Forza Horizon 5
Review

Forza Horizon 5 (2021) is a fast-paced racing game where you drive all manner of different vehicles in races and across the vast open landscape. Building on Forza Horizon 4, this fifth entry to the series is set in Mexico, allowing you to explore vibrant cities, burning deserts and beaches, and jungles with ancient Mayan temples awaiting discovery.

There are over 500 cars that are fully customisable both in terms of how they look and how they perform - even down to gear ratios and torque curves. However, it is the stunning open-world that sets Forza Horizon 5 apart from other racing games. Substantially larger than the already large map in Forza Horizon 4, it's brimming with life, weather and day-night cycle that make it incredibly realistic.

Improving on Horizon 4's weather system, where the entire map was affected in the same way by weather changes, here, there are individual areas that have entirely unique weather systems, so a tropical rainstorm in the jungle can coexist with a scorching day in the desert. This system of unique weather systems, which is still tied to a seasonal clock, reinforces the incredible diversity and scope on offer.

Races can be played casually, or you can compete with other members of the family, or with friends online, to get the fastest time around a lap. Experiment with the braking distances of each car, and find the fastest line to take around corners to shave off precious seconds from your time.

While it doesn't offer a driving experience as in-depth or true to life as the Forza Motorsport series, instead opting for a more accessible and lighthearted experience, it still offers plenty of opportunities to learn about real driving and racing elements alongside realistic vehicle mechanics.

With a huge and detailed map brimming with vibrance and exciting details, and its unique weather system, it offers a unique chance to get behind the wheel of some of the greatest cars ever built and experience exciting races, on your own or with others, or just explore the beautiful scenery.

Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked Forza Horizon 5 2 years ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 3 months ago.