Forza Horizon 5

The story of Forza Horizon 5 is generally viewed as a secondary element, but several critics highlight its efforts to enhance the game’s atmosphere and cultural immersion. For instance, TheGamer and IGN Spain praise the game’s focus on Mexico’s vibrant festivals and traditions, noting that the narrative framework allows players to feel like a celebrated figure within the Horizon Festival. GameByte and GameGrin commend the inclusion of cultural references, such as missions that reflect local stories (e.g., restoring a VW Beetle) and memorable voice acting, which adds a layer of engagement. The Loadout and WellPlayed acknowledge improvements in the main-story quests, with a more cohesive structure and a sense of purpose, while PCGamesN and GameOver Online appreciate the narrative’s role in making players feel like part of the festival’s leadership team. These reviews suggest that while the story isn’t the game’s core, it successfully complements the racing experience with a light, context-driven approach. However, the story faces significant criticism for its lack of depth and repetitive design. Impulsegamer and New Game Network describe the story missions as juvenile, with unskippable cutscenes and underdeveloped career modes that feel shallow. GamingBolt and Gamers Heroes criticize the bland, repetitive nature of the narrative, noting that players often tune out the missions, which are not mandatory but still fail to captivate. Hardcore Gamer and EGM point to cliché dialogue, cringe-worthy moments, and superficial portrayals of Mexican culture, while Push Square and The Games Machine argue the story lacks realism and a traditional structure, instead prioritizing the festival’s spectacle over meaningful progression. Inverse and GamePro Germany also note that the Expeditions are short and unengaging, with the narrative serving more as a vehicle for showcasing cars than delivering a compelling plot. These critiques collectively suggest the story struggles to balance entertainment with substance, often feeling like a passive backdrop to the game’s open-world racing. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Forza Horizon 5’s story is not a primary draw but is functional and occasionally effective in its context. While some praise its cultural nods and minor narrative improvements (e.g., The Loadout’s “solid narrative” and GameGrin’s “non-linear structure”), others, like Impulsegamer and GamingBolt, find it lacking in depth and innovation. The game’s focus remains on the racing and exploration, with the story acting as a framework rather than a driving force. PC Invasion and Multiplayer.it note that the narrative is more about world-building and immersion than a traditional plot, and Vgames highlights inclusivity through character customization. Despite mixed reactions, most agree that the story is not a deal-breaker, with Carole Quintaine and Malditos Nerds emphasizing that it’s “not a significant concern” for players. The narrative’s role is largely to support the game’s festival theme, which, while not deeply involved, provides a sense of purpose and cultural flavor for those who seek it.

The majority of critics praised Forza Horizon 5’s gameplay for its engaging variety, refined mechanics, and expansive open-world design. Reviewers like IGN France highlighted the revamped progression system and diverse race types, emphasizing the "fun and driving pleasure" it delivers. EGM and GAMINGbible noted the inclusion of new features such as Expeditions and EventLab, which add depth and replayability, while VideoGamer and GAMES.CH celebrated the game’s mix of street, off-road, and dirt races, offering a dynamic experience. The driving mechanics were frequently lauded for their balance between arcade-style accessibility and simulation-like precision, with NME calling them "fantastic" and LaPS4 praising the "precise arcade-style gameplay." Worth Playing and Meristation highlighted the game’s customization options and vehicle handling, which cater to both casual and competitive players. Overall, the consensus was that Forza Horizon 5 builds on its predecessor’s strengths with polished systems and a richly detailed world. However, some critics pointed out recurring issues, including repetition and a lack of significant innovation. NME and Atomix noted that many activities feel "repetitive" compared to previous entries, while TierraGamer and WellPlayed observed that the gameplay remains "similar to its predecessor" with only minor improvements. PCGamesN criticized the multiplayer aspect as "weak," and GamingBolt mentioned that the "familiar formula" might not excite players seeking radical changes. Additionally, Ragequit.gr and Jeuxvideo.com acknowledged that while the game offers a wide array of activities, some main events felt less engaging, and the "new weather system" (as noted by Destructoid) was seen as a minor addition rather than a transformative feature. These critiques suggest that while the gameplay is enjoyable, it leans heavily on established mechanics without fully breaking new ground. Despite these shortcomings, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with IGN Portugal, Eurogamer Portugal, and Trusted Reviews calling the gameplay "fun and approachable" and "highly adaptable" for different playstyles. The game’s ability to balance arcade thrills with simulation depth, as highlighted by JeuxActu and PlayStation Universe, resonated with both casual and hardcore fans. While some critics, like Gaming Nexus and GameSpew, noted that the open-world formula remains "familiar," the collective praise for its variety, customization, and accessibility underscores why Forza Horizon 5 is seen as a strong entry in the series. The majority of reviewers, including PC Gamer and Attack of the Fanboy, agreed that the gameplay delivers a satisfying, if not groundbreaking, experience that reinforces the franchise’s appeal.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Forza Horizon 5 as a true masterpiece, with many highlighting its stunning representation of Mexico and the impressive level of detail in both environments and vehicles. Multiple outlets, including IGN, Checkpoint Gaming, and GameGrin, lauded the game for its exceptional lighting, textures, and dynamic weather system, which together create a visually breathtaking open world. GameSpew and The Loadout emphasized the game's large and diverse map, with biomes ranging from lush jungles to active volcanoes, and noted that the visuals shine brightest in Quality mode on the Xbox Series X. COGconnected and Generación Xbox also commended the game's ability to showcase the full potential of next-gen consoles, with Jeuxvideo.com calling it a significant graphical upgrade over previous titles. The attention to detail in car models, particularly their bodywork and colors, was a recurring highlight, with GameCritics and PC Gamer noting the meticulous craftsmanship that enhances the overall visual experience. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics pointed out minor technical and visual issues. Ragequit.gr and Gamers Heroes mentioned that while the environments and vehicles were impressive, character models on PC felt dated and stiff. Impulsegamer noted that certain city areas lacked life, and Hobby Consolas pointed out minor issues like "popping" in the environment. JeuxActu and TrueAchievements acknowledged that some weather effects could reduce visibility, and SpazioGames mentioned the presence of low-resolution elements. Additionally, Combo Infinito noted that the game's visuals, while impressive, had minor graphical issues compared to PC. These critiques, though present, were generally seen as minor blemishes in an otherwise visually stunning experience. Overall, the consensus among critics was that Forza Horizon 5 represents a visual benchmark for racing games, with many calling it one of the best-looking titles available. IGN Spain and Worth Playing emphasized its photorealistic effects and detailed environments, while But Why Tho? went as far as to say it features "possibly the most beautiful map ever created." Even with some technical limitations on older hardware, as noted by Game Over Online and TheSixthAxis, the game's visual design was widely regarded as a triumph. The praise for its graphical fidelity, diverse biomes, and immersive depiction of Mexico reinforced the idea that Forza Horizon 5 is not just a racing game, but a visual masterpiece that sets a new standard for the genre.

The sound design and music of Forza Horizon 5 received widespread praise for their immersive and technically impressive execution. Critics highlighted the game’s realistic engine sounds, with MGG and Game Rant noting the "perfectly tuned engine sounds" and "distinctive vehicle audio" that enhance the racing experience. The soundtrack was lauded for its diversity, featuring a mix of genres and artists, including Mexican influences and tracks like Dua Lipa’s Levitating (GRYOnline.pl). Radio stations were a standout element, with Stevivor and Pure Xbox praising their engaging anecdotes, varied music selection, and dynamic presenters. IGN and GameGrin emphasized the immersive audio environments, while Windows Central and IGN Spain highlighted significant improvements in ambient sounds and vehicle recordings, creating a more authentic and vibrant world. The integration of music with gameplay, such as GameGrin’s "unique mechanic that syncs music with in-game actions," further underscored the positive reception of the audio design. However, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings. The soundtrack was criticized for feeling repetitive or stale, with AusGamers and LevelUp noting a lack of variety and new additions compared to previous entries. MGG Spain and Hobby Consolas highlighted the absence of Spanish voice acting and regional music, which detracted from the game’s cultural authenticity. M3 mentioned sound bugs that disrupted immersion, while Press Start Australia and GameWatcher criticized long remixes and forgettable tracks. Malditos Nerds and Vandal acknowledged the technical strengths but noted that the music occasionally failed to match the game’s "festival vibe," and MGG Spain specifically called out the forced use of Spanglish in dialogues. These critiques pointed to areas where the sound design, while strong, fell short of expectations in terms of innovation and cultural representation. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music being a major strength of Forza Horizon 5. While some reviewers, like Game Rant and IGN, acknowledged that the soundtrack might not surpass prior entries, the majority praised its technical quality, variety, and immersive qualities. GameSkinny and GameGrin emphasized the improved audio fidelity and engaging radio stations, while Vgames and TheXboxHub highlighted the dynamic, tailored music that enhanced the game’s setting. The critiques, though valid, were often framed as minor drawbacks in an otherwise polished and immersive audio experience. As Worth Playing noted, the "high audio quality" and "authentic engine sounds" solidified Forza Horizon 5 as a standout in the series, with its sound design contributing significantly to its appeal.

The voice acting in Forza Horizon 5 receives mixed but generally favorable attention, with several critics praising its contributions to immersion and storytelling. Reviewers like Jeuxvideo.com and MGG highlight the engaging radio hosts, particularly Damien Ferrette, whose commentary adds personality and enhances the gameplay experience. PCGamesN and PC Invasion commend the well-voiced NPCs and natural, witty dialogue delivery, which they argue enriches the narrative and player engagement. Atomix notes the authenticity brought by local Mexican actors, while GameGrin and Worth Playing emphasize how voice acting makes characters memorable and deepens the campaign’s emotional impact. GameSpot and Windows Central also appreciate the depth of character interactions and cinematic cutscenes, with the latter calling the voice acting “great” and a key element of the narrative experience. These positives suggest that the voice work, especially in radio segments and character interactions, is a standout feature for many players. However, several critics point to notable flaws, particularly in tone, consistency, and execution. Gamers Heroes and Hardcore Gamer criticize the voiceover as “bland” and “cringe-worthy,” respectively, while MGG Spain and GamingTrend highlight the unnatural mix of English and Spanish, which feels forced and inconsistent. Checkpoint Gaming and TrueAchievements describe the voice acting as “naff” and “awkward,” detracting from immersion, and Metro GameCentral (Xbox Series X) calls it “painful and obnoxious.” Push Square and Stevivor (PS5) note that the dialogue often feels contrived or overly enthusiastic, with Stevivor specifically criticizing “embarrassing” wisecracking. Additionally, Vandal points out that the default English voice may alienate non-English speakers, though a Latin American dubbing option is available. These critiques reveal recurring issues with tonal mismatch, forced delivery, and language integration that some players find jarring. The overall consensus reflects a split between appreciation for specific elements and frustration with others. While Jeuxvideo.com, PC Invasion, and Worth Playing laud the voice acting for its immersion and character depth, Gamers Heroes, Metro GameCentral, and GamingTrend find it lacking in quality and consistency. The inclusion of localized voices, such as Mexican actors and Spanish dubs, is a notable strength for some, but others, like MGG Spain and Meristation, see it as a flaw due to awkward language blending. XboxAddict and Stevivor acknowledge improved human-like interactions, but TheXboxHub and TrueAchievements note that it’s not cinematic. Despite these contradictions, the voice acting appears to be a polarizing aspect of the game, with its impact depending on individual preferences for humor, language, and narrative style. The mixed reception underscores that while it enhances certain elements, it doesn’t universally elevate the experience.

The technical performance of Forza Horizon 5 is largely praised across all platforms, with many critics highlighting its stability and optimization. On the Xbox Series X, outlets like IGN, Eurogamer Italy, and Generación Xbox emphasized its smooth gameplay, solid frame rates, and minimal loading times, noting it as one of the most polished titles of the year. TrueGaming and GamingBolt commended its ability to run at 4K with ray-tracing in quality mode, while Digital Trends and GameByte acknowledged its performance options and overall technical prowess. For the PS5, IGN Spain and PlayStation LifeStyle praised its stability, with the Pro model delivering native 4K and 60fps performance, and Eurogamer Portugal highlighted its seamless frame rates. On PC, MGG Spain and Wccftech noted excellent graphical capabilities and few significant technical issues, while SpazioGames acknowledged minor PC-specific optimization hiccups. Most reviewers agreed that the game leverages next-gen hardware effectively, with GameSpot and GamesRadar+ praising its responsiveness and accessibility settings. However, some technical drawbacks were reported across platforms. On PC, GameWatcher and Gamepressure criticized online server instability and graphical glitches, while Wccftech mentioned rare bugs. For the Xbox Series X, Destructoid and GameByte pointed to minor issues like object pop-in and frame drops in quality mode, and Gamer.no and Meristation noted occasional crashes and online matchmaking problems. PS5 critics like Stevivor and PlayStation Country highlighted the port as underwhelming, with limited haptic feedback support and variable Drivatar difficulty. Hobby Consolas also mentioned performance inconsistencies on the base PS5 model, though the Pro version fared better. Stevivor and PlayStation Universe criticized the PS5’s lack of full optimization, while Hey Poor Player and New Game Network pointed to longer loading times and texture issues. These flaws, while present, were often deemed minor and not pervasive. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Forza Horizon 5 delivers strong technical performance, with the majority viewing it as a polished and stable experience. While platform-specific issues like PC bugs, Xbox pop-in, and PS5 port limitations were noted, they were frequently described as minor or expected, with many outlets like IGN, Eurogamer Italy, and TrueAchievements emphasizing its smooth gameplay and optimization. The PS5’s performance was mixed, with some critics criticizing its lack of haptic feedback and others praising its stability, while Xbox Series X reviews consistently highlighted its reliability and graphical fidelity. As GameGrin and BaziCenter observed, these technical imperfections rarely disrupted the overall experience, reinforcing the game’s reputation as a technically impressive title that balances performance with accessibility across platforms.

The majority of critics highlight Forza Horizon 5’s strong replay value through its expansive content and diverse features. Reviewers like GameSpew and M3 emphasize the game’s car collection menu, weekly challenges, and user-created events, which provide long-term engagement. TheXboxHub and PC Invasion note the vast open world, over 500 cars, and a dense array of activities that encourage repeated exploration. GameGrin and Push Square praise the post-campaign content, while Xbox Achievements and Jeuxvideo.com point to user-generated challenges and community-driven features as key draws. The ability to customize experiences via Event Lab (as mentioned by Everyeye.it and Jeuxvideo.com) and the inclusion of seasonal updates (cited by PCGamesN and IGN Spain) further enhance its longevity. Many critics, including GameSpot and Gaming Age, also highlight the dynamic world and evolving content, which keep the game fresh for both casual and dedicated players. These elements collectively create a rich, open-ended experience that justifies the game’s high replay value. However, some critics express concerns about repetitiveness and lack of innovation. ZTGD and IGN Italia note that the repetitive nature of tasks and the sheer volume of content can feel overwhelming, potentially reducing the sense of meaningful replayability. GamingTrend and IGN France point out that online features lack sufficient incentives for sustained participation, while PCGamesN suggests the endgame may require more creativity to maintain interest. VideoGamer and GameSpew also mention that the game feels similar to its predecessor, Forza Horizon 4, which could deter players seeking entirely new experiences. Additionally, Gamer.no and GameWatcher observe that while user-generated content and co-op modes are promising, their actual impact on replay value remains uncertain. These critiques suggest that while the game is content-rich, its structure may not fully satisfy players looking for unique or deeply varied challenges beyond the initial playthrough. Despite these reservations, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding Forza Horizon 5’s replay value. While a few voices caution against repetition or online limitations, the majority—such as NME, Gamer.no, and Xbox Achievements—acknowledge its ability to keep players engaged for months or even years through its variety of events, customization options, and evolving content. The game’s blend of casual-friendly activities and hardcore challenges (as noted by VG247 and Telegraph) caters to different playstyles, and the promise of future DLCs (highlighted by Dexerto) adds to its long-term appeal. Critics like Game Rant and Checkpoint Gaming stress that features like the accolade system and Forza Arcade challenges create a sense of progression and community interaction. While not without flaws, the game’s depth, flexibility, and commitment to player-driven content solidify its reputation as a highly replayable title, with the majority of reviews affirming its value as a must-play for fans of the series.