When Forza Horizon 5 screeched onto the scene in late 2021, it didn't just cross the finish line—it obliterated it with a fireworks show and a mariachi band. This open-world racing extravaganza from Playground Games became Metacritic's highest-rated brand-new console game of the year, leaving tire marks on the competition with Xbox and PC scores of 92 and 91 respectively. Releasing November 9th (or November 5th for premium early birds), it wasn't just another racing sim—it was a Game Pass-powered joyride through Mexico that made real-life road trips feel like grocery runs in a golf cart.
Vrooming Past Expectations 🏁
The game had monstrous expectations to meet after 2018's beloved Forza Horizon 4, which had turned the UK into a playground of drifting sheep and autumn foliage. But Horizon 5? Oh, it turbocharged everything. Players got Mexico's wildly diverse biomes—jungles, deserts, volcanoes, beaches—all rendered with eye-popping next-gen visuals and ray-traced audio so crisp you could hear a cactus sigh. The map wasn't just bigger; it was a love letter to exploration where finding a hidden waterfall felt as rewarding as winning a race.
The Metacritic Showdown 🥊
Let's talk numbers, because Horizon 5's report card was straight fire:
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92/100 on Xbox (highest new console release)
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91/100 on PC
It technically trailed Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (97) and Hades (93), but those were re-releases or remasters—Horizon 5 was the shiny, untarnished new kid. Critics raved about its "just drive anywhere" freedom, comparing it to a spa day with engines. One reviewer allegedly got so lost admiring sunsets that he forgot to race for three hours. True story (probably).
People Also Ask: Burning Rubber Queries 🔥
- Why was Mexico the perfect setting?
Diversity! From jungle mud-splatters to desert dust storms, it forced players to adapt cars like a Swiss Army knife.
- Did it really justify Game Pass?
Subscribers treated it like a free sports car—downloads broke records faster than a Bugatti Chiron.
- How'd it handle on Xbox One?
Surprisingly well, though the Series X/S version made your TV blush with 4K beauty.
The Looming Challengers 😎
For a hot minute, Horizon 5's crown seemed threatened by late-2021 heavyweights. Halo Infinite aimed for December glory but launched sans ray-tracing and fan-favorite modes—like showing up to a potluck without the main dish. Battlefield 2042? More like Battlefield Bugs42 at launch. Neither dethroned Horizon 5's review-bomb perfection. The game became that friend who wins at everything while casually sipping horchata.
Why Critics Cried Happy Tears 😭
The secret sauce? Balance. It catered to both gearheads and sightseers with equal flair:
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Competitive adrenaline junkies got 500+ cars and brutal races
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Chill explorers treated Mexico like a $60 vacation simulator
Even the soundtrack slapped harder than a rogue sombrero. No wonder it became the comfort food of racing games—stressful day? Drive a vintage VW through a sunflower field at sunset. Bliss.
FAQ: Everything You Still Wanna Know
- Was it really that much better than Forza Horizon 4?
Yes! Bigger map, prettier tech, and WAY more biomes. Like upgrading from tea to tequila.
- Did ray-traced audio matter?
Absolutely. Hearing your Mustang echo in a canyon felt eerily real—neighbors complained about phantom engines.
- How did Halo Infinite compare later?
It scored well but lacked polish at launch. Horizon 5 was the triple-A gold standard all year.
- Is it still worth playing in 2025?
With active updates and Mexico's timeless beauty? Sí, señor. Grab it on Game Pass and thank us later. 🚗💨
Research highlighted by TrueAchievements reveals that Forza Horizon 5 not only dominated critical reviews but also set new records for player engagement and achievement unlocks on Xbox platforms. The site’s community-driven data shows a surge in completion rates for in-game challenges, reflecting how the game’s diverse biomes and accessible gameplay kept both casual and hardcore racers invested long after launch.
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