There are some features that devalue Forza Horizon 5, but they are not major factors. First, what about the map? Mexico is not a backdrop; it is a character. Biomes come alive, from the blistering sun deserts to the jungles teeming with life. The rocky cliffs have a rawness, while the coastal roads have an uncontrolled elegance. Over hours, every drive still feels fresh. One minute, you slide through dusty trails, the next you're sliding down the highway with the ocean in your peripheral.

But what struck me the most is how Mexico caters to every playstyle. How about drifting in a socked-up Nissan Silvia through volcanic ash? The map is beyond size; it is intentional. Forza Horizon 5 caters to every gearhead and casual racer.

Handling: A Subtle Evolution

Forza Horizon 5 shifts focus to the handling and performance of the many cars it features and attempts to find the right balance between arcade and simulation gameplay, an aspect it does remarkably well. As an arcade racer, there are changes made in every car to give it a distinct personality. I especially like the Rear Wheel Drive vintage Mustang and a McLaren 720S, and the difference in the feeling I get when I drive them. It's an overt feeling. It's great to see a game where the cars are not a collection of pixels but rather considerately designed and made to feel alive.

It is made even more interesting with the new rally differentials and the semi-slick tires. These two additions for racing guys who buy PS5 racing games single-handedly provide the sense of satisfaction I get from constructing and customising a rally Subaru WRX STI to tsunami my way through a jungle or a Lamborghini Urus to the endless sand dunes.

Visuals and Sounds: A Delight to the Senses

Forza Horizon 5's visuals and graphics are breathtaking. Every detail is beautifully designed. Everything, including how the sunlight peeks through the trees and the shine on a polished hood, is perfectly created. The feeling of driving while it is pouring rain, while oppressive, is also enjoyable, and if you get cheap PS5 games in the racing category, here you have it. The world at sunset is mesmerizing, with its bright golden glow and warmth. The glow of the sunset almost makes one want to stop the car and simply exist.

The sound design is a mixed bag, but mostly good. The authenticity of the engines makes the players feel the car with its growl, roar, and purr. Some of the cars do sound way too synthetic, and it is also common to hear an engine not match with the car it is supposed to be. Forza's sound design is impressive, but it has a few minor faults in the scope of the whole game.

Customizing Cars

For me, it is collecting and customizing cars that is the heart of Forza Horizon 5. There is something deeply satisfying, almost meditative, in hunting down the right car, perfecting the tweaks on every performance parameter, and then going on a test drive. My garage is an assortment of modern and classic cars — a sleek, futuristic Porsche Taycan stands next to a 1969 Dodge Charger that rumbles like an earthquake.

Forza is different from the rest of the games in the creativity and imagination that it allows. Want to customize a little Mazda Miata and drop in a V12? Go right ahead. Want to customize a Toyota Supra into a glow-in-the-dark spectacle with neon vinyls covering it and other light-up accessories? A custom-built Ford Bronco that is made for off-road driving is, in my opinion, the peak of my achievements in the game, and I must admit, it is a beast, and I have gotten a little too attached to it.

Familiar Yet Fresh

If you've been playing Forza Horizon 4, you will see just how much has changed — for better or worse. One of the impacts that has been somewhat changed is the tuning menu, which has lots of options for tires, gearing, and the like. But honestly? It's not a bad thing. It is like seeing a close friend who has learned some brand new tricks. And that brand new tricks like the rally differentials are just enough to add some engagement to the experience.

The Road Ahead

One of the interesting additions is the hint at possible future DLCs. Two enigmatic empty spaces are located on the main menu, hinting at what is to come. If we are to judge based on previous expansions, we are in for a massive treat. New cars, new maps, new gameplay modes, we are guaranteed that new content will be added.

Final Thoughts

It may not reinvent the wheel, and quite frankly, it doesn't have to. It, in essence, takes everything we cherished in the previous iterations and improves upon it while placing it in what can only be considered one of the most gorgeous landscapes on the planet. Whether you are a mere casual player or have the most serious of passions for cars, there is something for you. To me, Forza Horizon 5 is an entire universe where I can unleash my love for cars, build them, drive them, and let my imagination run wild. Because, why not? That is what gaming truly is.

Pros

• Mexico as a living map: Biomes feel alive and diverse, from deserts to jungles to coastal roads, keeping drives fresh and immersive.
• Playstyle variety: The map and events cater to both hardcore gearheads and casual players, offering freedom in how you race or explore.
• Handling improvements: Cars have distinct personalities, striking a strong balance between arcade fun and simulation depth.
• New mechanics: Rally differentials and semi-slick tires add meaningful customization and driving satisfaction.

Cons:

• Not revolutionary: While polished, it doesn't reinvent the formula — players expecting radical innovation may be underwhelmed.
• Occasional repetitiveness: Despite the map's variety, some players may eventually feel déjà vu in event structures.
• Small technical flaws: A few design imperfections (like sound mismatches) slightly detract from an otherwise polished experience.