The next big PlayStation 5 first-party exclusive - Horizon Forbidden West - is unfortunately still far away from release. However, everything revealed so far paints a picture of a far more ambitious and versatile open-world experience than its immensely popular predecessor - Horizon Zero Dawn.
Whereas Horizon Zero Dawn takes place in the post-post-apocalyptic mountains and high deserts of Montana, Colorado, and Utah, Horizon Forbidden West takes players to the western tropical frontiers of San Francisco and its neighboring states. The tropical paradise, which viewers got a small glimpse of in Horizon Forbidden West's State of Play gameplay trailer, introduces more vertical environments that radically change how Aloy traverses and combats the various robotic threats thriving in the Forbidden West. While there will likely be plenty more weapons, tools, and tricks Aloy picks up throughout her journey in the intimidating Forbidden West, here are the ones confirmed so far.
Horizon Forbidden West: A Different Playground
Though Guerrilla Games have yet to confirm Horizon Forbidden West's spot on the timeline, several notable events seem to suggest that it takes place six to twelve months after the first game's ending. As a result, Aloy is a far more agile and experienced hunter that is experienced in helping the "old-world" technology reach its full potential. The problem is, she isn't the only one. Like Horizon Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West introduces new tribes, and while details on them remain scarce, the State of Play gameplay demonstration puts the spotlight on one of the hostile faction called Tenakth. This rebellious and extremely dangerous tribe, to Aloy's utmost surprise, can override machines just like her.
Horizon Forbidden West: New Weapons Confirmed
While Tenakth members are pretty heavy hitters, they override gigantic machines like Tremor Tusk to make things worse for Aloy. Fortunately, Aloy is armed with some unique and powerful weapons as well. The clunky spear from Zero Dawn is significantly overhauled, which can now be charged to do some heavy damage, especially to enemies wearing bulky armors. Horizon Forbidden West also introduces special abilities in the form of Valor Surges. In an interview with Gameinformer, game director Mathijs de Jonge revealed how Valor Surges function. Playing tactfully rewards players with "tactical combat XP" that fills the energy bar needed to activate Valor Surges. Only one Valor Surges ability can be activated at a time. The one revealed in the State of play gameplay trailer knocks back heavily armored enemies with ease.
Aloy's primary weapon remains her bows, two variants of which got confirmed in the State of Play gameplay footage. Aloy wields a "Nora Elite Hunter Bow" with a 3 out of 5 stars rating, indicating a far more intricate weapon rarity system compared to the first game. In Horizon Zero Dawn, the rarity of the weapons ranges from uncommon to very rare, with the exception of the powerful lodge weapons that players can acquire after completing the hunting ground challenges. Given that the purple-coded elite hunter bow has a three-star rating, there must be at least two higher weapon rarity types over this in Horizon Forbidden West. An extensive loot system is an indication that Horizon Forbidden West is doubling down on RPG elements, which is good, considering how light the original was in this department.
Every tribe in Horizon Zero Dawn has its own variant of the game's different weapons. Horizon Forbidden West takes after Zero Dawn, with Aloy wielding a "Tenakth Ranger Sharpshot Bow," indicative of the newly introduced Tenakth tribe. It also introduces a new arrow type called "heavy arrows" that pops up big damage numbers. Another Horizon Zero Dawn weapon that returns is the Sling, but now it can also throw sticky grenades to slow down big machines. There is also a new weapon called Spike Thrower that Aloy uses to throw firey javelins on the Tremor Tusk. Additionally, Aloy can throw smoke bombs for a swift getaway.
Horizon Forbidden West: New Traversal Tools Confirmed
In Horizon Zero Dawn, Aloy can shoot, dodge, sprint, climb and even throw in risky maneuvers such as jumping from a Tallneck. Horizon Forbidden West introduces new unique traversal tools that complement Aloy's agile nature. Once this system is seen in action, it makes sense to compare Horizon Forbidden West with Zelda: Breath of Wild, as the former introduces a Shield Wing similar to the latter's paraglider. Not only does it eradicate the need for over-the-top neck-breaking maneuvers Aloy so glaringly pulls off in Horizon Zero Dawn, but it also introduces interesting new ways to pick off human enemies from where they least expect.
Horizon Forbidden West also introduces the much-needed Pullcaster, aka grappling hook, that Aloy can quickly use to jump from one uneven surface to another. Aloy's focus, which allows her to examine nearby environments, returns with a new feature that reveals nearby spots fit for climbing. It basically eliminates the need for yellow handholds that video games have used for decades, which is a nice touch. Underwater exploration seems to be a focus in Horizon Forbidden West, hence why Aloy has a diving mask that allows her to stay underwater for a prolonged period. While no other details have surfaced, the mask could possibly be upgradable. Aloy can also override and mount machines, though the only one confirmed to be mountable so far is Clawstrider.
These are just some of the combat and traversal additions revealed so far for Horizon Forbidden West. Recent reports suggest that Horizon Forbidden West won't be able to meet its planned release date, which leaves a massive void in PlayStation's 2021 holiday lineup. While it is yet to be officially confirmed, Horizon Forbidden West's delay will be a huge opportunity for Xbox, which has multiple first-party games and game pass deals lined up for this year's holiday season.
Horizon Forbidden West's release date announcement could be right around the corner, and it could hopefully follow up with some extensive gameplay deep down that reveals more about Horizon Forbidden West's story, characters, open-world activities, skill tree, weapons, and crafting.
Horizon Forbidden West will release for PS4 and PS5.
Source: GameInformer