Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown vs Forza Horizon 5: Similarities and differences examined

The Test Drive series has made a comeback with its latest release, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, now available on PlayStation, PC, and Xbox. Set in a meticulously recreated 1:1 scale of Hong Kong, this title marks the series' first new entry since 2012’s Test Drive: Ferrari Legends.

As an open-world racing game, Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown naturally invites comparisons to other popular titles in the genre, such as Forza Horizon 5. Here’s a look at the similarities and differences between the two games.

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Similarities between Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown and Forza Horizon 5

1) Vehicle customization

Forza Horizon 5 offers a myriad of customization options (Image via Microsoft)

Both games both offer extensive customization options for vehicles. Players can modify both the performance and appearance of their cars. This includes upgrading engines and chassis for enhanced speed and handling, as well as applying decals, liveries, and other visual elements.

While both titles allow for customization, Forza Horizon 5 goes a step further by enabling players to create and share their own custom liveries, a feature currently absent from Unlimited Solar Crown. This may, however, change with a future update.

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2) Premise

The two games have similar premises. They are both open-world racers set in real-world locations.

Players can drive the vehicle of their choice, participate in events, and earn credits. Their goal is to participate in and win every race, expanding their vehicle collection in the process.

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3) Online events

Both games offer online events (Image via Microsoft)

Online multiplayer is a key aspect of the two titles. Both games feature an open-world mode wherein players can can engage in online-only activities, like impromptu drag races, when connected to the internet.

The online events also reward players with in-game credits for participation.

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Differences between Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown and Forza Horizon 5

1) Always Online

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown requires a persistent online connection and has no offline mode (Image via Nacon)

Forza Horizon 5 does not require a constant internet connection, giving players the flexibility to enjoy the game either online or offline.

This feature contrasts with Unlimited Solar Crown, which makes it mandatory for players to always be connected to the internet, thus restricting offline play.

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2) Setting

Forza Horizon 5 is set in Mexico, encompassing both urban areas and rural countrysides. This approach aligns with the Forza series' tradition where its games are based on a whole country's geographical characteristics as opposed to a city. Examples include Forza Horizon 4 being based in the United Kingdom, Forza Horizon 3 being based in Australia, and so on.

The two games' locales are very different (Image via Microsoft)

In contrast, the Test Drive series centers on a specific city or island. The first game took place on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu, the second on the Spanish island of Ibiza, and Unlimited Solar Crown focuses on Hong Kong.

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3) Availability

Released in September 2024, Unlimited Solar Crown is available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series consoles, with a Nintendo Switch port in development. This broad availability covers multiple console families, although cross-platform play is not supported.

Test Drive Unlimited is available on more platforms than Forza (Image via Nacon)

Forza Horizon 5, on the other hand, is exclusive to Microsoft platforms, including Windows PCs and Xbox consoles (Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S). As a prominent Microsoft title, it remains unavailable on other consoles and is expected to stay that way.

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4) Number of vehicles

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown has around 100 vehicles for players to choose from, featuring renowned brands like Ferrari, BMW, Mercedes, and Alfa Romeo.

Forza Horizon's vehicle catalog far outnumbers that of Test Drive's (Image via Nacon)

In comparison, Forza Horizon 5 boasts an impressive selection of 810 vehicles, including rally cars, trucks, supercars, drift cars, classic cars, and more. The game features all the car manufacturers available in Solar Crown, plus additional brands like Opel, AMC, and Holden.

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Read more gaming news:

• The best starter car in Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown
• How to repair your car in Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown