Latest news with #PlaygroundGames
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Is 'Forza Horizon 5' on PS5 worth it? Full review, graphics, and gameplay breakdown
The roar of the engine, the blur of the landscape, the meditative art of drifting through winding roads — Forza Horizon 5 is no longer just a crown jewel of Xbox's racing lineage. As of April 29, this award-winning open-world racing epic is finally available on PlayStation 5, and the wait has been worth every rev of the engine. Having experienced Forza Horizon 5 originally on Xbox, I was curious to see how it would fare on PlayStation 5 (I play on the digital slim version). In short: it's glorious. Whether you're speeding past towns or cruising along Mexico's sun-drenched coastlines, the visuals are nothing short of breathtaking. It runs at a silky-smooth 60fps. The PS5 port isn't just a simple transplant—it arrives with the Horizon Realms update and includes all the core campaign content, both massive DLCs (Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure), and the iconic ever-evolving Mexican landscape that's made the game a genre-defining masterpiece. The zen of the open road There's something hypnotic about driving in Forza Horizon 5. The world is vast, vibrant, and at times, oddly peaceful. Cruising along mountain roads or skimming across desert sandscapes feels less like gaming and more like therapy. The lack of traffic or real obstacles when free-roaming may bother some purists seeking challenge, but for others (myself included), it only enhances the sense of boundless freedom. Drifting for points, executing near misses, and launching off cliffs becomes its own kind of meditation. The car is your canvas The game offers many cars to unlock, collect, and, of course, race. From hypercars to rally beasts, the garage is a gearhead's dream. While the customisation options are robust, there's still a sense that Playground Games could have pushed things a bit further. Compared to other sim-lite racers or full-on car builders, there's room for more granular detail in body kits, liveries, and tuning presets. Still, hopping into a new car, tweaking it to your liking, and blasting across the open world never gets old. The storytelling? Let's be clear — no one comes to Forza Horizon 5 for a rich, narrative-driven experience. The campaign, while expansive and featuring new additions like Expeditions and showcase events, doesn't exactly shift into fifth gear emotionally. It's serviceable and sometimes even charming, but its real value lies in unlocking new areas and events rather than telling a compelling story. That said, some missions that introduce you to lesser-known cars or celebrate automotive history are genuinely engaging. It's moments like these — where gameplay and education meet — that make the campaign worthwhile. It's almost like how Assassin's Creed educates us on major historic events and characters. I just had to make that reference; I still haven't finished AC Shadows. Horizon Realms & the new Stadium Circuit The Horizon Realms update brings a curated mix of community-favorite environments back into the fold, capped off with the brand-new Stadium Track. This permanent addition adds a fresh layer of speed-centric design and tight racing turns that cater to players who thrive in structured, competitive environments. Whether you're revisiting familiar ground or burning rubber on the new Horizon Stadium Circuit, the Realms update feels like a thoughtful expansion rather than just recycled content. Final Verdict After years of being a flagship Xbox experience, Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5 finally hands the keys over to a whole new set of drivers — and what a joyride it is. With the full suite of DLCs, seasonal content, and the Realms update baked in, this is not a watered-down port. It's Forza in all its unrestrained glory. It is a high-octane love letter to car culture, open-world exploration, and technical brilliance. It's not perfect, (hardly anything is) — the story mode lacks real weight, and customisation could be deeper — but it delivers an exhilarating, gorgeous, and deeply addictive racing experience that few games can match. Safe to say, PlayStation users won't have to turn only to Gran Turismo for a little racing adrenaline. So buckle up. Mexico awaits.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Should you buy the Car Pass DLC in Forza Horizon 5?
Image via Playground Games If you're tearing up the roads of Mexico in Forza Horizon 5 and eyeing that shiny Car Pass DLC, then you're in for a treat. The Car Pass DLC gives you access to 42 extra cars, with 8 unlocked instantly, and the rest rolling out one per week. It's all about boosting your garage with unique and rare vehicles not available in the base game. But is it really worth the money? Every FREE Car In The Forza Horizon 5 Car Pass Is the Car Pass DLC Worth Buying? Yes—if you love collecting and trying out fresh rides. The Car Pass is perfect for players who get a kick out of driving something new every week. Whether it's a vintage classic or a modern hypercar, there's something thrilling about logging in and finding a new toy to test drive. But here's the deal: you're not getting everything upfront. After the first 8 cars, you'll need to wait each week for the rest to unlock. That's great for ongoing excitement—but not ideal if you want instant gratification. Pro tip: You can buy individual Car Pass cars later, but it'll cost more over time than grabbing the full pass upfront. Who Should Consider It? If you love having a stacked garage, the Car Pass is a no-brainer. These aren't recycled cars either—many are brand-new to the Forza franchise. Some are exclusive and hard to come by unless you buy them individually, which adds up quickly. If you're someone who races with just a handful of your favorite cars, or you're already satisfied with the base game's hundreds of vehicles, the Car Pass might feel unnecessary. Plus, the game regularly adds free cars via seasonal playlists. We Bought The BEST DLC Cars in Forza Horizon 5! What's the Catch? It's a slow rollout: You'll get just one car per week (after the initial 8). So, no instant mega-garage. You won't know every car in advance: Not all 42 cars are revealed upfront, which might be frustrating if you're picky. It only includes cars: No expansions, treasure maps, or other goodies—those are sold separately. Better Value in a Bundle? The Car Pass is included in the Premium Add-Ons Bundle and the Premium Edition of the game. If you're already eyeing expansions or VIP perks, the bundle might save you more in the long run. Final Verdict The Forza Horizon 5 Car Pass is like a drip-feed of car candy for fans who live for new rides. It's not essential, but for collectors and hardcore players, it adds great value—without overwhelming you with everything at once. Just want a few cars? Skip the pass. Want a garage that turns heads? Go for it.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Next Major Xbox Exclusive's PS5 Release Delayed
A major upcoming Xbox exclusive, which was also previously rumored for the PS5, has been delayed. Microsoft has announced that — in development at Forza studio Playground Games — will now launch in 2026 instead of 2025. Multiple reports previously claimed that Microsoft plans to release Fable on Xbox Series X|S and PS5 simultaneously. There are even reports of a potential Nintendo Switch 2 port. Microsoft did not provide a specific reason for Fable's delay into 2026, but speculation suggests that its day-and-date PS5 launch is part of the reason. Reliable insider NateDrake is one of those who believes that Fable's delay could be partly down to Microsoft's plans for a day-one PS5 launch. Although this is merely speculation and unlikely to be the main reason for the delay, NateDrake is pretty well connected and we suspect that this is informed speculation rather than just guesswork. NateDrake further stated that Fable's PS5 launch is all but confirmed, so rest assured, it's coming. Microsoft has pretty much eliminated the term 'Xbox exclusive' as its games are expected to launch on rival platforms at some point. However, launching first-party games that were formerly exclusive day-and-date on a rival platform is new. The next console generation will certainly be an interesting one, especially in the absence of rivalry over exclusives. The post Next Major Xbox Exclusive's PS5 Release Delayed – Report appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Forza Horizon 5 PS5 Release Date Revealed
Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios have announced is getting one of its biggest updates in April with Horizon Realms. Along with a trailer for the new update, the developer revealed when players can expect to enter the various races at the Horizon Festival. Forza Horizon 5 will release on on PS5 on on April 25. There are three different editions to choose from, all of which are available to preorder right now on the PlayStation Store: Standard, Deluxe, and Premium. Check out the trailer below to get a glimpse of what to expect with April's Horizon Realms update. The Standard Edition of Forza Horizon 5 just includes the base game for $59.99. The Deluxe Edition includes the base game and the Car Pass for $79.99. Lastly, the Premium Edition includes everything from the Deluxe Edition plus the Welcome Pack, VIP Membership, Hot Wheels expansion, Rally Adventure expansion, and early access beginning April 25 for $99.99. Standard and Deluxe Edition owners will get access to the game on April 28. Specific to PS5, Forza Horizon 5 will have two graphics modes. Performance mode targets 60 frames per second (fps) while Quality mode targets 30 fps, but with better visuals. For PS5 Pro users, performance mode adds increased visual fidelity, and quality mode adds ray traced car reflections to races and free roam. It was announced Forza Horizon 5 was coming to PS5 about a month ago. While it isn't a surprise seeing Xbox 'exclusives' come to PlayStation platforms, the change was notable as one of Microsoft's biggest first-party franchises. Forza Horizon 5 for PS5 is developed by Panic Button in collaboration with Turn 10 Studios and Playground Games. It will have cross-play functionality, allowing players from every platform race against each other. The post Forza Horizon 5 PS5 Release Date Revealed appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Forza Horizon 5 careens onto PS5 on April 29
Forza Horizon 5 is officially coming to the PS5 on April 29. We knew the racing sim was going multiplatform, and now we have a legit date when players will be able to race around a digital replica of Mexico. This version does have cross-play support, which has already been a boon for Xbox and PC players. Additionally, the PS5 build allows gamers to purchase all of the same car packs, including the Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions. There's a new and free content update for PS5, Xbox and PC players called Horizon Realms that features a set of in-game achievements based on the game's dynamic and evolving world, which arrives on April 25. Horizon 5 comes to PS5 in three flavors. The base game costs $60; the Deluxe Edition, which comes with the game's car pass, costs $80; and the Premium Edition, which comes with all of the game's DLC, costs $100. If you pre-order the Premium Edition you also get early access to the game on April 25, though does it count as early access when the game's been out for over four years on Xbox and PC? That's for you and your wallet to decide. All editions are digital only — the Forza Horizon X account confirmed there are currently no plans for a physical release. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Developer Playground Games has also run down the various graphics modes available on PlayStation 5. Regular PS5 consoles will have access to a 60 fps performance mode and a 30 fps quality mode. PS5 Pro owners will have the same options, but with "increased fidelity" in the performance mode and ray-traced car reflections in races and free roam. There is no word currently on resolution targets for either console, or how they shape up versus Xbox Series X/S. For the uninitiated, Forza Horizon 5 is a fantastic open-world racing game that we absolutely loved upon its initial release in 2021. The graphics are top notch, with a gorgeous design aesthetic, and the open world is fun to just race around in. The game is so approachable that we said 'you don't need to be into cars to love it.' This is just the latest former Xbox exclusive to bridge the console divide. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle debuted as an Xbox exclusive in December, but is also coming to the PS5 soon. Other former exclusives that have been allowed to roam free include Sea of Thieves, Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment and Grounded.
