced it on the Xbox Series X. Now, in an unexpected turn of events, Playground Games is bringing this iconic racing title to the PlayStation 5. If someone had told me four years ago that this would happen, I would have dismissed the idea entirely.

Back then, my greatest wish was for a game on the PS5 that could match the exhilarating features of Forza Horizon 5 while harnessing the power and innovative capabilities of the hardware, particularly the revolutionary DualSense controller. While The Crew: Motorfest attempted to fill that gap two years ago, it ultimately fell short of expectations.

Now the big question remains: does Forza Horizon 5 still live up to the hype years after its triumphant release? Buckle up, because it’s time to rediscover the thrill of the open road as Forza Horizon 5 makes its highly anticipated debut on the PS5.

The Festival Continues… on the PS5!

Forza Horizon is the ultimate driving festival, and its arrival on the PS5 continues that legacy. While the console has seen its share of racers—Gran Turismo 7 being the most notable—it has long needed a true open-world arcade racing experience that delivers the same freedom and depth that Forza Horizon 5 brought to the Xbox. What was once a distant dream has finally become reality.

Forza Horizon 5 remains familiar to those who have played similar titles, but the biggest shift comes in its breathtaking journey through the diverse landscapes of Mexico, offering a fresh and immersive experience for all players.

Much of this is tied to the game’s unique progression system. The first few hours allow players to absorb everything the festival has to offer, gradually unlocking new chapters that open Mexico up for exploration. As the world unfolds, the vast terrain transforms into a driver’s paradise, packed with activities—including exhilarating expeditions, a deep dive into Mexico’s rich car culture, and the opportunity to amass an impressive collection of vehicles, costumes, and houses.

Of course, racing remains at the core of Forza Horizon 5, and the game actively encourages both exploration and actual racing. To advance through the festival’s chapters, players must earn Accolade Points, which can be accumulated through various activities. But make no mistake—this isn’t just standard racing.

Forza Horizon 5 showcases a wide range of events, including road races, dirt races, street races, and cross-country challenges. It also offers various challenges such as speed traps, stunt driving, photography challenges, and arcade-style competitions. Each chapter highlights a specific type of racing, with cross-country races standing out as a personal favorite, blending rally, street, and off-road elements into a dynamic and thrilling experience.

What sets Forza Horizon 5 apart is its ability to go “off course” and offer more than just high-speed action. Players can embark on expeditions to iconic landmarks such as Aztec pyramids or an active volcano. Story-driven missions allow participants to immerse themselves in Mexico’s automotive history, whether restoring a classic Volkswagen Beetle (“Vocho”) or capturing dramatic action shots in a swirling dust bowl.

And for those who think they’ve seen everything Forza Horizon 5 has to offer, PS5 players will have access to some of the game’s newest expansions. Whether it’s the adrenaline-pumping speed slingshots of the Hot Wheels DLC or the rugged terrain of the Rally Adventure pack, there’s plenty more to experience in the ever-evolving world of Forza Horizon 5.

Feel The Freedom… on the PS5!

Forza Horizon 5 makes an impressive debut on the PS5, seamlessly integrating with its hardware capabilities to elevate the racing experience. While the game was already a standout on the Xbox Series X|S, Playground Games has expertly harnessed the DualSense controller, adding another layer of immersion to an already stunning title.

The haptic feedback subtly enhances the sensation of racing through rugged terrain, while even the smallest details—like the trickling water splashing onto your vehicle—are brought to life with precision. The adaptive triggers also add small touches, allowing players to feel the resistance of the ABS or the responsiveness of the accelerator.

Forza Horizon 5 welcomes newcomers with a range of difficulty options, including a rewind feature for those looking to perfect their driving technique. However, the transition from novice to standard difficulty is notably steep, particularly when unlocking more sought-after exotic cars.

One standout aspect of Forza Horizon 5 is Playground Games’ dedication to diversity and inclusion. The game continues to expand accessibility features and character customization options, adding colorblind modes, subtitle customization, “offline game speed” adjustment, and much more. There’s a whole suite to play around with here, which is greatly appreciated.

Car customization is just as important as racing itself, with players able to modify their vehicles through Tune Ups, paint jobs, honk sounds, and performance tweaks. With hundreds of cars categorized by rarity—from common to legendary—each can be leveled up to enhance mastery. Cars can be acquired through purchases, Accolade rewards, or the game’s lottery-style Wheel Spins.

Customization extends beyond vehicles, as avatars can be outfitted with various costumes, apparel, and emotes. These items, like cars, can be obtained via credits or Wheel Spins, and exploring Mexico through treasure hunts and barn discoveries provides additional rewards.

While there is a structured campaign, players are free to engage with the game at their own pace. Roads are merely suggestions—you can take a luxury sports car off-road or enter a street race with a rugged truck. Forza Horizon 5 offers limitless freedom, allowing players to explore Mexico however they wish.

Beyond solo gameplay, there are seasonal challenges, daily quests, and various online modes, including Arcade matches and Eliminator (Battle Royale). Co-op play introduces another layer, letting friends experience the vast world together. And for those seeking variety, Forza Horizon Realms introduces 12 evolving courses with subtle variations to keep races fresh.

Depending on skill level, around 20–40 hours can easily be dedicated to unlocking festival chapters, but Forza Horizon 5 continues to offer an extensive post-game experience. Players can pursue greater challenges, hunt for legendary cars, engage in PvP, or join convoy activities with others.

The only notable drawback is the game’s reliance on an online connection to fully enjoy its features. However, solo players still have plenty to explore, whether it’s purchasing property, unearthing hidden treasures, or spinning the wheel for additional rewards. And if pure chaos is your preference, personalizing familiar real-world cars and crashing them into houses remains a cathartic and cost-effective way to unleash road rage—minus the financial or legal consequences.

Verdict: Buy It!

Forza Horizon 5 remains the gold standard for open-world arcade racing, and its arrival on the PlayStation 5 only solidifies its legendary status. This immersive experience, defined by its unparalleled sense of freedom, takes full advantage of the PS5’s features, delivering an exhilarating ride with all the bells and whistles of the hardware.

With an expansive world to explore and an endless array of activities to enjoy, Forza Horizon 5 is an investment that more than pays for itself. Unlike many live-service games, it offers an already robust experience without requiring additional purchases to fully enjoy its content. Its biggest draw is the sheer freedom it provides—whether cruising through Mexico’s scenic landscapes, tearing through off-road terrain, or ignoring roads entirely in pursuit of adventure. And with all expansions, including Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure, there’s always something new to discover.

Visually stunning and packed with engaging gameplay, Forza Horizon 5 is a masterpiece that captivates both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Whether you’re experiencing it on Xbox or stepping into its world for the first time on the PS5, this is the racing title you’ve been waiting for.

*Forza Horizon 5 was reviewed on the PS5 with a review code provided by the publisher.