In this standalone segment of the Outside is Overrated Podcast, the gang breaks down Forza Horizon 5 by Playground Games.
This open-world arcade racing title cruises through Mexico. You compete in five different types of events:
- Apex (Road Racing)
- Wilds (Dirt Racing)
- Baja (Cross-Country Racing)
- Rush (PR Stunts)
- Street Scene (Street Racing)
Everything you do rewards you with accolades points, unlocking more events from one of those buckets. You also gain experience points for executing feats for completing events, finishing well and smashing signs throughout the world. Each level you gain gives you a wheel spin, offering prizes from credits to rare cars.
What sets the Horizon series apart from other traditional racing games is the open world. You can bomb your way through sand dunes, jungles and mountainous terrain, earning XP for jumps, tricks and general destruction. As you execute skills your earn driver mastery points you can invest in specific cars. The map is filled with various types of events and you can explore to your heart’s content.
Speaking of cars, you expand your collection throughout the game. You find, buy and discover a boatload of new cars. There are 14 barn finds, rare cars hidden across the landscape. As you play you’ll discover rumors about barn finds, giving you an area to search. Once you find the barn, your team will get to work restoring the cars, and soon you’ll have a shiny new toy to blast through the wilderness.
This game is a masterpiece. Every event is tight and fun, the cars are varied and feel markedly different. The visuals are jaw-dropping and the setpiece moments are on par with the best action games. It’s a remarkable package and one any car enthusiast must experience.
Next Month – The Outer Wilds
Next month on Game Pass Forever we will discuss The Outer Wilds by Mobius Digital.
Description: You’re the newest member of Outer Wilds Ventures, a fledgling space program searching for answers in a strange, constantly changing solar system. Who built the ruins on the moon? What lurks in the heart of Dark Bramble? Why are you trapped in a time loop, and can it be stopped? To solve these mysteries you’ll have to venture into the most dangerous reaches of space.
Outside is Overrated is presented by Premier Health. This standalone segment is supported by backers on Patreon. Please consider supporting our show, starting at $2 per month.