“An absolute masterpiece! Horizon Forbidden West is everything I hoped it would be.” This opening statement, commonly found in glowing reviews, perfectly encapsulates the overwhelming feeling many players experience in the stunning sequel to the acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn. Guerrilla Games has taken their post-apocalyptic, robot-infested world to the next level, creating an unforgettable adventure steeped in danger, beauty, and powerful storytelling.
The Journey Continues: Aloy’s Unrelenting Search
Horizon Forbidden West picks up where its predecessor left off. Having saved the world from the rogue AI HADES, Aloy now faces a new and equally terrifying challenge – a biosphere collapsing on the verge of extinction. Her mission: to find a backup of GAIA, the benevolent AI responsible for terraforming Earth after a devastating apocalypse, and restore Dr. Elisabet Sobek’s vision for the planet. Her journey takes her to the mysterious and perilous region known as the Forbidden West.
The Machines: Familiar Foes and Terrifying Newcomers
The world of Horizon Forbidden West teems with the animalistic machines that captured players’ imaginations in the first game. From the swift Glinthawks to the colossal Thunderjaws, seeing these mechanical beasts in action once again is a thrilling reminder of the unique challenges Aloy faces. But the Forbidden West brings its own surprises, introducing a staggering array of new machines that will challenge your skills, force you to adapt, and keep the excitement pumping with each encounter.
Evolving with Aloy: Skills, Weapons, and Armor
Progression systems are a core pillar of the Horizon experience, and Forbidden West expands on them beautifully. The revamped skill tree offers an immense variety of choices to shape Aloy’s combat style and special abilities, giving players true agency in her development.
As you progress through the game, an arsenal of powerful new weapons adds destructive power to your hunts. Each tribe or settlement holds the keys to these technological marvels, giving the exploration an exciting reward system and allowing you to decimate even the toughest foes.
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition is out now on PC!
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But Horizon Forbidden West goes further, elevating armor from simple visual customization. Each armor set now has its own unique stats and resistances, turning your choice of outfit into a strategic decision before battle. Upgrading these outfits with materials scavenged from machines and enhancing them at workbenches pushes your capabilities to their limits. And for those keen on the fashion side, the ability to dye your armor offers a welcome dose of personalization.
An Unforgettable Story and a Breathtaking World
With a game of this scale and ambition (an impressive 96GB install for the PC version!), players rightfully expect a story to match. Horizon Forbidden West delivers a captivating narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The characters Aloy encounters, old friends, and new faces alike, evolve with depth and complexity. Their relationships, personal triumphs, and the heartbreaks they endure make them feel real, adding an emotional weight to the world-saving heroics.
But the heart of the experience lies in exploration. The Forbidden West is a vast and staggeringly beautiful open world brimming with secrets, side quests, unique machine encounters, and sprawling new settlements filled with vibrant characters. While the main story will propel you forward, it’s immersing yourself in this world, uncovering ancient ruins, completing side objectives, and taking to the skies on a majestic Sunwing that makes the experience truly come alive.
A Masterclass in Open World Design
Horizon Forbidden West is a testament to Guerrilla Game’s mastery of their craft. The world is vibrant and meticulously detailed. The character models and animation breathe life into Aloy and her companions. And the sheer variety of machines and their unique behaviors create a sense of awe few games can match. While the disastrous launch of the original PC port created apprehension, the PC version of Forbidden West is optimized right out of the gate, providing incredible performance for those with the hardware to support it.
Horizon Forbidden West : Conclusion
Horizon Forbidden West is a must-play for fans of open-world adventures, action RPGs, and anyone who loves losing themselves in stunning virtual landscapes. Whether you’re battling rogue machines, uncovering the mysteries of a lost civilization, or simply enjoying the breathtaking world, this game offers an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Read More
