Everything you need to know about Xbox’s Forza Horizon 5

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The Forza Horizon franchise has always been a popular one, mainly because it blended the series’ racing credentials with an open world map to explore. 

From England to Europe and even Australia, the Horizon franchise is well travelled, but for the fifth game it takes you to the wide expanses of Mexico. 

It’s available now on Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC. Let’s take a quick look at what to expect from the newest instalment. 

The map 

The map of Mexico is the largest, highest and most diverse of all the Forza games. 

From active volcanoes (yes, volcanoes!), sandy deserts, beautiful rainforests and snowy mountains, Horizon 5 seems to have it all. 

At over 107km squared in size, the map of Mexico will be sure to keep you busy for the entirety of the campaign. 

Plenty of races and ‘showcase events’ – that put you up against trains, planes and other automobiles – will make sure you stay occupied, plus there are extra DLCs to come (downloadable content). 

The cars 

Over 520 cars are offered for Horizon 5, up from the 460 included in the last game and the amount of variety is impressive. 

Some of the highlights include the new C8 Corvette, Dodge Challenger Demon, Ferrari Portofino, Ken Block’s Hoonicorn Mustang, Lamborghini Huracan Performante and much much more. 

Engine sounds have been extensively revised for the new game and there is said to be more of a distinction between modified and non-modified engine sounds in the new instalment. 

Developer Playground Games has also focused on making tyre smoke and dirt effects more realistic which is a bonus for all the drifting fans out there. 

What the reviewers are saying

Game review website IGN gave the new Horizon 5 game a perfect 10/10, saying “It looks beautiful, it sounds magnificent, and it is glorious to play. Yes, Forza Horizon 5 is a lot of things. Above all, however, it is the result of a racing studio at the peak of its craft and the best open-world racing game I’ve ever played.”

Gamespot gave the title a 9/10, saying that the franchise “stands head and shoulders above anything else in this genre”. 

Finally, the Washington Post said, “the Mexican landscape, the vast customization options for gameplay as well as your character, and the visuals all come together to create what’s easily the masterpiece of the series”. 

Is it worth buying?

Forza Horizon 5 will cater to every sort of car fan, whether they are just getting started or have been playing racing games for years. 

The series offers the ultimate freedom of exploration and plenty to do, all while providing a photo-realistic racing experience. 

Forza Horizon 5 is priced from $99.95 and is now available to purchase online via Xbox Live or through most retail stores.