When the Xbox One debuted in November of 2013, it launched with Forza Motorsport 5, the first game of the venerable racing series released on Microsoft's new console. Although it featured stunning new cars like the McLaren P1, the game was criticized for its lack of content, losing 300 cars and many tracks from the previous game. Forza Motorsport 6 fixed almost every issue the ill-fated launch title had, but FM5 gets points for being the last Forza to feature commentary from ex-Top Gear hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond. With Forza Motorsport 7 launching soon, even Microsoft knows that FM5 isn't worth much, so it's giving the game away for "free" in September.
Xbox One owners with an active Xbox Live Gold subscription have permanent access to 4 great titles for free with Games with Gold each month. This month's haul is especially exciting for car enthusiasts, who will be able to snag Forza Motorsport 5: Racing Game of the Year Edition for no cost from September 1st to the 30th. Normally $40, this special edition includes the Top Gear Car Pack, sporting the 2013 Audi RS4 Avant, 2013 Holden #10 Holden Xbox Racing Team Commodore VF, and 1966 Chaparral #66 Chaparral Cars 2E.
It arguably isn't the best Forza game out there, but gamers hesitant about getting into the series should definitely grab this while they can. It features just enough content to showcase Forza's massively diverse car and track list, and introduces the innovative drivatar system that is now prominent in every new game in the series.
For those put off by FM5's problems, Forza Motorsport 7 will be released on October 3rd, featuring over 700 cars and 30 tracks.