The Xbox console’s phenomenally successful Forza Horizon video game is moving to Mexico for its fifth instalment, and both the teaser video and longer gameplay video look jaw-droopingly good.
The Horizon series is Forza’s open-world alternative to the regular circuit-based Forza Motorsport game. Players can roam freely through realistic roads, take part in structured races following the game’s story and characters, or just have fun in the arcade mode, playing mini games like, chasing, and running over, a trail of piñatas.
The landscape of Mexico is captured in such breathtaking detail you can even see the individual needles on the cacti. There’s huge variety to the scenery, too. One race could take you through sandy deserts or tropical jungles, while another might see you charging throw snowy mountains. Playground Games, the studio behind the title, says Horizon 5 is the largest and most diverse world ever playable in a Forza Horizon game.
But the other big news is the opportunity to get behind the virtual wheel of the Mercedes-AMG Project One. The yet-to-be-launched hypercar uses a modified 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 from a Mercedes-AMG F1 car, is limited to 275 units and costs almost £2m, so for most of us, this is as near as we’re going to get to driving one.
Though the full line-up of vehicles has yet to be released, you can bet there’ll be dozens of other cars to try, from buggies to supercars, plus endless ways to customise those cars, from wheel upgrades to bodykits.
The latest game has been designed to work on the latest Microsoft Xbox consoles and PCs capable of delivering graphics that can be shown in 4K and at 60fps for maximum detail on the flagship Xbox Series X. The slightly less powerful Series S will normally run the game at 1080p and 30fps, though that shouldn’t impact on the fun too much.
Forza Horizon 5 comes out in November 2021, and is priced from £54.99, though you’ll also be able to get it by subscribing to the £7.99 per month Xbox Game Pass.
Keyword: Forza Horizon 5 takes you and the AMG Project One on a Mexican adventure