Whenever a sequel comes out for a game, the players expect it to build upon what made it succeed. Albeit the characters, the gameplay mechanics, and the world it takes place in. After nearly countless hours of exploring, crafting and fighting our way through various threats, we can safely say Horizon Forbidden West has succeeded its predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn.
Overview
When players boot up this game up for the first time, they’ll be placed in the shoes of Aloy, a member of the Nora Tribe, once again. Forbidden West takes place about six months after the events of the first game. An unknown plague known as the “red blight” has surfaced and is killing everything it infects. Aloy takes it upon herself, as well as some new companions, to venture out to the Forbidden West and find the source of it.
Gameplay
Many gameplay elements of Zero Dawn, like the Focus and overriding hostile machine animals, and crafting return in Forbidden West along with a few new additions. One of the most notable additions is the ability to now ride on flying machines, which gives you a bird’s eye view of the vast and scenic world.
Throughout your journey, you can expect to encounter 43 types of machines with 22 of them being brand new additions to the roster. Some of the new additions include the Burrower, a quadrupedal machine based on an otter and Slaughterspine, a massive Spinosaurus-like machine that attacks with plasma shockwaves. Joining these dangerous new mechanoids are enemies you’ve encountered in Zero Dawn, like Behemoths, Frostclaws and Thunderjaws.
Since exploration is a major component, fans of the series will be thrilled to know there’s more to discover than there was in the first game. Players can now go explore under the lakes, rivers and seas they come across.
In fact, the map itself is bigger than it previously was. Horizon Zero Dawn’s map was around four miles long. Forbidden West’s map is about five miles long, so exploring everything will take some time.
The combat system is also more innovative and polished in Forbidden West. There’s a new feature called Valor Surge, which are temporary abilities granted once a player has unlocked all the surrounding skills. Each surge is different as they’re all designed to fit a certain playstyle.
If you want to have a more stealth-oriented experience, Stealth Stalker is the way to go. Feel like you’re taking too much damage? Then, the Overshield will soak it up for you. The combat is a lot more diverse this time around, so take your time with it and find which play style best suits you.
The Takeaway
Horizon Forbidden West improves upon the old while not completely overshadowing it. Everything you loved in the first game is back and better than ever. Compelling characters, breathtaking areas, frightening enemies, in-depth storyline, and an enthralling soundtrack, Horizon Forbidden West is a game you definitely want to add to your collection!
