Horizon Zero Dawn was one of the most exciting and interesting games to be released in 2017. I was absolutely blown away by this amazing game, and It was quickly one of my favorite games of the last few years. Naturally, I had extremely high expectations for its sequel. So when developer Guerrilla Games announced Horizon Forbidden West as an expansion-sized sequel, I couldn’t wait to play. Thankfully, it lives up to the hype as It’s every bit as engaging and exciting as its prequel. 

Forbidden West was developed and published in 2022 by Guerilla Games and Sony Interactive Entertainment, respectively. It is an action role-playing game with so many features and possibilities.

The Story Seamlessly Continues Past Adventures and Events

In Horizon Forbidden West, you play Aloy, a young android woman who lives in a post-apocalyptic world where machines have taken over. Aloy, who was created to save the world from an evil robot, sets out to find the leader of the machines and stop them. Although it had defeated the robot in the past, its remains are trying to regroup. The robot, despite incapacity, keeps infecting other computers to make them do whatever it wasn’t.

Forbidden West picks up shortly after the events of the first Horizon, Zero Dawn, with Aloy receiving a vision that takes her to the titular Forbidden West. The story is exciting and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked. Forbidden West’s plot is engaging and well-written, and the voice acting is top-notch. 

Simple Gameplay with an Engaging Combat System 

The gameplay in Horizon Forbidden West is very similar to that of the first game. You’ll spend most of your time running around, climbing, and fighting enemies. The combat is still very enjoyable, with various ranged and melee weapons available. The game also introduces some new mechanics, such as the ability to swim underwater.

Overall, the gameplay is exciting and engaging. You can take many different paths throughout the map, so it never feels like you’re doing something repetitive. I played for hours without realizing how much time had passed! 

The Puzzles and Side Quests will Keep Your Mind Busy All Day.

There are some really difficult puzzles, but nothing too impossible if you take your time. 

There are also lots of side quests that can be completed for rewards. It’s one of those games where it’s hard to stop playing once you start! I was glued to my screen until I had finally completed it.

Many of the companions returned, but a few new ones were added. The companions in Horizon Forbidden West are a great addition to the game. They have unique personalities and backstories, and they’re all written exceptionally well. The entire NPC characterization is well done, providing a challenging but fair experience.

Eye-Catching Graphics, Immersion

The graphics in Horizon Forbidden West are stunning. The world is vibrant and alive, and the detail is incredible. The immersion is also top-notch; the game does a great job of making you feel like you’re in the world of Horizon. 

The controls are tight and responsive, making for a very enjoyable experience. It has plenty of replayability, with tons of collectibles to find. There’s an enormous amount to do in this game–hunting, crafting, fishing–and it doesn’t become boring at any point. It is difficult at points (I died a lot), but that just adds to the fun factor.

Guerilla Games and Sony Created a Perfect Continuation for an Amazing Game

Horizon Forbidden West follows up on the action-packed first game with an equally compelling expansion that makes minor tweaks to the original formula while also building off of it and introducing new systems and gameplay mechanics. Horizon Forbidden West is a must-play for any PlayStation 4 owner who owns the original game or who just wants to play more Horizon content. There is only one ending in Forbidden West, as major unexpected twists mark the possibilities of another sequel, with even bolder plots.

Expansive Crafting System and Upgrades That Will Wow You

The crafting system in Horizon Forbidden West is excellent. You can find materials all over the world to upgrade your gear, and the process is both intuitive and rewarding. I also appreciate that you can now salvage materials from enemies, which was a huge pain point in the first game. They added more crafting tools to accommodate the latest underwater exploration, which is fast becoming my favorite.

Minor Changes That Improved the Game Significantly

Like Zero Dawn, Forbidden West is played from a third-person perspective and has an open world environment. The controls are similar to the previous game, with some new and exciting additions. The combat is as fun and fluid as ever, but the improved control makes fights more engaging. Horizon’s world in this sequel is fleshed out much more, and new threats arise, creating an unforgettable adventure you won’t want to put down until you finish it.

There are more weapons available than in the first game, which is great because I had gotten tired of using just my bow, even though it was my favorite weapon. Plenty of upgrades are available for each weapon type, and finding them all will take some time. I liked how Aloy’s outfit changes depending on what quests she completes and also like that there were so many different landscapes (such as snowy mountains and deserts.

Conclusion 

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Horizon Forbidden West and think it’s a great sequel that builds upon the already strong foundation of the first game. The new setting is gorgeous and full of surprises, the story is engaging, and the gameplay is as solid as ever. I can’t wait to see what Guerrilla Games has in store for us next. 

If you enjoy open-world games where you can explore and do what you want, this game will be perfect! It offers an immersive experience that you won’t find anywhere else. All in all, Horizon Forbidden West is an excellent game worth every penny.