Horizon Forbidden West, the highly anticipated sequel to Guerrilla Games' Horizon Zero Dawn, will introduce an interesting new gameplay mechanic called Valor Surges for protagonist Aloy. Valor Surges will be similar to ultimate abilities, and will add interesting new gameplay buffs to augment the way Aloy takes down her machine combatants. Hunting and dismantling mechanical beasts is arguably the most important and exciting feature of the Horizon games, and Valor Surges will bring an entirely new element into Aloy's ranged and melee combat.
The original Horizon Zero Dawn was a remarkable gaming experience, introducing Aloy as an empathetic leading character in a fantastically detailed future vision of a post-apocalyptic Earth. The game's third person combat was exciting, and crafting new weapons and earning new abilities was as rewarding as it was taking down massive, intimidating mech-beasts. However, the game was far from perfect, with several Horizon Zero Dawn gameplay mechanics like melee combat in need of an improvement. Horizon Forbidden West has improved many of these features, and Valor Surges are a welcome breath of fresh air for Horizon gameplay.
Valor Surges will work similarly to ultimate abilities, unleashing bursts of new gameplay buffs that will aid Aloy in her machine-hunting. Aloy comes equipped with a new Valor Meter, which builds up over the course of a battle, and will make Aloy faster, stronger, or more precise depending on the selected Valor Surge. Unlocking and upgrading Valor Surges will cost players vital skill points, so selecting the right Valor Surge to complement your combat abilities will be crucial.
Valor Surges Will Be Similar To Ultimate Abilities & Will Make Aloy Deadlier
The sequel will introduce 12 unique Valor Surges to unlock, which means players will have a lot of new abilities to choose from over Horizon Forbidden West's 30-hour story. Valor Surges are unlocked by upgrading along Aloy's skill trees, and enhance player's foundation of play-styles. For example, Warrior Valor Surges can boost Aloy's critical hits and damage, or increase damage from melee attacks. Infiltrator Valor Surges can be activated to blast enemies within close range, or even turn Aloy temporarily invisible. With another four skill trees to build and master, each play through of Horizon Forbidden West will yield interesting new combat mechanics.
Valor Surges are an exciting new gameplay mechanic for Guerrilla Games' Horizon series, and are just one of many reasons why Forbidden West is an improvement on its predecessor. Many characters will return in Horizon Forbidden West and improve an already stellar narrative series. Horizon Forbidden West will be an interesting return to form, and an exciting step forward for Aloy's journey through the wild west.