Welcome back, fellow adventurers! Strap on your boots and charge your consoles, because today we’re venturing into the lush, post-apocalyptic wilderness of Horizon Forbidden West. Published by Guerrilla Games, this title is a direct sequel to the beloved Horizon Zero Dawn. If you’re like me—a keen explorer who relishes in the thrill of painstakingly uncovering every secret a game has to offer—then you’re in for a treat. Let’s delve into why this game either hits the mark or strays off the path!
Horizon Forbidden West continues the story of Aloy, a fierce protagonist equipped with a bow, resourcefulness, and a world’s worth of curiosity. The gameplay mechanics extend the original’s strong foundation with improved combat, deeper customization, and the exciting addition of underwater exploration. The latter, my friends, is a game-changer—pun intended—offering new areas to discover in a breathtaking underwater environment. However, the real gem in this game’s crown is its strategic combat system that requires you to cleverly use weapons and traps against a plethora of robotic fauna and hostile tribes.
The graphics? Nothing short of spectacular. Forbidden West offers dynamic weather systems and a variety of biomes that can only be described as eye candy. From sun-kissed deserts to hauntingly beautiful ruins beneath the sea, each frame is a masterpiece painted with meticulous attention to detail. It’s a vivid world that not only invites admiration but also enhances the overall immersion. This game doesn’t just show you a world; it lets you live in it.
The narrative journey in Forbidden West is as compelling as its predecessor, with Aloy unraveling new mysteries and forming alliances against the backdrop of a rich, character-driven story. The characters you meet are well-rounded and have their own motivations, which add layers to the storytelling. However, while the main plot is engaging, some side quests feel a tad generic, an occasional pebble in an otherwise smooth path.
For completionists, Horizon Forbidden West is akin to finding a treasure map where X marks countless spots. From collectibles that tell hidden stories to side missions that lead to unique gear and abilities, there’s ample incentive to scour every inch of this expansive world. The addition of a climbing mechanic also opens up the vertical dimension, offering new vantages and secrets that reward the thorough and the persistent.
Despite its grandeur, Horizon Forbidden West is not without faults. The inventory management can be cumbersome, often pulling you out of the immersive experience to deal with logistical annoyances. Furthermore, while the AI is generally impressive, there are moments where enemy behavior dips into the predictable, slightly diminishing the satisfaction of a well-laid combat strategy.
In conclusion, Horizon Forbidden West is a robust sequel that expands on everything that made its predecessor great. It offers a mesmerizing world filled with mysteries and mechanical marvels, all wrapped in a narrative that drives you forward with purpose and anticipation. Though it has a couple of rough edges, the sheer volume of content to explore and the joy of discovering it make these negligible. I give it a thunderous 5 stars out of 5. An essential play for any ardent completionist or anyone who enjoys a richly woven tapestry of adventure and discovery.
If you haven’t played Horizon Zero Dawn, do consider experiencing it first to fully appreciate the storyline and character evolution in Forbidden West. And for those about to step into Aloy’s boots, take your time. This is a world that rewards patience and curiosity. Explore thoroughly, plan your battles, and most importantly—enjoy the journey!
Want to check it out yourself? Click here to see it on Steam.
