Play Your Heart Out: “Forza Horizon 5”

On Nov. 9, Playground Games’ new release, “Forza Horizon 5” crossed the finish line for gamers on Xbox One, Series S/X, and PC. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass subscribers have access included within their membership. 

As a diehard Horizon fan since their first title in 2012, I’ve witnessed the franchise evolve into its present form, and oh my, this game is glorious.

Players can explore, race, and cruise their way around a beautifully crafted open world map set in Mexico. Finding a favorite car is also rather easy, Over 500 are included in the base game, representing nearly a century of automotive history. Truly, there’s something for everyone, from rare classics like the Bugatti Type 37 to present day supercars, including the Koenigsegg Jesko.

Players can expect a healthy mixture of similar but varied race events on asphalt, dirt, or sand. Showcases, where players are pitted against another opponent of an extreme type, including trains, aircraft, and dirt bikes, also return for “Forza Horizon 5.”

“Forza Horizon 4” included three new types of events into the franchise, which received more thorough integration into this title. These include drag racing, Horizon Stories, and Trailblazers; a race against the clock where players choose their own route from one point to another.

All of these features form an incredible game, but the inclusion of new, accurate audio recording for the game’s cars blew my mind the first time that I punched the accelerator and jolted forwards. Engines roar, whine, and crackle like their real world counterparts; transmissions clunk as they shift between gears. The development team also implemented a new system of audible upgrades, which means that modifying parts of a vehicle actually affects how it sounds in game.

Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, this is a title that shouldn’t be missed. Microsoft produced a game that pushes the capabilities of its new consoles, yet still feels lush and gorgeous on the older generation. With Game Pass, it’s easier than ever to explore the wonders of Mexico without leaving your home.