There is rarely a moment in Horizon Zero Dawn when Aloy is not troubled by the truth of prior civilizations, or contemporary tribal politics. Still, beyond Horizon Zero Dawn's elusive narrative is an open world with many side activities and errands that players can complete to level up and meet new characters. Many of Horizon Zero Dawn's enormous machine-creatures are introduced in the narrative, but players' experiences are far richer when they stumble upon them.
Chassis GAIA machines are designed after wildlife with animal biology in mind, which is why they resemble a different classification of animal first and foremost. These formidable machine-creatures produce some of the game's most memorable moments, and its strategic battles are remarkably similar to those in recent Monster Hunter installments. Horizon Zero Dawn and Monster Hunter share a lot of similarities, which often rubs off on the former in a positive way.
Horizon Zero Dawn as an Open-World, Narrative-Driven Monster Hunter
Horizon Zero Dawn is largely a traditional open-world action-adventure title with a formula many players will be accustomed to. Hostile bandit encampments, collectables, and accessible fast-travel landmarks are commonplace in modern open-world experiences. But while these are a staple, Horizon Zero Dawn's elaborate machine-creature battles delineate it from beina wholly traditional.
Between Sawtooths, Tramplers, Bellowbacks, and Rockbreakers, there are many classifications of machines in each biome. This is similar to Monster Hunter, where certain monsters are only found within their own respective locales, and players must accept a quest or expedition that sends them there. One of the benefits of Horizon Zero Dawn's open world is the player's freedom to hunt any machine they choose.
In Horizon Zero Dawn, there is the added distinction of its creatures being entirely composed of advanced technology and artificial intelligence. Monster Hunter's monsters instead interpret mythological and fantastical creatures with a highly unique art direction. Horizon Zero Dawn's tribes and Monster Hunter's fleets are both technologically comparable as well, though the former's weaponry and ballistics are more rudimentary.
Aloy has her own specific set to weapons and tools with which players fell machines, such as her trusty close-ranged spear. Horizon Zero Dawn's gameplay resembles Monster Hunter's, with characters sliding and somersaulting around to evade a colossal creature while trying to land precise attacks on specific parts of the creature's body. Aloy could be considered a Bow main, as it is her primary weapon and she only has access to different bows, slings, or traps.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne received a crossover with Horizon Zero Dawn, inviting Aloy into Monster Hunter with an armor skin and bow that players could craft, as well as a Watcher skin for the player's Palico companion. The fact that there was a crossover event demonstrates the comparison between both games is not insignificant, and that Aloy could fit perfectly into the Monster Hunter universe.
Horizon Zero Dawn's Hunters Lodge Feels Inspired by Monster Hunter
Horizon Zero Dawn’s Hunters Lodge occupies a relatively small portion of the game that can be completely overlooked. However, it provides one of the game's richest story beats, and leads to some of Horizon Zero Dawn's most climactic machine battles.
The Hunters Lodge is teased early on as players come across Hunting Grounds throughout the open world. Each has a different set of three trials players can complete that explore unique mechanics, such as detaching machine components or using specific elemental ammunition. Rewards are offered upon completion, graded between Half Sun, Full Sun, and Blazing Sun marks. It is not learned until later that these trials are pertinent for the high-profile reward of Hunters Lodge weapons.
Talanah Khane Padish, a Hawk at the time players meet her, takes Aloy under her wing as a Thrush at the Hunters Lodge. Talanah's side quest tasks players with hunting several machines for trophies that will assert both Aloy's skill and Talanah's tutelage. Players who enjoy this Monster Hunter-style of gameplay can indulge in it with formidable hunting quests, which pit Aloy against multiple Thunderjaws, a Stormbird, and more.
Further, players are then rewarded for completing this side quest by getting Talanah as an accompanying ally at the Spire. With a narrative impact on Horizon Zero Dawn as well, the Hunters Lodge becomes a significant quest with an emphasis on machine boss battles. However, Horizon Zero Dawn’s Hunters Lodge lacks the charming atmosphere and hearty camaraderie found in Monster Hunter’s Canteens and Gathering Hubs.
It is perhaps more important that these venues are lively in Monster Hunter, as it is where most players' time will be spent in multiplayer. Monster Hunter's multiplayer makes moments between hunts engaging, as players can interact with one another or apply meal and beverage vouchers for their lobby.
How Horizon Forbidden West Can Grow Its Monster Hunter Influence
Horizon Forbidden West is less than a month away, with gameplay presentations showing off its many traversal, combat, and graphical improvements, which have fans excited about the sequel. But to stay unique as an open-world title, it should lean further into its Monster Hunter-inspired gameplay.
It's fair to assume Horizon Forbidden West would reprise its popular machine-creatures, adding new ones that Aloy has not encountered. The Tremortusk and Slitherfang already suggest players will face many new, enormous threats, and the potential is endless for what biomes or environments players may journey into. With any luck, Horizon Forbidden West will keep its emphasis on this gameplay.
Horizon Forbidden West's settlements and encampments are reportedly more lively than Zero Dawn's, in spite of its single-player focus. If the Hunters Lodge returns, it would be fantastic to see it take more inspiration from Monster Hunter. Monster Hunter's resources contribute to almost everything players can wear or use as a weapon; if Horizon Forbidden West utilized more of its mechanical components for such attributes, it could open the door to more inspired features.
Horizon Forbidden West's Pullcaster may not be as freely fluid as Monster Hunter Rise’s Wirebug, but traversal appears to be improved greatly overall. With underwater traversal looking like a substantial environmental overhaul, players may get to battle creatures underwater too. Horizon Zero Dawn's strategic and tactical boss battles may be comparable to Monster Hunter, but they ultimately stand alone as one of its most thrilling and unique features, and should be celebrated as such.
Horizon: Forbidden West launches for PS4 and PS5 on February 18.