Forza Horizon 5 was relatively solid as far as racing games go. Unfortunately, it left some fans wanting with its missing features and lack of content in some areas. Since then, DLC packs have tried to alleviate those issues.
The latest, Rally Adventure, represents the greatest effort in that aspiration. The expansion obviously boasts a wealth of cosmetic additions and tweaks, but more important is how it enhances the gameplay. It offers more options for cars, tracks, and how to use them. As a result of that increased depth, the races are notably more engaging. In the end, the DLC brings fans much closer to the definitive Forza Horizon experience.
5 New Cars
Central to any racing game are the vehicles, and Rally Adventure has that covered. The expansion comes with ten new cars for players to try. They all handle differently, each excelling in specific types of tracks. On top of that, the DLC throws in more parts for tuning existing vehicles. These elements create countless avenues of customization. Of course, the novelty goes both ways.
Other drivers also have access to these tools. Whether racing against the computer or other players, fans now have to contend with a fresh set of variables. On the upside, it's all the more rewarding when they become the best on the track.
4 New Map
Rally Adventure's other big selling point is Sierra Nueva. This massive map has six tracks: Pueblo Artza, Desert Gorge, Green Hills, Palm Forest, Rugged Dunes, and Abandoned Quarry. These are all epic in scope and tough to traverse, having no shortage of sharp turns, risky jumps, and hazardous terrain.
That terrain is a challenge in itself. The difficulty goes beyond a simple dirt road. The tracks take players through rivers, over sand dunes, and into dense forests. Any of these can derail a racer in seconds. What's more, is that it's not always obvious how. Kicking up dust, for instance, can make it hard to see the road and obstacles ahead. Only the most skilled drivers can overcome these hazards without losing their stride.
3 Rally
This should be obvious from the title. Rally Adventure includes a mode where players can go for arcade-style runs across various tracks. It has a similar appeal as old-school rally racers, which fans could easily pick up and play. That same holds true here. Those wishing to test themselves can get addicted to playing "just one more rally."
The game also provides options for how to implement that rally. Players can either do a timed race or compete against other drivers. Like with any additional mode, these add a welcome novelty to the gameplay while adhering to the established foundation. The explanation for these is a mixed blessing, however.
The co-driver follows the player in a helicopter. On one hand, this justifies the running commentary without squeezing another person into a single-driver car. On the other, it can be distracting to have airborne vehicles hanging on the racer. Whether players can filter out that distraction and focus on the rally is up to them. Again, though, it's not the only rally format, so the game mitigates its own issue in that sense.
2 New Story
Like the Hot Wheels expansion, Rally Adventure features a new campaign to get players accustomed to the map and its modes. Drivers join one of three teams: Apex Predators, Horizon Raptors, and Grit Reapers. They then compete in various rally races across Sierra Nueva. Each team's races come with different conditions, weather, and terrain. That said, Rally Adventure has one advantage over the Hot Wheels campaign.
Namely, players don't have to start from scratch. Previous story modes saddle them with low-tier vehicles at the beginning, and they have to work their way to something better. That's understandable for the main game, but it becomes tiresome with the Hot Wheels DLC. Thankfully, the developers learn from that mistake. Players now select a car from their vast collection, and all of them are effective in their own right. One could argue that this lessens the sense of progression, but fans get enough of that just by the races. Let them enjoy a new adventure while basking in the fruits of their labor.
1 Tune-Ups
Forza Horizon 5 comes with numerous options for tuning vehicles, but the most prominent examples in Rally Adventure are anti-lag and launch control. The former enhances any car with a turbocharged engine. Not only does it make said engine more powerful, but it produces flames and other effects when driving. At first glance, these may seem strictly cosmetic. However, the smoke generated from the exhaust may inhibit other racers' visibility. Like the dust from the road, this makes it more difficult for nearby drivers to see where they're going, but not as difficult as the other major tune-up.
The expansion also comes with launch control. This controls the RPM required to take off from the starting line. Mastering this tool could mean a massive boost in the opening seconds, giving users an early lead in the race. This is a recurring Forza Horizon feature which the fifth entry left out. Now, it's restored, and longtime fans can rejoice.