Forza Horizon 5

The story of Forza Horizon 5 receives mixed but generally positive feedback, with several critics highlighting its cultural immersion and unique storytelling elements. IGN France acknowledges the narrative as more immersive and scripted than previous entries, while GamingTrend praises the "unique storytelling through Adventures" that blend cultural education with entertaining missions. PC Gamer notes the light-hearted festival atmosphere and references to Mexican culture, emphasizing the game’s ability to immerse players in its setting from the start. Critics like GameGrin commend the campaign’s non-linear structure and memorable voice acting, while others, such as Eurogamer Italy and TheGamer, appreciate the focus on exploration and the Horizon Festival’s vibrant world. Additionally, some reviewers, including WellPlayed and Everyeye.it, highlight improvements in character connections and a more definitive narrative arc compared to earlier games. However, several critics criticize the story for its lack of depth and repetitive structure. Carole Quintaine and New Game Network argue that the narrative serves as a mere backdrop, with minimal substance and underdeveloped career modes. Impulsegamer and Vandal describe the writing as juvenile or uninspired, with unskippable cutscenes and repetitive missions that detract from the experience. Meristation and Press Start Australia note the story’s minimal effort required to complete tasks, while GamingBolt and SpazioGames criticize the lack of long-term goals and underwhelming narrative progression. Critics like Inverse and Twinfinite point out that Expeditions and Horizon Stories feel short, repetitive, or unfulfilled, often prioritizing car showcases over compelling storytelling. The reliance on character interactions and Drivatars is also seen as a distraction by some, with GameByte noting their "distracting" nature compared to previous games. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Forza Horizon 5’s story is a mixed bag, balancing cultural richness and gameplay integration with notable shortcomings in narrative depth. While many praise its immersive setting, festival atmosphere, and improved character interactions (as noted by IGN France, GamingTrend, and Eurogamer Italy), others like New Game Network and Vandal feel it lacks the ambition and originality seen in previous entries. The game’s focus on open-world exploration and racing over traditional storytelling is a recurring theme, with critics such as TheGamer and Multiplayer.it emphasizing its strengths in world-building and player engagement. Despite varied opinions, the narrative remains a secondary element, with most reviewers agreeing that Forza Horizon 5 prioritizes gameplay and environmental storytelling over a deeply developed plot.

The gameplay of Forza Horizon 5 is widely praised for its variety, accessibility, and immersive open-world design. Critics highlight the game’s refined driving mechanics, which blend arcade-style fun with simulation precision, allowing players to customize difficulty settings and explore a vast, dynamic environment. IGN France commends the revamped progression system and diverse race types, while KeenGamer emphasizes the nostalgic yet accessible driving experience. The inclusion of new features like Expeditions, Accolade Points, and EventLab adds depth, offering players flexibility in how they engage with content. Destructoid praises the impactful weather system and streamlined menus, while GameSpew notes the blend of racing, stunts, and drifting. Many reviewers, including IGN Spain and PC Gamer, laud the game’s ability to cater to both casual and hardcore fans, with a focus on exploration, car customization, and a satisfying progression system that rewards diverse playstyles. The game’s emphasis on freedom—whether through multiplayer modes or open-world challenges—creates an engaging experience that feels expansive and rewarding. Despite its strengths, some critics point to minor drawbacks. A few note that Forza Horizon 5 lacks significant innovation compared to its predecessors, with Inverse and Atomix criticizing the reliance on familiar mechanics. Hardcore Gamer argues that fetch missions and Expeditions detract from core racing, while Easy Allies mentions AI difficulty issues that frustrate experienced players. GamesBeat expresses uncertainty about racing performance, and TierraGamer observes that some main events feel less engaging. Additionally, Game Revolution highlights balancing concerns, and a few reviewers suggest that the game’s accessibility for newcomers could be better supported with more guidance. While these critiques are not universal, they reflect a consensus that Forza Horizon 5 prioritizes refinement over radical change, which may leave some players craving fresh ideas. Overall, the majority of critics agree that Forza Horizon 5 delivers an exceptional gameplay experience, building on the strengths of its predecessors while introducing meaningful improvements. The game’s blend of arcade excitement and simulation depth, coupled with its expansive open world and customizable progression, has been widely celebrated. IGN, GamesRadar+, and PC Gamer all highlight its ability to satisfy both casual and competitive players, while critics like Xbox Achievements and GameGrin praise the variety of racing events and multiplayer options. While some feel the game lacks bold innovation, the consensus is clear: Forza Horizon 5 remains a standout entry in the series, offering a polished, enjoyable, and endlessly replayable experience that solidifies its place as a must-play for racing fans.

The majority of critics universally praise Forza Horizon 5’s graphics and visual design as a breathtaking achievement, emphasizing its stunning environments, meticulous attention to detail, and immersive representation of Mexico. Reviewers like New Game Network highlight the game’s enhanced draw distance and lighting on Xbox Series X, while Telegraph and Guardian commend the "faultlessly beautiful" depiction of Mexican landscapes, noting the vivid cultural and geographical diversity. The game’s ability to render diverse biomes—ranging from jungles to deserts and volcanic regions—is frequently lauded, with GameSpew and GamingBolt praising its "stellar" visuals and "beautiful open world." The car models are also a standout, with GamesBeat and Impulsegamer noting their photorealistic quality, while Digital Trends and Eurogamer Portugal highlight the seamless driving experience and ultra-realistic environmental effects. Many critics, including IGN France and Voxel, emphasize the game’s role as a technological showcase, with its "fabulous" textures, dynamic weather systems, and 4K/60fps performance on next-gen consoles. While the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, some critiques point to minor flaws. Gamers Heroes and GamesBeat note that character models feel dated and lack fluidity, a contrast to the game’s otherwise polished visuals. TheSixthAxis mentions that older consoles like the Xbox One X experience visual compromises, though this is less relevant for next-gen players. Additionally, Easy Allies and PlayStation Universe point out that some weather effects, while visually impressive, have limited gameplay impact, and Hobby Consolas references minor "popping" issues. Trusted Reviews also critiques the absence of ray tracing in regular gameplay, though this is a technical limitation rather than a design flaw. These criticisms are largely overshadowed by the game’s strengths, with most reviewers agreeing that the visuals are a significant step forward for the Forza series. Overall, Forza Horizon 5 is celebrated as a visual masterpiece, with critics like But Why Tho? and Game Rant calling it one of the most technically impressive games of its generation. The game’s ability to blend photorealistic car models, expansive Mexican landscapes, and dynamic environmental effects has set a new benchmark for racing games. While some minor issues exist—such as dated character animations or limited ray tracing—the overwhelming praise underscores its status as a landmark title in visual design. As Eurogamer Portugal and Impulsegamer note, Forza Horizon 5 not only captures the beauty of Mexico but also redefines what is possible in open-world racing games, solidifying its place as a must-play for graphics enthusiasts.

The sound design and music of Forza Horizon 5 received widespread praise for their immersive quality and technical excellence. Critics highlighted the game’s realistic engine sounds, dynamic environmental effects, and diverse radio stations that enhance the racing experience. IGN noted "drastic improvements" in sound design, with cars sounding distinct and real-time audio changes based on performance upgrades. The Games Machine lauded the soundtrack and sound design as "exceptional," while TierraGamer praised the engaging anecdotes in radio stations. Many reviewers celebrated the variety of music genres, from classic hits to current pop favorites, with Pure Xbox noting the "stellar" audio design that complements gameplay. Additionally, the inclusion of Mexican influences and regional artists, as highlighted by Jeuxvideo.com and Carole Quintaine, added cultural depth to the experience. The attention to detail in vehicle sounds and atmospheric effects was consistently praised, with IGN Spain calling it an "immersive audio experience." However, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings. AusGamers criticized the soundtrack for feeling "stale" and lacking variety compared to previous entries, while LevelUp noted its repetitiveness and absence of traditional regional music. Shacknews and Stevivor mentioned technical limitations, such as the lack of user music integration on PC and limited track selections per radio station. TierraGamer and Meristation pointed out a "notable lack of Spanish music" and "voice acting in Spanish may be an issue," respectively, which detracted from cultural authenticity. Others, like Press Start Australia and KeenGamer, noted issues with long remixes or a music selection that might not appeal to all players. Additionally, some critics, such as Guardian, questioned the absence of region-specific music despite the game’s setting in Mexico. These critiques underscored a tension between technical prowess and creative diversity in the soundtrack. Overall, the consensus among critics was largely positive, with most acknowledging Forza Horizon 5’s significant advancements in sound design and its ability to create an immersive racing atmosphere. While some reviewers, like GameGrin and IGN, praised the "stellar" audio quality and unique mechanics that sync music with gameplay, others emphasized areas for improvement. The game’s realistic engine sounds, vibrant radio stations, and atmospheric effects were widely celebrated, as seen in the glowing reviews from The Games Machine and Generación Xbox. However, the critiques about repetition, cultural representation, and technical limitations highlighted that while the sound design excelled in execution, it occasionally fell short in creativity and inclusivity. Despite these drawbacks, the majority of critics agreed that Forza Horizon 5 delivers a compelling audio experience that enhances its already strong gameplay.

The voice acting in Forza Horizon 5 receives mixed but largely positive feedback from critics, with several highlighting its strengths in immersion and character engagement. Reviewers like Jeuxvideo.com praise the radio hosts for their dynamic commentary that responds to player actions, enhancing gameplay experience, while PCGamesN and PC Invasion commend the natural and witty dialogue delivery of NPCs, which contributes to storytelling and immersion. GameGrin and TierraGamer note that voice acting makes characters memorable and adds depth to the campaign, with Games.cz and GameSpot emphasizing how it strengthens narrative connections. Additionally, MGG highlights Damien Ferrette’s engaging radio presence, and Windows Central praises cinematic cutscenes with strong voice work. These positives underscore a generally favorable reception for the game’s vocal performances, particularly in creating an immersive, lively atmosphere. However, several critics point to notable flaws in the voice acting, including uneven quality and forced elements. Gamers Heroes and Hardcore Gamer criticize bland or cringey delivery, with the latter noting "cringe-worthy attempts at humor" that detract from the experience. MGG Spain and GamingTrend highlight issues with the unnatural mix of English and Spanish dialogue, while Metro GameCentral calls the voice acting "painful and obnoxious," negatively impacting immersion. TrueAchievements and Vandal mention awkward line-readings and limited localization options, and IGN France points to a male character’s out-of-tone delivery. Push Square and Gameblog.fr also criticize overly enthusiastic or contrived dialogue, suggesting that some performances feel inauthentic or excessive. These critiques reveal inconsistencies in execution and localization efforts. Overall, the consensus among critics is divided but leans toward appreciation for the voice acting’s contributions to immersion and character depth, despite notable flaws. While many praise the engaging radio hosts, natural dialogue, and improved storytelling (as noted by Jeuxvideo.com, PC Invasion, and Stevivor), others criticize forced humor, localization issues, and uneven delivery (highlighted by MGG Spain, IGN France, and Metro GameCentral). The mixed reception reflects a game where voice acting enhances the experience for some but falls short in areas like consistency and cultural authenticity. Critics like GameGrin and Games.cz emphasize its positive impact, while TrueAchievements and Vandal underscore lingering issues, indicating that Forza Horizon 5’s voice acting is a mixed bag with room for improvement.

The technical performance of Forza Horizon 5 across platforms is generally praised for its stability and optimization, with notable strengths on Xbox Series X/S and PS5. Critics like Press Start Australia and NME highlight the game’s consistent frame rates and smooth gameplay on Xbox Series X, while PlayStation LifeStyle notes its strong performance on PS5 Pro. The PC version receives mixed feedback but is largely seen as well-optimized, with PC Invasion praising its high technical quality and SpazioGames acknowledging minor PC-specific issues. On the PS5, Loot Level Chill and Meristation commend the game’s smooth framerates and quick load times, though some critics like Gameblog.fr mention texture drops in performance mode. The Xbox Series X/S also benefits from features like 4K resolution and HDR support (Games.cz) and flexible rendering modes (GameByte, Player 2), while Vandal and GamingTrend note minor visual imperfections but overall stability. However, technical issues persist across platforms, particularly on older hardware. The PS5 version faces criticism for being a "lazy port" that lacks haptic feedback support (Stevivor) and fails to fully utilize features like adaptive triggers (Gamersky). On Xbox One, Video Chums reports crashes, audio stuttering, and graphical glitches, while TheSixthAxis notes loading issues on older consoles. The PC version struggles with bugs and connectivity problems, as highlighted by Gamepressure and Malditos Nerds, though these are seen as fixable. Xbox Series X/S users encounter occasional online hiccups (Easy Allies, But Why Tho?) and AI glitches (M3), while Gamer.no mentions cars falling through the map. Even on newer hardware, IGN Spain and Jeuxvideo.com note minor issues like loading times and pop-in effects, though these are often overshadowed by the game’s overall polish. The consensus among critics is that Forza Horizon 5 delivers strong technical performance across platforms, with Xbox Series X/S and PS5 leading in stability and optimization. While Xbox Series X receives praise for its smooth frame rates (Vandal, NME) and flexible settings (GameByte, Player 2), the PS5 version is seen as a solid port despite some missed features (Stevivor, Gamersky). PC users face occasional bugs but benefit from improved stability over time (PC Invasion, Wccftech), while Xbox One remains the most problematic due to hardware limitations. Overall, critics agree that technical issues are minor and largely addressable, with BaziCenter and Generación Xbox noting that the game’s strengths—such as immersive visuals and responsive controls (GamesRadar+, The Loadout)—far outweigh its flaws. The game is widely regarded as a technical showcase for next-gen consoles, even if some platform-specific quirks remain.

The majority of reviewers praised Forza Horizon 5 for its exceptional replay value, emphasizing its vast content, variety of activities, and community-driven features. Critics like IGN France, PCGamesN, and God is a Geek highlighted the game’s extensive roster of cars, dynamic seasonal events, and customizable gameplay as key drivers of long-term engagement. The ability to create and share user-generated content through tools like EventLab, along with seasonal playlists and challenges, was frequently cited as a major strength. GameGrin and GameOver.gr noted that the open world remains compelling even after completing the campaign, while COGconnected and Xbox Achievements pointed to cross-platform features and ongoing updates as factors that sustain player interest. The game’s flexibility—allowing players to focus on racing, exploration, or creative customization—was seen as a significant asset, with Worth Playing and Twinfinite noting its appeal to both casual and hardcore audiences. However, some critics raised concerns about repetition and innovation. NME observed that the game feels less appealing to fans of Forza Horizon 4, suggesting a lack of fresh mechanics for returning players. GamingTrend and Inverse criticized the online features for lacking sufficient incentives for repeated participation, while ZTGD and GamePro Germany noted that repetitive tasks could diminish the sense of meaningful replayability over time. PCGamesN and IGN Italia acknowledged that while the game’s content is vast, its sheer scale might overwhelm players, and some events felt formulaic. Additionally, Gamer.nl and TierraGamer mentioned that certain races or progression systems could grow monotonous, though they still recognized the overall value in the game’s diversity. Despite these critiques, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive regarding Forza Horizon 5’s replay value. The majority agreed that its combination of expansive world design, user-generated content, and regular updates creates a durable experience. IGN Spain called it “almost infinite” in replayability, while Digital Trends and PlayStation LifeStyle emphasized the game’s potential to keep players engaged for years. While some reviewers like GamingTrend and Inverse pointed to specific shortcomings, these were often framed as minor drawbacks in an otherwise robust package. The game’s ability to balance structured challenges with open-ended exploration, coupled with its strong community features, solidified its reputation as a title that offers substantial long-term value, making it a standout entry in the Forza series.