In essence, no racing game on PlayStation 5 matches the scope of Forza Horizon 5.
The Crew Motorfest? It’s the closest contender. Embracing a festival vibe akin to Forza Horizon, it feels more like the series than its predecessors ever did.
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown? Unfortunately, it falls short. While the Forza Horizon series drew inspiration from the original Test Drive Unlimited’s MMO racing, Solar Crown’s always-online model lacks a dedicated offline mode. In contrast, Forza Horizon has offered seamless transitions between solo and online play since Forza Horizon 2 in 2014.
Need for Speed Unbound? Its customization options outshine Horizon in some respects, but its arcade-style focus on high-speed chases makes it a different beast altogether.
Undoubtedly, Forza Horizon 5 reigns as the premier open-world racing game, now available on PlayStation 5 for the first time. Its vibrant Mexico map, drift-optimized vehicle handling, and massive garage of over 900 cars—featuring cult classics absent from other titles—deliver an unmatched experience. PlayStation players are diving into this rich world, many for the first time.
The community’s response has been thrilling to observe.
New players flooding in is something the development team has eagerly anticipated.
“I’m absolutely thrilled,” says Playground Games art director Don Arceta. “For many, this will be their first taste of Forza Horizon. It’s exciting to imagine their reactions and reflect on our own first experiences with the series.”
Arceta is particularly eager to see how PlayStation 5 players leverage Forza Horizon 5’s robust customization suite, the Event Lab, to craft unique races and environments.
“With over 800 props in the Event Lab, the community’s creativity has been astounding,” he adds. “I can’t wait to see what PlayStation 5 players build and the originality they’ll bring to the table.”
“You’ll even find some impressive Halo-themed content on PlayStation, thanks to the Event Lab props!”
Impressively, the PlayStation port matches the technical excellence of its Xbox and PC versions, a remarkable feat given the game’s scale and the fact that its engine is new to the PlayStation ecosystem.
“The series was built around Xbox architecture, so adapting it for PS5 was a massive challenge,” Arceta explains. “It required significant engineering effort.”
“Panic Button, working alongside Turn 10 and us, developed the PlayStation 5 version. Their work is phenomenal, delivering the same high-quality experience as on Xbox and PC. It’s a testament to their skill.”
As a car enthusiast, I’ve always seen the Forza series as the ultimate showcase for rare and exciting vehicles, blending cars I love with ones I never knew I needed. The idea of PlayStation players discovering their dream cars in Forza Horizon 5—vehicles other racing games overlook—is exhilarating.
For Playground Games lead game designer David Orton, it’s the game’s vast scope that will captivate newcomers.
“Horizon’s variety is astonishing,” Orton says. “Players can tailor their experience to their preferences, whether that’s road racing, track challenges, or creative pursuits.”
“We prioritize player freedom, ensuring the game rewards whatever path they choose. Whether it’s capturing stunning photos, designing events in the Event Lab, or diving into competitive racing, Horizon welcomes everyone. I’m excited for players to discover that this is more than just a racing game.”
“A win for me is hearing players say, ‘I can’t believe I’ve never played this before,’” Arceta says. “That moment of surprise hooks them, sparking curiosity and engagement.”
Orton echoes this sentiment.
“Exactly,” he adds. “For players new to Horizon—whether due to platform differences or never having tried it—discovering this vibrant, welcoming world is the goal. Realizing it’s an incredible experience they’ve missed out on is the ultimate victory.”
“We’re reaching players who’ve never experienced a Forza title. Our history shows we’re always refining our craft, and bringing this to PlayStation is thrilling. We’re eager to welcome a new wave of players.”
Car culture and console loyalty can be fiercely divisive, but for racing fans, a major barrier has fallen with Forza Horizon 5’s PlayStation debut.
Here’s hoping it’s just the beginning.
