Forza fans have been biting at the bit to get their hands on the first Forza Horizon 5 expansion, as it’s been a fair bit of time since the game landed last year. But it’s fair to say that this DLC was greeted by a real mix bag of feelings from the community when it was announced.
As Playground Games were heading back to the world of Hot Wheels for the first expansion, which when teamed up with the wait for it, it made more than a few people not too happy (myself included if I am being honest).
Competition
Since the first Hot Wheels DLC we have seen Milestone release Hot Wheels Unleashed – a standalone racer based on the thrills and spills of the toy line.
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I found that one a tonne of fun and has also been supported with a mind blowing amount of content, since its launch.
So to say that Playground Games has a mountain to climb this time around was an understatement, but in that oh-so Playground Games way… they have pulled it out the bag and then some, as this could have been just a reheat of past glory, but instead is a whole new toy box of fun.
Island of Content
Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels adds a new island to the game based around Mattel’s die-cast smash hit automotive 1:64-scale series, filled with more loops and boosts than you would ever want, as well as a few new and interesting twists to spice things up.
Go big or go home is the saying and it’s fully the mantra here, as you get a racing hub and three different biomes to race around. Tundra, jungle and desert themed islands all connected with what seems like an endless array of Hot Wheels signature orange track.
But get your wheels on the track and you find some new fun features, as the jungle area features water flumes but for cars, and the tundra has ice tracks. These make things a hell of a fun time when you’re trying to race. Although they add extra speed, they also take away control.
Another Angle
There are also long sections of magnetic track, which help with an area that was lacking in the first Hot Wheels DLC – going upside-down.
As it has fully embraced going inverted to the point there is a tilt meter bang in the middle of your screen. It’s cool seeing it turn all the way around and light up when you are pulling some extreme G’s. You can always turn it off if you don’t like it.
Horizon at Heart
The core gameplay sees you having to complete challenges and missions to unlock stars. Earning enough of these see you progress through the ranks getting faster and better cars.
As a Horizon veteran, this was a bit of a shock to my system. I normally cut around in an X-class Koenigsegg. But heading to the island sees you starting out at B-class with all other higher classes locked out.
Though it doesn’t take too long to get there, it was a bit of a virtual slap in the face. But as you rank up you’ll also unlock new cars (most based on Hot Wheels cars). You’ll also unlock new clothing items, so there is always something to aim for.
There is also a short story mode like the ones seen in the full game and it’s brilliant. It serves as an oral history of Hot Wheels, as you are told historical facts and stats, while bombing around the world. That’s the best way to learn.
Expectation
Visually, it is as you would expect. Stunning, as is the core game, but with a toy box vibe. The metallic flake paint jobs on the vintage die-casts really pops. Sound-wise, it’s more of the same. If you’re not a fan of Horizon‘s brand of cheesy chat, this will not change your view one bit.
The first expansion had to overcome with the passionate fan base but it smashes it and then some. It’s a true love letter to Hot Wheels. All while being more of what Forza fans really love at the same time. If you need a break from Mexico, this is the playground to lose a few hours in.
Review copy provided by publisher