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Forza Horizon 5 is a widely acclaimed open-world racing game, with reviews praising its Mexico setting, varied driving and accessible blend of arcade speed and simulation depth. The main reservation in some reviews is that it refines the established Horizon formula more than it reinvents it. Whether it is worth buying depends on how much you enjoy that formula—and whether the base game or an edition with expansions best fits what you already own.
What do reviews say about Forza Horizon 5?
At the time Metacritic was accessed in 2026, Forza Horizon 5 had a 92 Metascore based on 103 critic reviews, classified as “Universal Acclaim.” Its separate user score was 8.1 from 6,026 ratings. Metacritic also displayed 100% positive reviews in its tracked critic set, with zero mixed or negative reviews. These are snapshots of the aggregator’s counted reviews and ratings, not permanent scores or measures of sales and player count. Metacritic’s review page
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Gran Turismo 7 Standard Edition - PlayStation 5 | $42.65 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Horizon Forbidden West Standard Edition - PlayStation 5 | $41.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition - PlayStation 5 | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Assetto Corsa Competizione - PlayStation 5 | $28.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The reviews explain both the high score and the caveat about incremental change. A Game Revolution excerpt dated November 4, 2021, called it “the best Forza yet” and argued it made a strong case as the best racing game. EGM, also dated November 4, 2021, praised the more varied map while noting that many changes were incremental. A 100 LEVEL excerpt from February 18, 2022, likewise praised the arcade racing but questioned how much further the established formula could advance. These are publication-attributed excerpts hosted on Metacritic, rather than a new assessment of the game. Metacritic’s critic review excerpts
What reviewers praise—and what to consider
Mexico and open-world driving
Review excerpts highlight the Mexico setting and visual variety as strengths. The game’s open-world structure gives players a broad setting for racing, while the driving is presented as approachable rather than limited to a strict simulation style. Game Revolution praised the combination of arcade racing and simulation depth; EGM described the map as more fun to drive and visually diverse than the previous game’s map.
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- With the return of classic cars, iconic tracks, and fan-favourite modes like GT Simulation and Sport Mode - Gran Turismo 7 is the complete Real Driving Simulator, 25 years in the making.
- Find your line. Whether you're a racer, collector, tuner, designer, photographer or arcade fan - immerse yourself in the facets of automotive culture that matter most to you.
- Connect and compete. Join an international community of drivers to share race strategies, tuning tips, livery designs and photos, before taking to the track to go head-to-head.
A familiar formula
The same accessibility and open-world racing approach may be exactly what returning fans want. But readers looking for a substantial break from earlier Horizon games should note the reviews that characterize the changes as incremental. The high critic aggregate signals broad critical approval; it does not mean every reviewer thought the series had reinvented itself.
User opinions are individual experiences
Metacritic’s visible user-review excerpts include a 2026 player who praised the visuals and driving but described progression as repetitive and multiplayer as sometimes affected by connectivity problems. Other visible comments were substantially more positive or negative. Individual posts cannot establish how common those experiences are, so treat them as examples rather than representative findings. Metacritic’s user reviews
Rank #2
- An epic Action/RPG Adventure:
- Brave an expansive open world - discover distant lands, new enemies, rich cultures and striking characters.
- A majestic frontier - explore the lush forests, sunken cities and towering mountains of a far-future America.
- Confront new dangers - engage in strategic battles against enormous machines and mounted human enemies by using weapons, gear and traps crafted from salvaged parts.
- Unravel startling mysteries - uncover the secret behind Earth's imminent collapse and unlock a hidden chapter in the ancient past. one that will change Aloy forever.
Which platforms can you play it on?
Xbox’s product listing names Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, cloud gaming and handheld play options. The official Forza editions page links purchase routes for Windows, PlayStation Store and Steam, while Metacritic’s game details page lists Xbox Series X, PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 5. Because availability and purchase format can vary by store and region, check the current listing for the platform you plan to use. Xbox product page · Official Forza editions page · Metacritic game details
Xbox lists online co-op for 2–6 players, online multiplayer for 2–12 players, cross-platform multiplayer and co-op, 4K Ultra HD, HDR10 and 12 accessibility features. These are Xbox’s listed product features. Xbox also says console online multiplayer requires a separately sold Game Pass subscription tier; check the current regional Xbox listing for the applicable terms. Cloud access and online features should not be assumed to have identical requirements across platforms.
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Rank #3
- High-Speed, Adrenaline-Fueled Arcade Racing - Race across high-intensity tracks in licensed supercars with cinematic style, drifting, nitro boosts, and precision driving that captures the thrill of the original arcade classic.
- The Top Tier Arcade Racer, Brought to Console - Experience the full-throttle thrills of the arcade game at home, now optimized for consoles and with the same explosive action that made the original a fan favorite in arcades.
- Race Iconic Vehicles - Hit the road in 8 legendary cars including the Dodge Charger, Corvette Z06, Shelby GT500 KR, Ford GT, Bronco DR, Jeep Wrangler, and more.
- Customize Your Look, Your Way - Style your ride with custom vehicle color schemes that let you stand out on the track and represent your personality.
- Race Together in Local Multiplayer - Grab a friend and hit the track with 2 players in split-screen local multiplayer, bringing the arcade rivalry home with side-by-side action and nonstop competition.
Forza Horizon 5 editions: what is included?
The official Forza page currently describes the full game as including 773 cars, the Car Pass as adding 42 cars, and each of the Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions as adding 10 cars, a new map, events and achievements or trophies. It also says the game has received over 40 content updates. These are the figures and descriptions published by Forza; check your platform’s store for what is available in your region. Official Forza editions and content
| Option | What the official Forza page says it includes | Who might choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | Base game | Players who want the core game without the listed extras. |
| Deluxe Edition | Base game and Car Pass | Players who want the base game plus the additional cars in the Car Pass. |
| Premium Edition | Base game, Car Pass, Hot Wheels Expansion, Rally Adventure Expansion, Welcome Pack and VIP Membership | Players who want the listed expansion and membership content together. |
| Premium Add-Ons Bundle | An upgrade described as containing the extra content included in Premium Edition | Existing owners comparing an upgrade with buying a full edition; confirm the store listing and owned content to avoid overlap. |
The official page also lists expansions and an Ultimate Car Pack Collection as separate options. Xbox lists individual add-ons, including the two expansions and multiple car packs. Prices and promotions change, so compare the current regional store listings rather than relying on an old price. If you already own the game or any add-ons, check exactly which entitlements are included before buying a bundle.
Rank #4
- Assetto Corsa Competizione allows you to feel the real atmosphere of the GT3 championship
- Compete against official drivers,teams, cars circuits reproduced in game with the highest level of accuracy ever achieved on console
- Sprint, Endurance, and Spa 24 Hours races come to life with an incredible level of realism, in both single and multiplayer modes
Is Forza Horizon 5 worth it?
It is a strong fit if you want an open-world racer with an acclaimed Mexico setting and a driving style that combines arcade accessibility with simulation depth. If you already enjoy Horizon games, reviewers’ praise for the map and driving may be more relevant than the fact that some saw the changes as incremental. If you want a major departure from the series formula, that reservation is worth weighing before purchase.
Choose the edition based on the content you actually want: Standard for the core game, Deluxe for the Car Pass, or Premium for the listed expansions and extras. For a bundle or upgrade, compare its contents against what you already own in the store for your platform.
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No wheel requirement is established by the cited product and review pages. A racing wheel is an optional way to play, not a prerequisite supported by this evidence. If you are considering one, verify compatibility with your platform and the specific game edition, and account for any pedals, mounting space or stand you may need; no particular wheel has been tested here.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
