TheForza Horizonseries has quickly become one of the best open-world racing franchises out there, and it is showing no signs of slowing down. The gameplay is thrilling, the cars feel lifelike, the open-world locales are fun to explore, and it has everything someone would expect from a game like this. The studio continues to set the bar higher and higher with each entry, andForza Horizon 5may be the best one yet. While that is all great to see, it is made even better be the unique crossover content the series is known for.
Ever sinceForza Horizon 2, Playground Games has added crossover content to every single entry. Some of the most iconic franchises and IPs have cropped up over the years, and each game seems to take the concept even further. Recently, eventhe upcomingBarbiemoviejoined the fray with a unique set of cars. All this crossover content could simply feel like fun gimmicks, but Playground has ensured that it is actually worth the price of admission.
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Forza Horizon Has Delivered on its Crossover Potential
TheForza Horizoncrossover fun began back in 2015 with aForza Horizon 2andFast and Furiouscrossover. This was a free standalone crossover that thrust theForza Horizonformula intotheFast and Furiousfranchise. There was a brand-new original story involving the crew ofFast and Furious 7, and players were able to cruise down the street in some of the franchise’s most iconic vehicles. While it is no longer purchasable as of 2018, it set the bar high for everyForza Horizoncrossover after.
Forza Horizon 3and4would end up including various purchasable cars from iconic IPs during their tenures.TheHaloseries' Warthogwas available toHalo: The Master Chief CollectionandHalo 5: Guardiansplayers,Final Fantasy 15’s Regalia was added as DLC,James Bondfans could race around in iconic cars from that franchise, and evenCyberpunk 2077had a presence in the open world. None of these crossovers were on the same level as what came before, but they were all fantastic treats for fans of the various franchises.
Forza Horizonwould take it to an entirely different level with the release ofForza Horizon 3 Hot Wheels.This expansion took the gameplay ofForza Horizon 3and threw it into a new location filled withclassicHot Wheelsshenanigans.Massive tracks filled the sky, iconic toys became lifelike vehicles, and high-speed races were waiting to be conquered. It was unlike anythingForza Horizonfans had seen before, and completely changed the direction of the franchise’s future crossover content.
Forza Horizon 4would include a similar expansion pack that LEGO-fied its world.Forza Horizon 4 LEGO Speed Racerslet players get behind the wheel ofmassive LEGO carsand had them race against others in unique LEGO challenges.Forza Horizon 5then brought theHot Wheelscrossover back for a bigger, better, and stranger experience. Both were fantastic adventures from start to finish, and it will be interesting to see where Playground Games takes these concepts next.
The crossover fun does not end there either asForza Horizon 5just recently received two brand-new vehicles to advertise the upcomingBarbiemovie. Players can now race through the streets in Barbie’s classic Corvette and Ken’s Hummer. Both vehicles fit right into the wacky crossovers that have come before, and fans will hopefully get the most out of them. While it may not be on the same level as some of these expansions, it is still a worthy addition to this acclaimed open-world racer.
Forza Horizon 5is available now on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
