Horizon Forbidden West, the highly anticipated sequel to Guerrilla Games' much-revered Horizon Zero Dawn, is worth experiencing, even if players disliked the first game. Reviews of Forbidden West have described it as an improvement over the original in terms of scope and gameplay, and, although mechanically similar to its predecessor, that may be enough to convince those less enamored with the original to give it a shot. Regardless of any potential apprehensions players may have regarding the sequel, Forbidden West is one of the best PlayStation exclusives and a title especially worth playing for those with a PlayStation 5.
Horizon Zero Dawn, a Playstation exclusive, introduced an immersive gaming and storytelling experience when it was released in 2017. Featuring emotional, grounded performances from the likes of actors Ashly Burch and Lance Reddick, Horizon Zero Dawn was nominated for many best-of awards, and should be played before Horizon Forbidden West. However, not every player may have enjoyed the first game, whether because of its aesthetic, level design, character models, open world, or game mechanics. This may make the choice of playing Forbidden West more complicated, as, although it has been well-reviewed, it may not differ enough from the first game for players to check it out.
Iterative video game sequels aren't unusual, and although Horizon Forbidden West shares much in common with its predecessor, it also improves in a great many areas. This may not be enough to convince those who didn't like Zero Dawn to try its sequel, especially if they had trouble finishing the first game, but they may also wish to revisit it to see if their opinions have changed. If they have, then the question of whether or not to play the well-reviewed Horizon Forbidden West is less complicated. Even if not, there are still many improvements Guerrilla Games have made to the Horizon formula with Forbidden West that may help it stand apart from its predecessor, and be enough for skeptical players to give it a go.
Horizon Forbidden West Improves On Zero Dawn
Horizon Forbidden West takes the environments, mechanics, characters, and narrative of Horizon Zero Dawn and expands on them in multiple ways. Benefiting from improved graphic design technology, the lush jungles of a dystopian Earth come alive in stunning detail, which is made more apparent on the PS5. Aloy, the game's protagonist, has a slew of new ranged and melee weapons, with new skill trees and upgrades to earn and master. After the events of Zero Dawn, Aloy's friends (and enemies) are fleshed out with new storylines and heartfelt performances, and with plenty of maps, cauldrons, and side-quests to complete, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the game's compelling, machine-slaying combat.
Horizon Forbidden West was one of the most highly anticipated video games of 2022, and with good reason. Guerrilla Games has set out to refine and polish its burgeoning Horizon series, and Forbidden West is a massive step forward in multiple ways. Minute faults and major dysfunctional game mechanics have been ironed out, resulting in an expansive, satisfying game. For those players who didn't like Horizon Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West may be worth a second look.