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Forza Horizon 5

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Forza Horizon 5
Item: Forza Horizon 5
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Crime, Open World, Simulation, Sports, Vehicular, Single Player, Multiplayer, Racing, First Person Perspective

AvailableNov 5, 2021

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One

DeveloperPlayground Games

Overview

Your Ultimate Horizon Adventure awaits! Explore the vibrant and ever-evolving open-world landscapes of Mexico with limitless, fun driving action in hundreds of the world’s greatest cars.

Elsewhere

8.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Forza Horizon 5 are quite varied. Some critics, such as IGN Portugal and Video Chums, appreciate the narrative aspect of the game. IGN Portugal mentions that the game has a narrative where the player's character is a skilled driver participating in the Horizon festival in Mexico. Video Chums also highlights that the game weaves story into the campaign, making racing feel more meaningful, and strikes a balance between story and gameplay. These positive opinions indicate that the story adds depth and purpose to the racing experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the game. However, not all critics share the same sentiment. Gamers Heroes criticizes the story, stating that it feels flat and lacks investment. They specifically mention issues with character models, lip sync, and voiceover work, which contribute to the negative perception of the story. This negative opinion suggests that the execution of the story elements, including the presentation and performances, may not meet the expectations of some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side. The Loadout praises the improved main-story quests that provide a solid narrative and unlock various events and races. GameSpew highlights the new setting in Mexico and the inclusion of more chapters and choices in the story. Stevivor mentions the revamped story that makes both the player character and the setting more of a character than ever before, with more dialogue options and personalization. These positive opinions, combined with the criticisms mentioned earlier, indicate that while there may be some flaws in the execution of the story, Forza Horizon 5 manages to deliver an engaging narrative experience that enhances the gameplay and offers a variety of missions and challenges for the players to enjoy.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Forza Horizon 5's story. Some praise its narrative depth and purpose, while others criticize its flat execution and technical issues. Overall, the game impresses with improved quests, a vibrant Mexican setting, and enhanced character development despite some flaws in storytelling execution.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of Forza Horizon 5, with many considering it to be very good. They highlighted several positive aspects of the gameplay experience. Power Unlimited describes the game as a must-have that sets a new standard for fun in a racing game. Launcher from The Washington Post commends the driving mechanics, stating that they match the best arcade racers ever made and can be customized to specific preferences. Game Informer praises the driving mechanics, diverse courses, and the Drivatar system of Forza Horizon 5. IGN Portugal describes the gameplay as arcade-style racing with high speed and adrenaline, offering a variety of activities and the freedom to explore the open world. The Loadout mentions that the game offers addictive gameplay with a wealth of upgrade systems and collectibles to keep players engaged. Telegraph also praises the variety of events, races, and challenges available in the game. GameCritics appreciates the simulation precision coupled with the flexibility of an arcade-style racing experience. While the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of Forza Horizon 5 is positive, there are a few criticisms mentioned by some critics. Game Revolution mentions some balancing issues and accessibility concerns with the lower difficulty settings. However, these negative aspects are relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception of the gameplay. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Forza Horizon 5 is highly enjoyable and offers a wide range of activities, races, and challenges. The driving mechanics are praised for their tight and responsive controls, with the ability to customize the experience to suit individual preferences. The game provides a diverse and immersive open-world racing experience, with a variety of race types and events to keep players engaged. The positive feedback from critics such as Power Unlimited, Game Informer, and The Loadout further supports the notion that the gameplay of Forza Horizon 5 is of high quality. Overall, the majority of critics consider the gameplay of Forza Horizon 5 to be very good, making it a highly recommended choice for racing game enthusiasts.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

TLDR: Critics rave about Forza Horizon 5's gameplay, praising its must-have status, tight driving mechanics, diverse courses, and addictive nature. While some mention minor issues like balancing problems, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the game offering an immersive, high-quality racing experience that sets a new standard for fun in the genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics unanimously agree that the graphics and visual design of Forza Horizon 5 are nothing short of a masterpiece. The game is praised for its stunning visuals, with beautiful scenery and detailed environments that bring the Mexican landscape to life. Critics such as Launcher from The Washington Post, Game Informer, IGN Portugal, and The Loadout highlight the impressive visuals and attention to detail in Forza Horizon 5. The game is commended for its realistic next-gen graphics, diverse environments, stunning lighting and weather effects, and detailed car models, as mentioned by Impulsegamer. The depiction of Mexico is described as vibrant, full of color, and faultlessly beautiful, with astonishing vistas and shiny cars, according to the Guardian. The visuals in quality mode are particularly stunning, especially when driving through water or misty city streets at night, as mentioned by Screen Rant. The diverse and visually stunning locations in Forza Horizon 5, along with the attention to detail and representation of Mexican culture, are also highlighted by Telegraph. While the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, there are a few critics who mention some technical performance issues. Ragequit.gr mentions that there are some technical performance issues, and Gamers Heroes points out that while the environments and vehicles are breathtaking, the character models feel dated and stiff. However, these criticisms are minor compared to the overall praise for the graphics and visual design. Overall, the critics' opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of Forza Horizon 5 are overwhelmingly positive. The game is hailed as a technical marvel and a fantastic showpiece for 4K displays, as mentioned by Gaming Age. The visuals are described as stunning, breathtaking, and the best-looking on Xbox Series X, with lush vistas, stunning cities, deserts, beaches, and diverse biomes that are visually amazing. The attention to detail, realistic depiction of Mexico, and the immersive experience created by the visuals are highly praised. The majority of critics consider the graphics and visual design of Forza Horizon 5 to be a masterpiece, making it one of the most visually impressive games on the market.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave that Forza Horizon 5's graphics are a masterpiece, praised for stunning visuals that bring the Mexican landscape to life with realistic next-gen graphics, diverse environments, and detailed car models. While some mention minor technical issues, the overwhelming consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics hailing the game as a technical marvel and the best-looking on Xbox Series X. The attention to detail, depiction of Mexico, and immersive experience are highly lauded, making Forza Horizon 5 one of the most visually impressive games available.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

58%

Mixed (50-79)

42%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Forza Horizon 5 are mostly positive. Several critics, such as Launcher from The Washington Post and Impulsegamer, praise the game's soundtrack and how it enhances the overall gameplay experience. They mention the thumping house music that is perfectly timed to the races and the kick-ass soundtrack that adds to the immersive open-world racing experience. Stevivor also highlights the variety of genres and presenters on the radio stations, creating a good mix of UK, US, Mexican, and other music. Game Informer mentions the raucous music during Expeditions, further emphasizing the positive impact of the music in specific gameplay moments. On the negative side, some critics express mixed opinions about the soundtrack of Forza Horizon 5. The Guardian points out that while the soundtrack is not cool, it is great to drive around to. However, they find it puzzling that there isn't any music from the region in which the game is set. GameWatcher also notes that while the soundtrack features artists like Dua Lipa, Beastie Boys, and Lil Nas X, there are too many forgettable tracks. This suggests that while there are standout songs, there may be a lack of consistency in the overall quality of the tracks. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Forza Horizon 5 has a positive sound design and music. The improvements in sound effects compared to the previous game, as mentioned by Ragequit.gr, contribute to the immersive experience. Comicbook.com describes the music as strong, with a variety of radio stations and great tracks. Game Rant acknowledges that the soundtrack may not be as good as some prior entries, but recognizes that this is subjective. The positive comments from multiple critics, such as Impulsegamer and Game Revolution, further support the overall positive sentiment towards the sound design and music of Forza Horizon 5.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics mostly praise Forza Horizon 5's sound design and music for enhancing gameplay with thumping house beats and an immersive soundtrack. Some note the lack of regional music and mixed quality of tracks, but overall, critics agree that the game's sound design is positive, immersive, and a strong aspect of the experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

100%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

In analyzing the opinions of the videogame reviewers regarding the voice acting in Forza Horizon 5, it is evident that there are both positive and negative sentiments expressed. Starting with the positives, the review by Guardian highlights that the voice cast is a mix of inoffensive British, American, and Latin American characters who anchor each different aspect of Horizon's personality. This suggests that the voice acting successfully brings diversity and authenticity to the game, enhancing the overall immersion and experience for players. Additionally, Impulsegamer mentions that the voice acting in Forza Horizon 5 is decent, indicating that it meets the basic level of quality expected in a videogame. However, there are also negative opinions expressed by some critics. Gamers Heroes criticizes the voiceover work, stating that some of it feels bland and lacking character. This suggests that there may be instances where the voice acting fails to deliver the necessary depth and emotion, potentially impacting the player's connection with the characters and the overall storytelling. Overall, the consensus among the critics is somewhat mixed. While there are positive mentions of the voice cast diversity and the overall decent quality of the voice acting, there are also criticisms regarding the lack of depth and character in certain instances. Gaming Age mentions that the fully voiced interactions and stories in single-player story-driven events don't add much to the overall experience, indicating a somewhat underwhelming impact of the voice acting. On the other hand, TheSixthAxis highlights that the characters in Forza Horizon 5 are likable and consistently shout at the player over the radio, suggesting that the voice acting successfully brings the characters to life and adds to the game's atmosphere. In conclusion, the voice acting in Forza Horizon 5 receives a mix of positive and negative feedback from the critics. While there are aspects that are praised, such as the diversity of the voice cast and the likability of the characters, there are also criticisms regarding the lack of depth and character in certain instances. Overall, it appears that the voice acting in Forza Horizon 5 is decent, but may not fully enhance the overall experience as much as some players might hope for.

TL;DR

voice acting

Forza Horizon 5's voice acting gets mixed reviews. Critics praise the diverse voice cast and likable characters, but some find the performances lacking depth and emotion. While the voices bring authenticity and immersion, some feel they fall short in delivering a truly engaging experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Forza Horizon 5, the Xbox Series X platform receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics. Launcher from The Washington Post praises the game for its well-optimized performance and beautiful visuals. IGN Portugal describes the game's performance on Xbox Series X as impressive, with no frame rate issues even during chaotic races, and The Loadout considers it one of the most polished games of the year, highlighting stunning visuals and excellent lighting. Game Rant also mentions the availability of quality and performance modes, with the latter providing a smoother experience. However, the Xbox One platform does not fare as well in terms of technical performance. Video Chums reports occasional performance and online issues, including disappearing ground, pauses in races, audio stuttering, and crashes. The reviewer hopes that these issues will be resolved in a patch. This indicates that the game may not be as optimized for the Xbox One platform as it is for the Xbox Series X. On the PC platform, the opinions are mixed. Ragequit.gr experiences stuttering and frame pacing issues but notes that lowering the graphics settings can improve performance. Gamers Heroes mentions multiplayer issues with long loading times and players being kicked from the game. GameWatcher also mentions stability issues with online servers during pre-launch, which can be frustrating. These criticisms suggest that the PC version of Forza Horizon 5 may have some technical issues that need to be addressed. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Forza Horizon 5 performs exceptionally well on the Xbox Series X, with smooth gameplay, impressive visuals, and excellent optimization. However, the Xbox One version seems to suffer from occasional performance and online issues. The PC version receives mixed reviews, with some critics reporting technical issues such as stuttering, frame pacing, and stability problems with online servers. It is important to note that some critics did not provide specific details about technical performance or stability, which leaves room for interpretation. Nevertheless, the majority of the critics' opinions lean towards positive feedback on the technical performance of Forza Horizon 5, particularly on the Xbox Series X platform.

TL;DR

technical performance

Forza Horizon 5 shines on Xbox Series X with smooth gameplay and stunning visuals, earning high praise from critics. However, the Xbox One version faces technical issues like disappearing ground and crashes. PC version receives mixed reviews due to stuttering and online problems. Overall, Xbox Series X delivers exceptional performance, while other platforms struggle with technical challenges.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Forza Horizon 5 are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics highlight the game's extensive content and variety of activities as key factors contributing to its high replayability. Launcher from The Washington Post praises the game for its flexibility in unlocking things and returning features that keep the Forza Horizon series on the top shelf of open-world games. Game Informer also emphasizes the variety of activities, online events, and the ability to create and share activities using EventLab as factors that enhance the replay value. Gaming Age mentions the ton of content to uncover and explore, the ability to create your own events, and the return of fan-favorite barn finds and showcase events, indicating high replayability. These positive opinions suggest that Forza Horizon 5 offers a wealth of engaging content and customizable experiences that players can enjoy repeatedly. While the majority of critics have positive views on the replay value of Forza Horizon 5, there are a few minor criticisms. GameSpew mentions that there is not much new beyond the location, suggesting that some players might have preferred more innovative elements to enhance the replay value. Video Chums points out that while there is enough content and variety to keep players hooked for hours, the way the content is presented can be overwhelming and unorganized. These criticisms indicate that although the game offers a high level of replayability, there may be room for improvement in terms of introducing fresh elements and streamlining the presentation of content. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Forza Horizon 5 has excellent replay value. The game's vast and varied activities, customizable experiences, and extensive content are repeatedly praised by critics such as Ragequit.gr, Guardian, and Comicbook.com. The availability of player-created races, seasonal events, and distinct variety in racing events, as mentioned by GamesHub, further contribute to the game's replayability. The positive opinions of the majority of critics, combined with the minor criticisms, suggest that Forza Horizon 5 offers a highly enjoyable and engaging experience that can be enjoyed repeatedly, making it a standout title in the open-world racing genre.

TL;DR

replay value

Forza Horizon 5 receives rave reviews for its exceptional replay value, with critics praising its extensive content, customizable experiences, and variety of activities. While some minor criticisms mention a lack of innovation and organizational challenges, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game's engaging features, including player-created races and seasonal events, make it a standout title in the open-world racing genre.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

99%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Forza Horizon 5 has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics, with the majority of them considering it a masterpiece and setting a new standard for racing games. The game has been praised for its fun and enjoyable gameplay, stunning visuals, and impressive graphics. Critics like Power Unlimited, Launcher (The Washington Post), and Game Informer have all commended Forza Horizon 5 for its refinement and polish, with Game Informer even stating that it impresses in ways few games have. The game's balance between high-speed adrenaline and the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Mexican landscape has also been highly praised by IGN Portugal and GamesHub. However, there are a few minor criticisms mentioned by some critics. Ragequit.gr notes that those who have played the previous game in the series may find Forza Horizon 5 slightly lacking in novelty. GameSpew mentions that while the game is big and impressive, it lacks originality. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall sentiment towards Forza Horizon 5 remains overwhelmingly positive. The overall consensus among the critics is that Forza Horizon 5 is a must-play game and a masterpiece. Dexerto describes it as setting a new industry gold standard for racing game visuals, gameplay, and map design. Guardian praises it as a scenic, colourful escape that provides a very good time. Impulsegamer considers it the best installment of the series and one of the best games of 2021. The majority of the critics highly recommend Forza Horizon 5, with many stating that it is a must-have for Xbox owners and a contender for Game of the Year. The combination of arcade racing and simulation-level depth, the diverse and expansive Mexico setting, and the overall refinement and polish of the game have all contributed to the overwhelmingly positive reception from the critics.

TL;DR

Forza Horizon 5 has been hailed as a racing game masterpiece, setting a new standard with its stunning visuals and enjoyable gameplay. Critics rave about its balance between high-speed thrills and scenic beauty in the Mexican landscape. While some mention minor criticisms of lacking novelty and originality, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. Described as a must-play and industry gold standard, Forza Horizon 5 is recommended by critics as a top contender for Game of the Year, offering a blend of arcade racing and simulation depth that Xbox owners shouldn't miss.

MONSTER

Reviews

199 reviews found

100

Dexerto

Xbox Series X

Nov 4, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The overall verdict is a 10/10, praising Forza Horizon 5 for setting a new industry gold standard for racing game visuals, gameplay, and map design. The review also mentions that it is the most exciting next-gen racing game released so far.

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100

GamesHub

Xbox Series X

Dec 13, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives Forza Horizon 5 a five-star rating and praises it as a comforting, morish, and inspiring experience, particularly for those who enjoy real-world driving and virtual tourism.

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100

Stevivor

Xbox Series X

Nov 4, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Forza Horizon 5 is a fun and enjoyable game that showcases the best of what the Horizon series can offer.

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100

Impulsegamer

Xbox Series X

Nov 4, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Forza Horizon 5 as the best installment of the series, a true next-gen racer, and one of the best games of 2021 that will give you endless hours of fun.

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100

God is a Geek

Xbox Series X

Nov 4, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer highly recommends Forza Horizon 5, calling it a visual spectacle and a masterpiece. They praise the stunning visuals, rewarding gameplay, fun story missions, and the heavily populated map. They suggest that players should get the game and state that they won't regret it.

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100

Gaming Age

Xbox Series X

Nov 15, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly praises Forza Horizon 5, calling it an amazing racer that is a must-play for Xbox owners, especially with its inclusion in Game Pass. It also mentions that the game may be playing it safe, but it's a more polished experience and a technical marvel.

100

VG247

Xbox Series X

Nov 15, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Forza Horizon 5 as a must-play game and an achievement of the series, incrementally upgrading it into brilliance.

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Power Unlimited

Xbox Series X

Nov 4, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Forza Horizon 5 is a must-have and sets a new standard for fun in a racing game.

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Launcher (The Washington Post)

Xbox Series X

Nov 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as the masterpiece of the series and a can't-miss game for Xbox Series X and S consoles.

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Game Revolution

Xbox Series X

Nov 4, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Forza Horizon 5 is the best Forza yet and makes a strong case for being the best racing game overall. It praises the combination of arcade racing and simulation-level depth, as well as the diverse and expansive Mexico setting.