Gameplay:
Forza Horizon has consistently held a strong position in the racing genre, providing a vast racing field, a diverse array of cars, and robust feedback to support the experience. Cars are meticulously detailed, featuring solid sound design, and are genuinely enjoyable to drive, ranging from everyday town cars to high-powered sports vehicles. The game progressively unlocks more racing opportunities as you play and advance through its story, expanding the gaming experience. I played it using a mouse and keyboard combination, which, while less immersive than a controller or wheel, is still quite usable. If possible, using even a basic controller enhances the immersion.
Sound Design and Soundtrack:
The car audio, as mentioned earlier, contributes significantly to the overall immersion, and the team at Xbox has excelled in every aspect of it. Turning down the radio station at times allows you to appreciate the distinct sounds of the various cars, adding a magnificent touch to the experience. The well-crafted radio stations like Horizon Block Party and Hospital Records enhance immersion during races or leisurely drives. When players are enjoying your songs, it's a clear sign of a job well done.
Performance and Visuals:
Forza has consistently delivered stunning graphics, and with each new release, they push the boundaries further. Mexico in Forza Horizon 5 showcases a variety of visually distinct locations, each with its unique style, from the jungle's muddy roads to the desert's wide sands. Despite its high-quality visuals, the game runs smoothly, even on older hardware like an RX 570 (a 5-year-old graphics card) at mixed high-ultra settings, with no noticeable stutters. Xbox has done an excellent job optimizing performance.
Customization:
Forza offers an extensive range of customization options for both the exterior and interior of cars. Everything, from paint jobs to added or removed parts, can be adjusted. Experimenting with different looks is easily accessible, and players can spend hours mixing and matching paint jobs or opt for pre-made combinations when purchasing a car. Inner car parts can be adapted for different terrains, significantly impacting performance. The breadth of car upgrades allows a single car to qualify for races in multiple categories, leading to more races in your favorite car. The playable character is also highly customizable with various clothing, voices, disability options, dances, tattoos, and more.
End Game:
After completing the main campaign, players can engage in various side stories that contribute to the overall immersion. These often involve tasks such as reaching a destination in the fastest time or capturing images of historical sites in various conditions. Players can strive to achieve three stars for every race and story, providing added challenges. Forza encourages players to explore its diverse offerings, offering constant rewards such as cars, money, customization options, and even various houses in Mexico. As a live service game, continuous updates introduce new content, challenges, and, of course, many new cars.
Microtransactions:
Forza Horizon 5 boasts a roster of over 500 cars, with more regularly added. While some cars may be behind a paywall or might require significant grinding, the game offers a variety of DLCs for additional content. It's worth noting that a few DLCs, each priced at around 2-3 dollars, provide access to one car. While microtransactions exist, the overall integrity of this outstanding game shines through, despite industry trends that some may find unfortunate.
