Horizon Forbidden West Game Review

A Masterpiece of Open-World Adventure

Game Introduction

Horizon Forbidden West, developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn. Released on February 18, 2022, for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, and later on released for PC on March 21, 2024, this action RPG takes players on an epic journey through a post-apocalyptic world filled with robotic creatures, lush environments, and a deeply engaging narrative. Building on the success of its predecessor, Forbidden West expands on every aspect, delivering a richer story, improved gameplay mechanics, and breathtaking visuals. This review delves into the game’s gameplay, story, graphics, sound design, replayability, and overall value to help you understand why it stands as one of the best open-world games of this generation.

Gameplay: A Refined and Expansive Experience

Horizon Forbidden West retains the core gameplay mechanics that made Zero Dawn a fan favorite while introducing new features that elevate the experience. Players once again step into the shoes of Aloy, a skilled hunter, and outcast, as she navigates a world overrun by mechanized beasts and human factions vying for power. The game’s open-world design is vast and meticulously crafted, offering a blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving.

Characters and Missions

Aloy remains the heart of the story, with her character evolving as she faces new challenges. Her determination, intelligence, and compassion make her a relatable and inspiring protagonist. The supporting cast is equally compelling, with returning characters like Varl and Erend, as well as new allies such as Kotallo, a Tenakth warrior, and Zo, a Utaru healer. Each character is well-written and adds depth to the narrative.

The game’s missions are diverse, ranging from main story quests to side activities like hunting grounds, cauldrons, and errands. The main story is gripping, with Aloy uncovering the mysteries of the Forbidden West while battling a new threat known as the “Red Blight.” Side quests are equally rewarding, often featuring emotional storylines and meaningful rewards. The game also introduces “Rebel Camps,” where Aloy takes on enemy outposts, and “Machine Strike,” a strategic board game that adds a fun diversion.

Combat and Exploration

Combat in Forbidden West is both challenging and satisfying. Aloy’s arsenal includes bows, slingshots, tripwires, and new weapons like the Spike Thrower and Shredder Gauntlet. Each weapon can be customized with different elemental effects, allowing players to exploit enemy weaknesses. The game’s robotic creatures, or “machines,” are more varied and aggressive this time, requiring strategic thinking and adaptability.

Exploration is a key highlight, with the game offering a variety of biomes, from dense jungles and arid deserts to snowy mountains and underwater environments. The addition of a grappling hook and a Shieldwing glider enhances traversal, making it easier to scale cliffs and navigate the terrain. Underwater exploration is a new feature, adding a layer of depth to the world and introducing unique challenges.

Features and Upgrades

Forbidden West introduces a revamped skill tree, allowing players to tailor Aloy’s abilities to their playstyle. The skill tree is divided into six categories: Warrior, Trapper, Hunter, Survivor, Infiltrator, and Machine Master. Additionally, the game features a workbench system for upgrading weapons and armor, encouraging players to gather resources and experiment with different builds.

Story Narrative: A Tale of Survival and Discovery

The story of Horizon Forbidden West picks up six months after the events of Zero Dawn. Aloy is on a mission to restore GAIA, the AI that controls Earth’s biosphere, and prevent the collapse of the planet’s ecosystems. Her journey takes her to the Forbidden West, a dangerous and uncharted territory ruled by warring tribes and plagued by the Red Blight, a mysterious corruption that threatens all life.

As Aloy uncovers the secrets of the Forbidden West, she encounters new factions like the Tenakth and the Utaru, each with their own beliefs and struggles. The narrative explores themes of environmentalism, the consequences of technological advancement, and the resilience of humanity. The story is filled with twists and emotional moments, keeping players engaged from start to finish.

Graphics and Sound Design: A Visual and Auditory Marvel

Horizon Forbidden West is a visual masterpiece, showcasing the power of the PlayStation 5. The game’s environments are stunning, with vibrant colors, intricate details, and dynamic weather systems. The character models are lifelike, with expressive facial animations that enhance the emotional impact of the story. The underwater sections are particularly impressive, with realistic water physics and lighting effects.

The sound design is equally praiseworthy. The game’s score, composed by Joris de Man, Niels van der Leest, and The Flight, perfectly complements the tone of the story, blending tribal rhythms with futuristic synths. The voice acting is top-notch, with Ashly Burch delivering a standout performance as Aloy. The sound effects, from the roar of machines to the rustling of leaves, add to the immersion.

Replayability and Content

Horizon Forbidden West offers a wealth of content that ensures hours of gameplay. The main story alone takes around 30 hours to complete, with side quests and activities extending the playtime to 60-70 hours. The game’s New Game+ mode, added in a post-launch update, allows players to revisit the story with upgraded gear and additional challenges. Collectibles, such as datapoints and vista points, encourage exploration and reward players with lore and backstory.

Verdict

Overall, Horizon Forbidden West is a remarkable achievement that builds on the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new elements that enhance the experience. It is a must-play for fans of open-world games and action RPGs.

Buy Horizon Forbidden West: Pricing and Availability

Horizon Forbidden West is available for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 in Standard Edition and PS5 Pro Enhanced which is priced at $49.99. The game can also be purchased on PC in Complete Edition priced at $59.99.

Horizon Forbidden West is available to be downloaded on Microsoft Windows (throughSteam) & for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 (throughPlayStation)

Genre and Platforms

Horizon Forbidden West is an action RPG with open-world exploration elements. It was released on February 18, 2022, for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The game’s blend of storytelling, combat, and exploration has cemented its place as one of the standout titles in the genre, offering an unforgettable experience for players on both platforms.

Horizon Forbidden West System Requirements

This review is independently written based on thorough research and analysis, ensuring it is free from bias and not influenced by any external parties, including game developers, Publishers, or Google. All opinions and insights are our own.