Forza Horizon 5 has made a spectacular entrance onto the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro, expanding its audience beyond the Xbox console realm. This vibrant racing game, set against the stunning backdrop of Mexico and a whimsical Hot Wheels-inspired paradise, offers an incredible amount of content and immersive gameplay that captivates players.
With the recent port by Panic Button, gamers are now wondering if this version for Sony’s consoles delivers the definitive Forza Horizon experience. In this review, we’ll delve into the performance, visual fidelity, and unique features available on the PS5 and PS5 Pro.
Performance and Visual Fidelity on PS5
The overview of Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 showcases two distinct modes: a performance mode targeting 60 frames per second (fps) and a quality mode aiming for 30 fps. While these modes present different frame rates, the visual experience remains largely unchanged compared to the Xbox Series X version. Both consoles provide a visually similar experience, making it difficult to discern any significant differences in graphics.
Visual elements such as foliage placement and terrain details appear nearly identical across both platforms. Any differences noted are typically attributed to varying weather conditions or dirt accumulation rather than meaningful rendering discrepancies. This flawless rendition is particularly impressive, considering that the game engine had never previously run on PlayStation before.
Resolution and Image Quality
In terms of resolution, both the PS5 and Xbox Series X consistently hit full 4K during gameplay, although some pixel counts indicate a slight variance. For instance, while the PS5 often operates around 1872p, the Series X maintains a native 2160p. However, these differences are unlikely to be noticeable during actual gameplay due to the game’s high resolution and minimal aliasing effects.
When comparing the quality mode, both consoles again deliver an almost indistinguishable visual experience. The quality mode is characterized by a greater density of assets, including more foliage and higher-quality textures. This leads to a noticeable improvement in the expansive views of Mexico, particularly in the game’s desert regions.
Frame Rate Performance
Both modes in Forza Horizon 5 perform exceptionally well, with the performance mode delivering a consistent 60 fps and the quality mode maintaining a steady 30 fps. This consistency underscores the game’s optimization for both consoles, showcasing the impressive technical capabilities of modern gaming hardware.
Unique Features of PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro offers noteworthy enhancements over the base console, particularly in the performance mode. One of the most significant distinctions is the increased density and vibrancy of foliage, which enhances the overall aesthetic of the game. This allows for a more immersive experience as players race through the beautifully rendered landscapes.
Additionally, the Pro version maintains a locked 4K resolution, providing a more detailed visual experience compared to the base model, which sometimes dips below 4K during gameplay. This advantage is especially evident in high-speed scenarios, where the increased detail can enhance immersion.
Ray Tracing Capabilities
One of the standout features of the PS5 Pro is the ray-traced vehicle self-reflections available during gameplay. This effect adds a layer of realism, allowing players to see reflections of their vehicles in real-time as they navigate the game world. However, it’s worth noting that this feature is not applied to opposing cars, which may leave players wanting a more comprehensive ray tracing solution.
Minor Quirks and Considerations
While the PS5 version generally excels, there are a couple of minor issues to consider. For instance, the game save size is quite large, exceeding 2 GB even for a new save file. This is notably larger than other games on the platform, but it shouldn’t pose a significant problem for most users. Additionally, there is a bug with the photo mode on the PS5 Pro that causes crashes during race events, though this does not affect gameplay in the performance mode.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Forza Horizon 5 is a fantastic racing game that shines on both the PS5 and PS5 Pro. The port to Sony’s console is executed with remarkable quality, delivering an almost perfect match to the Xbox Series X version. While the PS5 Pro offers enhancements that elevate the visual experience, the base PS5 provides a solid gaming experience as well. Overall, Forza Horizon 5 remains one of the best-looking racing games, providing players with an immersive experience in a beautifully crafted open world. It’s an excellent addition for PlayStation gamers, and we look forward to seeing more from this beloved series in the future.
Credit: Digital Foundry on YouTube
