As my only recent similar-ish racing experience (Physics wise) is basically Dirt 5, How does this compare? Just wondering what to expect should I get lucky enough to actually get the game.
DiRT 5 is more of a specific skills-focused rally game. FH5 is more like Tony Hawk's American Wasteland in cars. My teenage nephew called the previous game "GTA without the killing" which, while somewhat worrying about his psyche, is a fair summation of the open ended nature of the game as you roam around a vast GPS-directed level accruing cash and automobiles while performing optional stunts and occasionally destroying scenery for points which enhance individual vehicles' ability to earn more points. You can regularly take part in easy races for money. Perhaps a better description would be Grand Theft Auto without the theft. Because you already have a **** ton of cars.
Physics wise it's like Forza Motorsport but with a greatly simplified tyre grip component which enables the player to drive on sand, snow, mud and water without trashing the vehicle. On road it pretty much behaves similarly to a normal vehicle as far as I can tell. Cars have real weight to them turning corners and behave fairly predictably. That poster who said they turn on a vertical axis... well, I don't know what he was talking about. In cockpit or bonnet view it certainly doesn't feel like that to me.
I can't really blame PS5-only owners for getting a twinge of cold feet. But I don't think this is a game you can judge purely by watching videos. When the first Forza Horizon was released in October 2012 X360 owners had the advantage of a limited pre release demo which gave them an idea of what to expect gameplay wise. Nowadays Microsoft prefer to monetise their demo sessions as GamePass so they no longer release demos.
This is a bit of a shame because this is quite unlike any racing game which came before it and benefits from hands on experience. Crew Motorfest had a free early access programme but it flattered to deceive as the good stuff was front loaded and it kind of ran out for me after I was suckered into plonking down the cash.
Admittedly there's less to do in FH5 once you reach the Hall Of Fame and complete the scripted stories but they aim to give you a weekly shopping list of tasks to keep the spark burning or at least smouldering on while giving you a chance to top up your comprehensive collection of cars.
