Horizon Forbidden West is an action RPG developed by Guerrilla Games, and it serves as the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn. Set in a vast, post-apocalyptic world, the game follows Aloy, the protagonist, as she embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the secrets of the Forbidden West — a mysterious and dangerous region beyond the territories explored in the first game. With its breathtaking visuals, engaging gameplay, and rich narrative, Horizon Forbidden West has captivated players worldwide, offering a truly immersive experience.
What is Horizon Forbidden West?
Horizon Forbidden West continues the story of Aloy, a young woman in a world where advanced technology coexists with wild, mechanical creatures. The game takes place in the far future, following a world that has been ravaged by climate change, robotic warfare, and a mysterious force that threatens the survival of the planet. Aloy, a skilled hunter and archer, embarks on a journey to find answers to the environmental catastrophe and uncover the truth behind the machines that roam the land.
The game’s open-world design allows players to explore a variety of diverse environments, ranging from lush forests and deserts to underwater landscapes and towering mountains. With improved combat mechanics, new abilities, and an expanded cast of characters, Horizon Forbidden West enhances the original’s formula, delivering an even more dynamic and expansive adventure.
Gameplay Mechanics: Combat, Exploration, and Innovation
Combat: Dynamic and Tactical
In Horizon Forbidden West, combat plays a central role. The game builds upon the mechanics introduced in Horizon Zero Dawn, offering a refined and more strategic experience. Players engage in combat with a variety of mechanical creatures, ranging from small, nimble machines to colossal, heavily armored beasts. Each machine has its own set of weaknesses, requiring players to experiment with different weapons and strategies to overcome them.
Aloy’s primary weapons include her bow and arrows, spear, and a variety of elemental devices. Players can utilize various types of ammunition, such as fire arrows, frost arrows, and shock traps, to exploit the elemental weaknesses of different machines. The introduction of new tools, such as the Valor Surge, allows players to harness powerful abilities that can turn the tide of battle in their favor.
The melee combat system has also been improved, allowing for more fluid and impactful attacks. Aloy’s spear can be used for close-quarters combat, offering a more visceral experience when battling human enemies or smaller machines. The game encourages players to think tactically, using the environment to their advantage, whether it’s climbing to higher ground, utilizing traps, or setting up ambushes.
Exploration: A Vast, Beautiful World
One of the standout features of Horizon Forbidden West is its expansive, open-world environment. The game takes place in a variety of diverse biomes, each with its own unique flora, fauna, and climate. From dense jungles and arid deserts to lush swamps and snowy peaks, the world is full of hidden secrets and stunning landscapes to explore.
The addition of swimming and underwater exploration further enhances the sense of freedom, allowing players to dive into lakes, rivers, and the ocean to discover submerged ruins, sunken treasures, and underwater creatures. These new areas introduce additional puzzles and challenges, giving the world even more depth and diversity.
In addition to environmental exploration, the game also features a variety of side quests and activities that encourage players to immerse themselves in the world. Whether it’s helping NPCs with their problems, hunting down dangerous creatures, or solving environmental puzzles, there is always something to keep players engaged.
Machines and Mounts: Ride and Tame
A significant aspect of Horizon Forbidden West is the relationship players have with the mechanical creatures roaming the world. Throughout the game, players encounter mountable machines, which can be tamed and ridden, just like horses in traditional open-world games. These machines, such as the Sunwing or Runner, allow players to travel faster across the vast landscapes and provide strategic advantages in combat.
In addition to mounts, players can also override certain machines, taking control of them to use in battle or as transport. This system adds a new layer of strategy to combat, as different machines have unique abilities and strengths that can help turn the tide of battle.
Character Progression: Skills and Customization
As players progress through Horizon Forbidden West, they earn XP and unlock a variety of skills and abilities. The game features an extensive skill tree, allowing players to customize Aloy’s abilities to suit their playstyle. Whether you prefer ranged combat, stealth tactics, or melee fighting, there are numerous skill paths to explore.
Additionally, gear and weapon upgrades play a critical role in character progression. Players can upgrade their armor and weapons, enhancing their effectiveness in combat. These upgrades are essential for tackling the tougher challenges that await in the Forbidden West, especially as new, more dangerous machines emerge.
Story and Narrative: The Epic Journey
The story of Horizon Forbidden West continues the journey of Aloy, who is still on a quest to understand the truth behind the ancient world’s destruction and its impact on the present day. The game introduces new characters, including Regalla, a fierce antagonist, and Teb, a new ally, as well as factions such as the Tenakth tribe, which plays a significant role in the story.
The narrative delves deeper into the mysterious AI systems that control the machines and explores the complex relationship between humans and technology. As Aloy ventures into the Forbidden West, she uncovers long-lost knowledge, faces off against new threats, and learns more about her true origins. The game also introduces themes of environmentalism, technology, and humanity’s relationship with nature, making it a thought-provoking experience as well as an exciting adventure.
Visuals and Audio: A Feast for the Senses
Horizon Forbidden West is one of the most visually stunning games of its generation, showcasing the full capabilities of the PlayStation 5. The world is brought to life with incredible attention to detail, from the lush, vibrant landscapes to the intricate designs of the mechanical creatures. The game also features ray tracing, which adds realistic lighting and reflections, enhancing the visual experience.
The audio design is equally impressive, with a powerful soundtrack composed by Joris de Man that complements the action and emotional beats of the story. The sound effects, from the mechanical whirring of machines to the rustling of leaves in the wind, add depth and immersion to the world.
The Future of Horizon Forbidden West
With the success of Horizon Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West continues to build on the series’ foundation. The game’s story, mechanics, and world-building offer players an engaging and expansive experience. As Aloy’s journey continues, fans can look forward to future expansions and updates that will expand the world even further.
Horizon Forbidden West is a must-play for fans of action RPGs, open-world exploration, and thrilling combat. Its captivating story, breathtaking visuals, and innovative gameplay mechanics make it one of the best titles in recent years.
