Forza Horizon 5 Review

Set across diverse landscapes, from lush jungles and scorching deserts to vibrant cities and towering volcanic peaks, Forza Horizon 5 promises players more than just a driving simulator. It’s an open invitation to automotive freedom, delivering a Mexico that feels alive, dynamic, and constantly evolving thanks to changing seasons and weather events. There’s something absurdly delightful about hurtling through a towering dust storm at 200 mph—especially when your only real-world consequence is a slightly sore thumb from gripping your controller too tightly.

But beyond its breathtaking visuals and vast open world, Playground Games offers a racing experience that effortlessly caters to everyone, from hardcore petrolheads meticulously tuning their vehicles, to casual gamers who prefer the simple joy of reckless drifting and wanton destruction of roadside cacti. This inclusive, accessible approach has always been a hallmark of the Horizon series, but Forza Horizon 5 pushes these boundaries further, adding richer storytelling, deeper player customization, and a wealth of social interactions that keep players engaged.

Still, questions linger: can this fifth entry truly elevate the series, or is it simply more of the same (albeit spectacularly polished)? Does the move to PlayStation offer more than just wider accessibility, enhancing the gameplay experience uniquely for Sony’s console? Rev up your engines, cue your favorite driving playlist, and join us as we speed through this adrenaline-fueled, sun-soaked Mexican adventure—seatbelts optional, sombreros encouraged.

Setting and Story

Let’s get something clear right off the starting line: If you’re coming to Forza Horizon 5 expecting an intricate narrative rivaling classic literature, you’re in the wrong driver’s seat. This series has never been about deeply woven plots or existential drama—it’s always been about the thrill of the open road, the joy of exploration, and the simple (but profound) pleasure of pushing exotic cars to their limits in stunning locales. However, Playground Games has cleverly found ways to enhance storytelling this time around, subtly framing your automotive antics within an engaging campaign structure.

Set across a fictionalized yet astonishingly detailed representation of Mexico, Forza Horizon 5 captures the country’s essence beautifully. Players can explore everything from sun-scorched deserts and lush tropical jungles to historic cities and snow-dusted volcanic peaks. Each location isn’t merely eye candy; they’re thoughtfully integrated into the gameplay, influencing driving conditions, challenges, and events. Whether you’re power-sliding through the bustling streets of Guanajuato or soaring off dunes near Baja, each environment has been meticulously crafted to feel authentic, dynamic, and genuinely exciting to explore.

The Horizon Festival once again provides a thematic backbone, giving structure and purpose to your adventures. This time, you aren’t just participating in races—you’re leading expeditions, discovering hidden treasures, uncovering archaeological mysteries, and generally playing a very fast, well-funded explorer. Each expedition and story mission is charmingly narrated by quirky characters you encounter along the way, adding personality and warmth to what could otherwise be a purely mechanical experience.

While the narrative won’t win any screenplay awards, it’s exactly what a game like Forza Horizon 5 needs—lighthearted, enthusiastic, and celebratory. The storytelling approach successfully balances freedom and structure, keeping players motivated with just enough context without overshadowing the real star: the endless excitement of open-road exploration and the roar of your dream cars echoing through Mexico’s varied landscapes.

Gameplay and Mechanics

At its core, Forza Horizon 5 delivers a driving experience that’s both exhilarating and accessible. Whether you’re tearing through dense jungles in a rugged off-roader or slicing down pristine highways in a finely tuned hypercar, every vehicle handles with a satisfying weight and precision. Playground Games continues to expertly blend realism and arcade-style fun, ensuring hardcore racing fans and casual gamers alike find something to love. It’s a rare joy to experience mechanics this refined—responsive controls, intuitive handling, and enough nuance to reward mastery without punishing beginners.

The game’s expansive open-world design perfectly complements its gameplay, offering unprecedented freedom and variety. Activities are scattered generously across Mexico’s diverse terrain, from high-octane street races and off-road scrambles to spectacular showcase events involving improbable scenarios (ever raced a cargo plane down an active volcano?). Each event feels crafted to showcase specific vehicle types and driving styles, keeping gameplay fresh and consistently rewarding players for experimentation and curiosity.

Customization remains a standout feature in Forza Horizon 5, with deeper tuning options and visual enhancements than ever before. Players can meticulously adjust performance metrics or indulge their creative sides by painting brake calipers, designing custom liveries, or even opening and closing convertible tops. For the mechanically inclined, these detailed customization options add depth and replay value; for the aesthetically driven, they’re simply a delight, turning every car into a personalized statement on wheels.

The introduction of EventLab—a powerful new toolset that allows players to design custom races, challenges, stunts, and game modes—is perhaps the game’s most impressive new mechanic. EventLab transforms the community into active creators, significantly extending the game’s lifespan and variety. Whether you’re crafting intricate stunt courses or hilariously chaotic challenges, the ability to share creations through Gift Drops ensures a constant influx of player-generated content, adding almost infinite replayability. Just be warned: hours can vanish unnoticed once you dive into this creative rabbit hole.

Multiplayer and Replayability

Multiplayer in Forza Horizon 5 isn’t just a side attraction—it’s practically the main event, enhancing every element of gameplay with social connectivity and endless competition. Playground Games seamlessly integrates online features, letting you race friends, team up for co-op challenges, or simply cruise the vibrant landscapes of Mexico together. The elimination of cumbersome menus and loading screens makes joining multiplayer sessions effortless, creating a smooth, uninterrupted experience that keeps players engaged and communities thriving.

The standout multiplayer feature is undoubtedly Horizon Arcade, offering chaotic, fun-driven challenges that encourage teamwork and friendly rivalry. Whether you’re collectively smashing piñatas, executing synchronized drifts, or tackling absurd stunt jumps, the emphasis here is firmly on enjoyment rather than hardcore competition. It’s a breath of fresh air for racing games, often notorious for aggressive online environments—here, camaraderie reigns supreme, even if occasional playful sabotage remains irresistible.

Further extending multiplayer appeal, Horizon Open and Tours provide structured yet relaxed ways to meet and interact with fellow drivers. Racing against real opponents adds excitement and unpredictability, while tours allow for casual exploration and socialization, perfect for those who prefer leisurely drives and scenic chats over pedal-to-the-metal competition. Additionally, the Gift Drop feature brilliantly encourages player generosity, allowing community members to share custom cars, liveries, and creations—fostering genuine community spirit rarely found in competitive gaming.

Replayability soars thanks to dynamic seasonal changes, new weekly events, and regularly updated content. Mexico’s shifting landscape ensures fresh experiences every time you return—massive dust storms, tropical rains, and seasonal festivals regularly reshape how you approach races and challenges. Coupled with community-created content via EventLab and an endlessly expanding roster of cars and customization options, Forza Horizon 5 practically guarantees endless replayability, keeping drivers eagerly returning for more tire-shredding excitement.

Graphics and Sound

Forza Horizon 5 isn’t merely a visual showcase—it’s an absolute tour-de-force of graphical excellence. Playground Games has crafted one of the most visually breathtaking open worlds ever featured in a racing game. Every corner of the expansive Mexican landscape bursts with meticulous detail, from shimmering beaches and sprawling cities to lush jungles and snow-capped volcanoes. Enhanced by the PS5’s power, textures are remarkably sharp, lighting is dynamic and realistic, and environmental effects like dust storms and rainfall achieve near-photorealistic immersion.

The cars themselves are painstakingly modeled, capturing every curve, reflection, and mechanical detail to an obsessive degree. Paintwork gleams authentically under Mexico’s ever-changing skies, and subtle details such as brake calipers, interior stitching, and animated convertible roofs add a layer of immersive realism rarely seen before. Simply put, Forza Horizon 5 doesn’t just show off your dream cars—it celebrates them in breathtaking fashion.

Sound design matches the game’s graphical brilliance, delivering an audio experience that brings every car vividly to life. Engine roars, tire squeals, and gear shifts feel genuinely visceral, creating an auditory feast that complements the visual splendor. Each vehicle possesses a distinct sonic personality, accurately capturing everything from the throaty growl of American muscle cars to the refined precision of European supercars. Combined with immersive environmental audio—rustling foliage, howling storms, bustling cityscapes—the sound design creates an unparalleled sensory experience.

Music further elevates the presentation, with an eclectic soundtrack featuring diverse genres that effortlessly match the on-screen action. Whether you’re drifting through tight corners to energetic electronic beats or cruising leisurely along coastal highways with relaxed indie tracks, the music consistently enhances your driving experience. Coupled with exceptional visual fidelity and impeccable sound design, the result is a genuinely cinematic, pulse-pounding, and emotionally exhilarating racing spectacle that captivates from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

Forza Horizon 5 is, without exaggeration, the pinnacle of open-world racing experiences, delivering exhilarating gameplay, breathtaking visuals, and endless replayability. Playground Games not only maintains the franchise’s stellar reputation but pushes it to even greater heights with meticulous attention to detail, thrilling new mechanics, and a dynamic, constantly evolving world. Whether you’re a hardcore petrolhead obsessed with fine-tuning every gear ratio or a casual gamer seeking high-speed escapism, this game masterfully caters to every driving fantasy imaginable.

The transition to PlayStation 5 is handled flawlessly, showcasing the console’s immense graphical and technical capabilities. Mexico has never looked—or sounded—better, with richly detailed environments, immersive weather effects, and audio design so vivid you’ll feel like you’re actually behind the wheel. This graphical excellence pairs perfectly with intuitive, responsive gameplay mechanics that feel simultaneously realistic and approachable, creating an addictive racing experience that’s nearly impossible to put down.

Multiplayer functionality significantly enhances the game’s lifespan, seamlessly integrating social interactions into virtually every aspect of play. From relaxed scenic cruises and hilarious arcade challenges to fiercely competitive races, the online components foster a vibrant, supportive, and enthusiastic community. Add the incredible user-generated content enabled by EventLab, and Forza Horizon 5 ensures there’s always something new, surprising, and engaging waiting around every corner.

In short, Forza Horizon 5 isn’t merely a fantastic racing game—it’s an outstanding gaming experience, period. If you own a PS5 and enjoy even the slightest thrill from cars, speed, or exploration, this title deserves a permanent spot in your collection. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a Ferrari waiting for me at the foot of an erupting volcano—and those roads aren’t going to conquer themselves.

We prepared this review with a digital copy of Forza Horizon 5 for the PS5 version provided by Microsoft PR.