I’ve seen some criticisms of Microsoft’s new multi-console approach. You know, bringing some of its biggest Xbox titles to other platforms after they enjoyed success on their initial format. And all I can think is…why not? Why shouldn’t Microsoft benefit from giving other players a shot at some of its best games? Hell, I’m eager to see what they do on PS5. But for now, after seeing its work on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on the PlayStation 5 this past week, it’s time to give Forza Horizon 5 a shot.
Playground Games initially introduced this open-world racer back in 2021 (!) for Xbox and PC, where it amassed a rather large audience. After all, you’re practically racing through Mexico from corner to corner, with some stops at a Rally Expedition and a Hot Wheels park as well. It benefitted from strong support and tons of content, which players are still exploring today. (Thanks, Horizon Realms!) And now PS5 owners get a shot at glory.
And glory it is. Despite being years old, Forza Horizon 5 still feels surprisingly fresh. There’s a plethora of events to find here, as well as secrets to uncover and cars to unlock. There are also customization options aplenty, and online challenges you can discover – even some from the community. On top of all that, the presentation remains absolutely stunning on the PS5. This game hasn’t missed a beat.
Some of the human interactions are a bit soft, and the game does require a Microsoft account in order to proceed. (Relax, it’s free.) But those small complaints aside, Forza Horizon 5 is easily one of the best racing games out there. It’s actually kind of shocking how a four-year old Microsoft speedster can challenge Gran Turismo 7 for its mighty mantle. But here we are.
Forza Horizon 5 Revs Its Engine From the Start
After registering for a Microsoft account (or logging in to your current Xbox one), you’ll begin your journey into Forza Horizon 5. It begins with a run into Mexico and trying out different cars to get a feel of what everything’s all about. From there, you can shape your experience however you see fit, turning on steering assists (if needed) and changing up the difficulty (crank it up). Then you can pick and choose whatever events you want, and the world begins opening up.
Your route can change depending on your choices, but the sheer variety of events is unspeakably huge. From a run against a plane and wingsuit divers to an all-out race across the countryside, Forza Horizon 5 has no shortage of content. And that includes a ton of unlockable and buyable cars, as well as hidden secrets throughout the map. Barn finds are still exciting, especially once you uncover the secrets they’re harboring.
Of course, this would be all for naught if the handling of the cars wasn’t great. Fortunately, it very much is. Each vehicle comes with its own special sense of control, so you always feel mastering every turn and even the drifts. What’s more, you can tweak settings at any time, if you feel like challenging yourself. It’s so quintessential that it makes Gran Turismo 7 look old hat. That’s really something.
The online interaction is very cool as well. You’ll see other competing drivers on the road and can even invite them along for the ride. In addition, custom challenges pop up, allowing you to focus on your skills even further. This is on top of the cool Horizon stuff already thrown your way, along with the Rally Challenge and Hot Wheels expansions – both of which totally rock. I do miss the Lego world from Forza Horizon 4, but it’s not bad at all.
That said, there are a couple of minor complaints. First off, parts of Forza Horizon 5 are unskippable. Even if you’ve mastered this territory before, some people will not shut up. Movies also can’t be skipped, even if you’re familiar with what they offer. Also, some of the people you run across are a bit…bland. They want to help you get the most out of your performance, but they seem a bit lacking in personality.
Luckily, these minor problems don’t get in the way of the glorious performance that Forza Horizon 5 delivers. This is still a ton of fun, no matter which route you take. And there are hours’ worth of secrets worth uncovering. Not to mention Horizon Realms, the latest addition to the game. This’ll keep you glued well into the summer.
So, yeah, four years later and Forza Horizon 5 is still a champ. All I hope now is that we get a Nintendo Switch 2 version so we can truly take this act on the road. For now, the PS5 version will more than suffice.
A Swell Looking Machine On PS5
Forza Horizon 5 doesn’t miss a beat in its transition to PS5. Handled with smooth care by Panic Button (the same guys that brought the Doom games to Nintendo Switch), there’s nary a flaw with this port.
The game’s visuals look absolutely stunning throughout. Whether you choose quality or performance, you’ll find this engine still up to speed after all these years. What’s more, if you own a PS5 Pro, you can get even more enhancements for the ultimate ride. But a lot of us just have the PS5, and, fortunately, the port more than holds up. The frame rate is smooth and the car models look fantastic. Again, there are unskippable parts at times, but you’ll be back behind the wheel in no time.
As for audio, it’s superb. The car engine noises remain a highlight, each with relatable sound compared to their real life models. The sounds of Mexico are also nice and ambient. And there’s no shortage of radio stations, each with their own custom DJ. Whether you like trance, classical music, heavy metal or dance, there’s something here for everyone. I’m currently glued to Epitath, though the Horizon Dance channel is growing on me in spots. (To each their own.)
Overall, I’m pleased with this game’s transition on PS5. And if future Microsoft ports are on this level (alongside Indiana Jones), then I’ll definitely take whatever’s given.
Forza Horizon 5 Is a Highway, I’m Gonna Ride It All Night Long
In the end, Forza Horizon 5 is something special. Nearly four years after its release, it still has that aspect that keeps you coming back for more. Maybe it’s the gameplay. Or it’s the vast series of events laid out in front of you. Actually, it’s the bad-ass cars or my bad-ass driver with a bionic hand that knows how to handle the road. Or maybe it’s just all of it.
Regardless, Playground Games and Panic Button have given Forza Horizon 5 a monumental transition over to the PS5. It doesn’t miss a beat and comes packed with goodies galore. And it’s fun to play on your own or with friends. It literally covers every part of the road that it can, and more. Even with its very minor issues.
Bottom line, you shouldn’t be without Forza Horizon 5. It’ll keep you busy well throughout the year – and hell, maybe even next.
GAMERHUB RATING: 5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Many thanks to Microsoft for the review code! Forza Horizon 5 is available this week for PlayStation 5, and you can get it for Xbox and PC as well!
Need more racing goodness? Check out our reviews of Top Racer Collection and New Star GP!
