I don’t know if you feel the same way, but reviewing Forza Horizon 5 on a PlayStation console feels incredibly strange to me. I still remember my teenage years with an Xbox 360, constantly telling my friends that even in the worst-case scenario, Microsoft always had an ace up its sleeve—and that was the Forza series. My friends used to argue that PlayStation had Gran Turismo, a title built for pros. But over time, Forza carved out its own place among the top racing games. Now, after a long and successful journey, the franchise has finally reached PlayStation. But the real question is—does it offer PlayStation users a reason to jump in?
Returning to Forza After a Long Break
It’s been years since I left the Xbox ecosystem, and since then, I’ve only played Forza on PC. My experience with the fifth installment was brief—until now. With the arrival of the PS5 port, I’ve spent far more time with the game, and I can confidently say that the magic of Forza, especially the Horizon series, is still very much alive and stronger than ever.
An Epic Opening That Sets the Tone
From the very beginning, Forza Horizon 5 makes a strong impression. You’re dropped from planes into the road in different cars, quickly exploring the game’s vibrant environments—all within the first magical ten minutes. You immediately realize that Horizon is a rare gem in the racing genre, offering a truly unique identity.
A Racing Game with Soul
The moment you race across rivers and see water splashing realistically across your screen, you feel something special. The Horizon series has always had a joyful, almost celebratory tone, something that’s hard to find in other racing games. From the colorful festival vibes to Mexico’s stunning landscapes and your companions’ enthusiastic energy, the experience feels alive and dynamic.
Your Companions Drive the Story Forward
Throughout your adventure, various companions assign you missions that unlock new activities across the game’s expansive map. But here’s the only issue I have with Forza Horizon 5: the map itself. Set in Mexico, the developers tried to offer large environments—deserts, jungles, dirt roads—which was a necessary evolution for the series. However, this wide-open design somewhat pulls the game away from the familiar city-driven feel of previous entries, especially Horizon 4.
While there are still urban areas and small-town streets, most activities are based in nature, which can become a bit repetitive in the long run. That said, the variety in racing events makes up for it. The game includes over ten types of offline and online races, each requiring specific vehicles and strategies.
Diverse Races That Break the Routine
In one race, you’ll compete in a traditional lineup. In another, you’ll have to navigate muddy dirt roads, maintaining balance under tricky conditions. This diversity ensures that the game’s expansive map never feels dull or repetitive. Each race brings something new to the table.
Unmatched Handling and DualSense Magic
Forza Horizon 5 offers some of the best car handling in the racing genre. Even newcomers can quickly grasp the game’s driving physics. The PS5’s DualSense controller adds another layer of immersion—you can truly feel how each tire reacts to the road. The adaptive triggers also adjust based on your car’s weight and build, making the experience even more engaging. These mechanics, along with user-friendly features like Rewind, are part of what makes Horizon so approachable and satisfying.
An Excellent Port for PS5 Users
The PS5 port of Forza Horizon 5 has been executed beautifully by Panic Button, offering a smooth and polished experience. This game is one of the most visually detailed titles available on the console. From sweeping deserts to lush jungles, the diverse Mexican environments are breathtaking. Surprisingly, Forza Horizon 5 may be one of the best examples of how far the PS5’s hardware can be pushed—it runs with no frame drops or technical issues whatsoever.
New Content: Horizon Realms
Developers Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios have introduced a new mode called Horizon Realms, which is also available for free on Xbox and PC. In this mode, players can choose from a set of newly designed maps and compete to set the highest scores. It’s most exciting in online multiplayer, offering a strong sense of competition. In single-player, it’s less engaging unless you enjoy challenging yourself to beat personal records.
Expansion Packs: Hot Wheels & Rally Adventure
PlayStation 5 users can also access two DLCs: Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure.
- Hot Wheels is arguably one of the best crossover racing experiences ever made. The fusion of Forza mechanics with Hot Wheels’ wild track design feels like racing in a dream world. These events are faster and more intense than the main game’s Mexican map, and offer their own unique challenges—like icy tracks that demand perfect handling. This expansion offers a distinct mood and is highly recommended.
- In Rally Adventure, players dive into various rally events—dirt racing in jungles, off-road races on sand, and tarmac rallies. While some of these events feel similar to regular races in the base game, the dirt races in particular strongly resemble Dakar-style events from South America. Still, from a quality standpoint, Hot Wheels is far more valuable and enjoyable than Rally Adventure. If you only try one, make it Hot Wheels.
The Heart of the Horizon Experience
From the upbeat radio chatter of your in-game companions to the vivid environments and responsive car controls, Forza Horizon 5 offers an experience that’s hard to describe—it just feels right. In my opinion, this is the best racing game currently available on PlayStation 5, and I’m thrilled that more players now have the chance to enjoy this flawless and feel-good title through the new PS5 port.
