Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 is historic. It feels like the battle of the consoles has evolved into what it always should have been. Everyone should be able to play the games they want regardless of console, and Xbox has done something I never thought they would. Playing as a character with the nickname of ‘The Master Chief’ while listening to Halo music on the PlayStation 5 is so surreal. Seeing my Xbox friends race alongside me with a DualSense is still weird after spending hours with it. Play truly does have no limits.
On a fundamental level, Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 plays exactly the same as it does on Xbox Series X|S. If people are expecting vast improvements, there simply aren’t, yet there doesn’t need to be. It was practically perfect, and all of the wonder of travelling across Mexico has been replicated for Sony’s console. Nothing needed to change. It’s about players getting to play a masterpiece in racing on a different console, simple as that. That said, the new Horizon Realms mode is here and present, and adds yet more content should you ever feel the need for more.
For those not familiar with Forza Horizon 5’s gameplay loop, you’ll take part in plenty of racing events around the gorgeous country of Mexico. Dirt races, street races, more professional races. Competitions are everywhere you look, and by succeeding, you’ll earn Accolade Points to progress through the story and unlock new gear for your character and new cars for your garage. Horizon Arcade lets you play with others, and there are tons of mini challenges like beating top speeds, taking photographs, and breaking XP boards scattered throughout the map.
There’s always something to do, and it unlocks organically. There’s never nothing to do. If you know everything there is to know about cars, there are hundreds of cars to purchase and unlock. If you’re a casual driver, it is still exciting to see some of the world’s biggest brands like Bugatti and Aston Martin feature their best rides for you to gain access to. It’s always great participating in events, but a lot of the time I adored simply driving across the dense and beautifully designed map exploring.
As for the driving itself, cars do feel different. Players who appreciate simulation driving, there’s a lot of nuance between similar automobiles. For those who prefer a more arcade-focused drive, Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 is catered for you as well. Playground Games balance that fine line incredibly well. One slight mistake isn’t punished like the Milestone titles, but if you do mess up, just hit Triangle to rewind back to a place where you feel more comfortable with. Driving just feels perfect, and it cannot be overstated how important this is.
Mexico is absolutely stunning. Cactus-laden deserts, huge mountains, sandstorms and lush forests, historic Mexican architecture, and more, the world is breath-taking. More often than not, you’ll spend a lot of time parking up and staring at your surroundings. It is so easy to get side-tracked when on route to your next mission, but it’s always a pleasure to soak in the sun, soak in the sights, and appreciate just how much work has been put in to making Forza Horizon 5 as beautiful as it is.
The one thing that might put players off is how overwhelming it can be. There’s a lot to do, and you’re given plenty of challenges and races to take part in. While it can be a lot, the best way to play is to take your time. There is no rush to complete anything. You’ll start to acquire Accolade points and credits simply by exploring, and the more time you put in, the more you’ll become familiar with the comforting grind of Forza Horizon 5.
Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 does everything it did on Xbox and PC. It is considered one of the best racers of all time, and it’s hard to argue with that. Sony is so lucky to have this on its console, and the developer hasn’t fumbled. It features so much to do and so many cars to unlock that there’s never a moment where you’re struggling to find a focus. Simply enjoy the ride, take in the sites, and play a masterpiece of a racer at your own pace.
