Horizon Forbidden West has taken PlayStation 5 gaming to the next level
Horizon Forbidden West has finally arrived since its predecessor almost half a decade ago. Horizon Zero Dawn had received critical acclaim, and one might ask oneself if the sequel will match the game’s quality, or even better, surpass it. We have just entered the second full year of the next generation of gaming, and we are now getting more high-quality PlayStation exclusive titles. Forbidden West perfectly fits into this description, and because it’s on PlayStation 5, it gives you another reason to play this game and get the ultimate experience. Fortunately for PlayStation 4 owners, they aren’t completely left out.
Horizon Forbidden West’s story is set in six months after the events of Zero Dawn. protagonist, Aloy, a huntress of the tribe, Nora, had no option but to take on a mission to search for the source of a mysterious plague, which is located in the Forbidden West. Aloy must discover and restore order to reclaim balance to the world, but doing so is difficult, as new dangers are waiting for her along the way. It is incredible how this story is even better than the last game. If a developer can create a story that leaves their audience going through different emotions, you know they are doing something great.
Horizon Forbidden West’s gameplay is phenomenal. Arguably the best in the current generation of gaming. The mechanics are so fluid, you are enabled to create many different methods to survive in the post-apocalyptic environment. One of Forbidden West’s biggest strengths is that each area of the map challenges your mind to think strategically in taking out enemies to not only increase your chance of survival but to achieve an astronomically better experience from the game. Furthermore, not only do you need to create these methods, but you must master them. Whether it’s with the use of your trusted bow and arrow, spear, explosives, and more.
Things can sometimes get easier on yourself by executing actions, including stealth or manipulating machines. When it comes to upgrading Aloy’s moves and weapons, it is vital when you enter situations where combat is the only answer, and you can do so by going to a workbench and selecting your armory. Fortunately, weapons are not only needed for combat. They also come in handy for helping you in other situations whilst progressing through missions, such as bringing down ladders, opening crates, prying open doors and booting cars, pulling objects to create passages, plus many more, which further exemplifies the game’s versatility.
Occasionally, you might do not want to fight the machines solely; instead, you can execute either option of manipulating them into fighting by your side, or using them as a method of traveling. This is incredibly useful as it saves you a lot of time going to destinations far from your current location. Now, being able to mount on flying machines makes things better. If there is one negative I could think of, it is that you can only use specific machines to ride. This can be annoying at times, in particular, when the rideable machines can only be located at specific parts of the map, and sometimes you have no choice but to go on foot.
It’s not often that the side quests are just as enjoyable as the main missions, but then you have Forbidden West, which fits that mold. Gives you more reasons to complete them. Even the errands and contracts are worthy of your time, and during these missions, you stumble across other characters. Building good relationships with these characters is essential as it can help the story to flow much better, but sometimes being firm can help, and knowing that you can control your relationships or events by simply selecting different replies takes things up a notch. Especially when each of them leads to consequences.
Horizon Forbidden West’s visuals are unbelievably gorgeous. Many times, during play, I stop what I am doing just to check out the characters, their clothing, and surroundings with awe. Buildings, grass, trees, waterfalls, camps, and many others. How the developer managed to design a post-apocalyptic environment to look mysterious, but attractive at the same time is nothing short of amazing. Coupled with the number of vibrant colors used would make Michaelangelo proud. You can spot the improvements being made with players now being able to traverse a much bigger map. You’d think it couldn’t get any better until you decide to play on 4k resolution.
Let’s not forget about the beautiful views underwater, and players now being able to explore and gather peculiar items from rivers, lakes, and seas. Once more, you could use these areas as a getaway from several enemies who had spotted you. With the incredible water detail and physics, you can identify photorealistic effects with arrows floating on water, footprints from under the water, the moon’s reflection on the water, plus more. You will also see Aloy shake off water from her hands. Honestly, you will not find even one negative with the graphics.
Even the designs of the enemies look stunning, as well as the occasional climate change. Horizon Forbidden West’s audio and soundtracks are outstanding. Not one voice actor put a foot wrong when portraying their characters, and they all delivered Oscar-winning performances. The choice of music perfectly fits the game’s theme, and the sound effects probably couldn’t get any better. A combination of relaxing and devastating sounds and voices adds much more to the post-apocalyptic world.
Horizon Forbidden West is an absolute gem of a game. 5 years since the last game, but it was worth the wait, as I enjoyed every moment of playing. If you need a fathoming of what current-generation gaming should represent, then this is the title you should look at. Yes, they’re like 1 or 2 negatives, but they do nothing to take away this game’s greatness. This game is phenomenal in every aspect, and Guerrilla Games have yet again shown their quality by producing such beauty. Without question, this is a contender for Game of the Year.
Horizon Forbidden West is a single-player action role-playing game, developed by Guerrilla Games, published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, and was released in February 18, 2022. Also, be sure to follow our website for the latest gaming news and reviews.
