This end of the year will be rich in emotions for Xbox players. Because before the juggernaut Halo Infinite expected for the month of December, it is Forza Horizon 5 which will position itself on the starting grid from November 9th. While waiting for the fateful date, we had the opportunity to approach the Playground Games title in preview. And as you will be able to see, this grip gave us a big slap.
But before giving our opinion on the game, let's specify the framework in which this preview was held. We therefore had access to an unfinished version of Forza Horizon 5 on Xbox Series X. This means that some observations may no longer be relevant when the title is released next month. On this occasion, around 90 minutes of solo gameplay were available to us and the entire map was accessible to us. Finally, last important point, this first contact having been held on our side on Xbox Series X, we are not able to give our opinion concerning the graphic rendering obtained on Xbox One, Xbox Series S or on PC.
A real racing beast
The big demo that we were able to try began with the introductory sequence broadcast during Gamescom. During these few minutes, the player has the opportunity to become familiar with the controls while discovering some emblematic places in Mexico. Spectacular, this kind of tutorial dazzles from the start! We were stunned by the dizzying display distance and the overall modeling of the scenery or even the vehicles. You should know, Forza Horizon 5 will offer a quality mode in 4K at 30 FPS and a Performance mode in 4K at 60 FPS. Of course, the latter entails concessions to deliver perfect fluidity (which is the case). Thus, the ray tracing in ForzaVista mode is deactivated and we were able to observe aberrations on the screen such as clipping or even a fairly pronounced aliasing on the vegetation. We remind you that all of this can be improved before the game is released.
On the other hand, by opting for the Quality mode, the plastic of Forza Horizon 5 reaches heights still almost never seen on consoles. The game is simply sumptuous at all levels! We are literally amazed by the stunning panoramas and curves of the cars available in this preview. Even better, there were no noticeable bugs that jumped out at us. And icing on the cake, the framerate at 30 frames per second is not at all handicapping as the technical copy rendered is perfect. The meteorological and climatic effects are also ultra realistic... Special mention to the sandstorm that we were able to cross which offers a short moment of anthology as the staging is so successful. It's very simple, this fifth opus is sumptuous and should establish itself as a new technical and graphic reference for all the big budget titles in the months to come.
A dream vacation in Mexico
Forza Horizon obliges, the British studio Playground Games has also gone all out in terms of content. We were able to participate in a few events scattered all over the gigantic map of the title. The great classics are included such as cross-country circuits, Horizon, speed zones, starting gates or even danger signs that require you to perform a small stunt. The formula has therefore not been changed at all. Thus, the player is free to take part in the race of his choice and must collect points until unlocking the next Gathering aimed at extending the Horizon festival. Do not expect a revolution despite some additions such as photo challenges that require you to capture shots by fulfilling specific criteria (car in the frame, fireworks in the background...). And of course, the traditional knock-out panels (252 in total) are still relevant.
Overall, Forza Horizon 5 has not moved away from its predecessors and regulars will quickly find their marks. We just have the impression that the Playground teams want to deliver a more complete experience that will occupy the player for hours. It must be said that with 527 cars to unlock, some 599 roads to survey and 56 areas to visit, there will be plenty to do. In the end, it is in its excessiveness that this episode stands out compared to other racing games. We also felt a desire to script on the main missions through dialogues that are certainly rudimentary but which have the merit of existing.
A game that accepts all pilots
The trademark of the Forza Horizon license is also materialized by its accessibility which contrasts greatly with the relatively demanding simulation dimension of the Forza Motorsport saga. Once again, the player is free to set the difficulty as he sees fit. Experienced pilots will be able to see their talent put to the test and beginners will have the opportunity to enjoy the many activities without taking the lead. Again, no change to be seen... But why change a winning team?! Forza Horizon 5 can thus be welcoming for the greatest number, but by modifying a few parameters (such as the Drivatar difficulty, the activation of ABS, the impact of damage or stability), the experience becomes much more demanding. However, let's not forget that the difficulty is rewarded with bonus credits at the end of each race. Finally, the rewind option by pressing the Y key is always there to catch up with a bad trajectory.
All this to say that controller in hand, this Forza Horizon 5 made a strong impression on us. Lovers of the series will not be disoriented. Playground Games once again proves its excellence by serving us a gameplay with small onions. The vehicles respond to each of our requests without flinching. On rare occasions, such as crossing a shallow body of water or one of the famous sandstorms, the behavior of the car will change significantly. Then, like many Xbox Game Studios productions, the game is not stingy with accessibility settings for players who need them. Sign language overlay (English only), text size, offline game speed or even color filters can be freely applied. A real plus that will allow all users to dive into the experience.
Letting go and enjoying the ride
After going through the trials made available to us during the preview, we were able to browse the 11 Mexican biomes. The feeling of traveling through this superb country is authentic to say the least, as the menu shows an implacable consistency. Whether in the jungle, on the coast, on top of a volcano or in the city of Guanajuato, the immersion remains remarkable. And as in the previous Forza Horizons, the soundtrack has benefited from a work of goldsmith. The radios broadcast songs as catchy as they are varied and the engines roar in the most beautiful way. Only the Spanish dubs seem set back from the rest. The fault with a sometimes hazardous tone and a perfectible lip synchronization.
But this Forza Horizon 5 is a great invitation to travel without getting out of your couch. If the "racing game" dimension is necessarily at the heart of the gameplay, players who prefer to enjoy the panoramas of this splendid open world should get their money's worth. This fifth episode is very welcoming for all pilots!
JVFR
Forza Horizon 5: our first impressions
This is called an extremely reassuring preview. Forza Horizon 5 remains faithful to the license while offering maximum content. How not to be charmed by the breathtaking landscapes that depict all the know-how of the Playground Games teams. Graphically, the game does not disappoint and even allowed itself to give us a masterful slap at all levels. The gameplay hasn't changed one iota and delivers ultra-gratifying driving sensations as usual. As for the atmosphere of the Horizon festival, it is also there with a festive side pushed to its climax.
Right now, there's not much to complain about Forza Horizon 5 apart from a few graphical hiccups in Performance mode and some questionable Spanish voiceovers. However, we will only be able to judge the consistency of the set through the final version which will be released on November 9th. In the meantime, this grip has simply won our jaws. Can't wait for the big departure for Mexico!
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