Since 2012, the Forza Horizon series has captivated Xbox racing fans with exotic open worlds and a unique sense of freedom. Now, PS5 players can experience one of Playground Games’ finest creations. From the moment you fall from a cargo plane in a 2021 Ford Bronco and land on all four wheels at the edge of a volcanic crater, it’s clear that Forza Horizon 5 is something special.
Even though the game originally released on Xbox over three and a half years ago, its thrill and energy haven’t diminished. On PS5 in 2025, it’s just as impressive, and the cinematic intro sets the tone perfectly: off-road action, daring jumps, sports cars tearing through dust storms, and a red AMG One streaking across the asphalt as the cargo plane soars above. No other racing game captures the sense of adventure and place quite like this.
Mexico shines in a vibrant, colorful world filled with culture and an expansive map. You can race across golden deserts, lush jungles, fields, underground tunnels, and even explore the massive, smoking volcano in the center. On PS5, the experience feels even fresher, especially with DualSense haptic feedback that lets you feel the terrain and engine vibrations.
Forza Horizon 5 caters to nearly every racing style: point-to-point races, street circuits, off-road events, drift zones, speed traps, destructible billboards, barn finds, and story-driven events. Leveling up rewards Wheelspins with new cars or money for vehicles and character outfits. Controls strike the perfect balance between arcade fun and responsive handling, ideal for the sandbox-focused driving experience.
Multiplayer is equally compelling: from classic Horizon Arcade races to party games, Battle Royale-style Eliminator mode, or simply forming a convoy to explore together. The PS5 version adds eleven “Evolving Worlds” via the Horizon Realms mode, plus a new stadium track.
Verdict
Forza Horizon 5 has lost none of its shine over three and a half years. With all the expansions and PS5 enhancements, it still stands as one of the most fun and visually impressive arcade racing experiences available today—a must-play for anyone seeking pure automotive joy.