Let’s get straight to the point: Forza Horizon 5 is one of the best racing games you can play today. Thankfully, it’s now out on the PlayStation 5 for a new audience to enjoy.
It only feels right that Forza Horizon 5 would release some new DLC in line with this release, which looks to celebrate the best the game has had to offer over the past few years.
Take it Back to the Track
Horizon Realms includes a bunch of previously rereleased and evolving tracks and playgrounds from Forza Horizon 5, and we’ve got the compete list down below:
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Stunt Park
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Ice Rink
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Oval Track
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Summer Party
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Neon Airstrip
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Día de Muertos
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Winter Wonderland
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Lunar Drift Arena
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Retrowave Highway
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Cars and Coffee
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Stadium Maze
They’re all fantastic, and while I caught many of these at the time of their release, there were some tracks like the Lunar Drift Arena and Retrowave Highway that I got to experience for the first time. If any existing fans have missed any or all of these, it’s pretty much worth jumping into for the sake of variety alone.
Each track is diverse and unique, and while it does not necessarily reinvent the formula for those who don’t enjoy the Forza Horizon 5 to begin with, all add plenty of value to what is already a feature-packed experience.
However, players get an entirely new track in the Horizon Stadium Circuit. Now a permanent track in the game, players will be able to race around the winding corners and bends, complete with its event icon on the map, and a Rivals leaderboard to take on other players and friends for the fastest lap.
Play Your Way
Horizon Realms gives you two ways to interact with its playgrounds and tracks: Skill Mode and Free Mode. Skill Mode essentially sees you whipping about to rack up the highest score by drifting, maintaining certain speeds, and even getting some airtime. Each track and environment also offers its Skill Score Leaderboard, meaning you’ll have to experiment in and eventually master each track if you want to stay on top.
Earning a certain Skill Score will also unlock new and exclusive player Badges. Alongside this mode, players will also be able to access a new Accolade Tab that’s exclusive to Horizon Realms. It will feature over 60 accolades, with a mix of both old and new tasks to complete, while each world includes 5 new accolades. This will even unlock four new cars, including:
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2024 Lamborghini Revuelto
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2023 Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato
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2018 Lotus Exige Cup 430
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2022 Hennessey Mammoth 6×6
Finally, there’s the Free Mode, which allows you to cruise at your own pace and explore each environment’s hidden corners and unique aspects.
You can either play on your own or join your friends in a Convoy to simply mess around or even seek out any remaining Badges and unlock Accolades. It’s a more relaxed way to experience Horizon Realms, but you can make some crazy memories with friends here.
Final Thoughts
Horizon Realms feels like it knew exactly what fans had been missing all this time. Even then, a unique mix of returning tracks along with the new Horizon Stadium Circuit keeps things feeling fresh, with just the right amount of nostalgia.
But it’s worth noting that newer fans can enjoy these tracks for the immense creativity and freedom they offer, while being able to chase new Badges, Accolades and vehicles.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Fan-favourite tracks make a welcome return; New Stadium Track is plenty of fun
Lowlights: Geared more towards fans, won’t justify or redefine the experience if you don’t already enjoy it
Developer: Playground Games
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Windows PC
Available: Now
Review conducted on Xbox Series X with a pre-release retail code provided by the publisher.
