Microsoft wrapped up its gamescom 2021 Xbox stream a couple of minutes ago, and the upcoming Forza Horizon 5 got a lot of stage time during the show. The game won’t be released on Xbox consoles, PC, and Xbox Game Pass until November 9, but developer PlayGround Games just gave us our first look at the introduction sequence, the game’s cover cars, and more.
As you may remember, the Forza Horizon 4 introduction sequence was a feast for the senses for players experiencing the game’s four seasons with a final race aboard the 2018 McLaren Senna. Well, players launching Forza Horizon 5 for the first time can expect a similar rollercoaster ride featuring the game’s two cover cars, the Mercedes-AMG ONE and the 2021 Ford Bronco Badlands.
“As you play through Forza Horizon 5 and explore our expansive version of Mexico, you can expect cargo planes, an active volcano, a race to the festival under beautiful Mexican skies, and more. You’ll see exciting sights like the Ford Bronco Badlands atop the active, snow-capped Gran Caldera volcano, the 2020 Corvette Stingray tearing up the asphalt towards a dust storm in the Mexican farmland, and the Porsche 911 Desert Flyer crashing through the dense jungle tree canopy. And finally, you’ll get to experience the stunning Mercedes-AMG ONE at full speed along Mexico’s sunbaked rocky coast,” wrote Forza Horizon 5 Creative Director Mike Brown.
Forza Horizon 5 will be the first game in the series to be released after developer PlayGround Games was acquired by Microsoft, and it will be the most ambitious Horizon game ever. Forza Horizon 4 was already one of the most critically-acclaimed Xbox exclusives released during the Xbox One generation, and Forza Horizon 5 seems ready to push boundaries even further with an even bigger open world.
After Microsoft Flight Simulator really impressed on Xbox Series X and Series S consoles last month, Forza Horizon 5 is expected to give Microsoft’s latest consoles a serious workout with incredible water visuals and HDR captures of the Mexican sky. Seasons are making a comeback, but they will be more localized with sandstorms, blizzards, and other weather changes dynamically affecting the game’s eleven biomes.
Just like Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5 is a cross-gen game that will also ship on Xbox One consoles. PlayGround Games promised to make it the most accessible Forza Horizon game ever, and it will be available on day one on Xbox Game Pass for Console and PC. The open-world racing game will undoubtedly be a very important release for Microsoft this holiday season, and we’re looking forward to seeing more of it in the coming weeks.
