That’s partly because Mexico has been such a blast to explore and because Forza Horizon‘s core gameplay is still fun. Almost paradoxically, that initial weariness of the Forza Horizon formula has worn off as I’ve played the game more. In continuing to play it for this review, I’ve however found that I’m enjoying the game more and more. When I first realized that Forza Horizon 5 is very similar to its predecessors, that took some of the wind out of my sails and diminished my excitement for the new entry a little bit.
It’s interesting, because the more I play Forza Horizon 5, the more it hooks me. As the adage goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and very little of the Forza Horizon structure needed fixing, in my opinion. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing because Forza Horizon 3 and 4 were very good games. You’re still going for three-star ratings in speed zones, drift zones, and danger signs.įorza Horizon 5 is a game that can one minute feel very different from past entries thanks to its new setting, and then the next minute feels indistinguishable from them because so much of the gameplay loop is the same. You’re still scouring areas for hidden barns and restoring the neglected cars lurking within. You’re still driving around an open-world map, competing in road racing, dirt racing, and off-road racing events. While those Adventure Chapters do offer some more story and some pretty cool exploration segments and showcase events, at its core, Forza Horizon 5 is still very similar to past entries in the series.
Even with that in mind, I’m hesitant to say that this new structure shakes up the formula in any significant way. The Forza Horizon structure has undergone some changes in Forza Horizon 5, as the game splits different event types into their own “Adventure Chapters” and allows you to progress each one separately. The premise is the same as Forza Horizon 3 and 4, in that you’ve been sent to this new location – Mexico – to set up and expand the Forza Horizon festival by completing various races and events.
Mexico is so varied and beautiful that I can see people who may otherwise be burned out on Forza Horizon games getting drawn in anyway.Īfter all, it’s possible that Forza Horizon veterans are starting to feel a little burned out, and I’m not sure if Forza Horizon 5 will help with that. Nevertheless, I think that Forza Horizon 5 will wind up being one of the most memorable games in the series, precisely because of the setting.
Forza Horizon 5 might be the best-looking game I’ve ever played, though I’m sure that as the generation progresses, there will be plenty of challengers for that crown. Visually, Forza Horizon 5 is a very impressive game, and the scenery is a big reason for that. I’m not saying that Great Britain and Australia were terrible choices for settings in previous games – they weren’t at all – but there’s just something about Mexico that makes it the best Forza Horizon setting I’ve ever explored. Between the jungles, the beaches, the mountains, and the cities, Forza Horizon 5‘s map feels like it has so much character.