It’s always a treat when a game you really enjoy gets some new DLC that adds not only a new chunk of content to the game, but also enriches the core title with new features and elements. Forza Horizon 5: Rally Adventure is one of those add-ons.
In many ways Playground games are the masters of this sort of DLC. They’ve had a string of add-on hits for their Horizon series over the years. And after the buzz from the first Hot Wheels expansion some several months ago, hopes were high for the second add-on.
Iron World
Forza Horizon 5: Rally Adventure on the surface may seem like Playground are playing it a bit too safe, as we have had similar themed DLC for past title. But look a little deeper and you’ll find a lot of fun to be had, though it may be all too short lived.
The DLC adds a reasonably sized new area called Sierra Nueva – which is a real micro bio-dome of an area. It features every type of racing condition you could wish for; from sandy dunes, to water logged swamp lands. Though visually it’s very similar to the core game in a lot of ways.
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It’s a perfect location to cut loose on for some rally based fun, as each race can be ran in two flavours; firstly standard races – where you have to fight your way to first. Then there are the new rally stages.
Rally Stage
These rally stages sees you and a co. driver (oddly even in single seaters) battling through endless pace notes. And trying to get to the next check point as fast as you can through evermore technical routes.
It’s in these rally events where the expansion shines, as it offers up a more arcade-fuelled spin on the likes of the DiRT series and the WRC titles.
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But beyond the new mode the standard races are ran on the rally tracks, so they lack the wow factor of some of the core game’s races. Most here are an off-road or cross country affair too.
Rally Story
There is also a sort of story threading the action together, where you have to race for one of three teams. The Apex Predators who specialise in Asphalt Rally, Grit Reapers best known for Night Rally and Horizon Raptors who are all about Dirt Rally.
Each team has you tackling a number of set events, so the Apex Predators are all about speed traps and cams, whereas Asphalt Rally is more danger sign focused. It’s an interesting way of cutting up the events as you may favour some more than others.
To fully complete the DLC you will have to master each team. There is a list of
challenges you have to complete to level up each team. It’s a more focused spin on things. It may be a bit too constricted at times, as some challenges will have you stumped for a time.
Complete the 100-plus challenge list and you’ll bag some tasty goodies. From
wears for your racer, to new cars and horns.
New Car Line-Up
It wouldn’t be a Horizon expansion without a few new rides and on that front there is an
interesting mix of ten to pick from. Most with an off-road or rally vibe.
The 2021 RJ Anderson #37 Polaris RZR Pro 4 Truck and the 2021 Alumicraft #122 Class 1 Buggy and the electric wonder that is the DLC’s cover car – the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Though the stand out from the pack is the 2001 #4 Ford Focus RS WRC. This was the machine driven by Scots rally legend Colin McRae. It’s wonderful tribute to McRae’s legacy in the sport and a brilliant addition to the Forza Horizon 5 garage.
It could be argued it’s all a bit too truck and buggy heavy. But when you link up these up with what’s in the main game, there is a good spread of rally toys to play with. However the lack of a Lancia licence can be felt.
Short and Very Sweet
The only real issue is that Forza Horizon 5: Rally Adventure is over a bit too quickly. With moderate skill, you can clear the full map and challenge card in a day which may disappoint hardcore fans.
Oddly, the game itself feels like its rushing you through things. The week that the DLC
launched there were race challenges in the monthly Forzathon playlist that demanded you to have fully completed the team side of the things to race in them.
Though it’s more likely you’ll get the most mileage from the other additions the pack brings to the table beyond a new location and the races.
Forza Horizon 5: Rally Adventure is a blast from start to finish that brings in a few new
elements that help to reinforce just how amazing the core title is. A perfect slice of rally fun for newcomers and hardcore alike. And although it’s short-lived, it’s a hell of a sweet ride while it lasts.