I am a big fan of Horizon for the way it feels to explore the map. It’s one big adventure. However, the FH5 map has been my least favorite so far. In the FH4 map, it feels like the roads always lead somewhere meaningful. I can drive along any road and know that within 30 seconds I will be near a recognizable landmark that is worth going to for not only a good driving experience, but a good scenic viewing experience. On the other hand, driving around the FH5 map feels pointless and unrewarding because the landmarks are so far apart. Also, if I want to stay on the roads to get there it will be a maze through the middle of the map, where there is literally nothing interesting for miles except for the same view. In Horizon 4 it felt like every time I turned the corner I got to see another beautiful side of a world that felt real, and I want more of that. It could be just rose tinted glasses; to be sure, there is a lot of real beauty to be found in FH5. It’s just so boring to get to.
Edit: I have spent a bit more time looking at this now, and I realize that it’s not that different from fh4, just a different aesthetic. Even so, I have seen so many players talking about how fh5 is missing a ‘spark’ that fh4 and previous games have had more of, and I think this is still a serious issue. It’s very difficult to diagnose exactly what is causing it, and this post was just my attempt, but I think it’s clear that there is a real issue here at the core of what makes the game feel exciting, and it desperately needs to be addressed.
I agree, the Forza Horizon 5 map just feels… different, and not in a good way. It feels sleepy, and is missing the electricity from the past Horizon games.
I agree with you. What’s the point in having a 1.5x bigger map than previous titles when most of the map is empty deserts, cactus and agave fields. Barely any civilization with villages.