Horizon Forbidden West

Adventure action with RPG elements in the vast open world Horizon Forbidden West is a stereotypical sequel, where there is more content, the graphics are significantly better, and the gameplay is easier and more comfortable. The narrative revolves around Aloy and her adventures in the western United States, actively expanding the game universe with new events, factions, characters, and mechosaurs.

The unique world of Forbidden West since Horizon Zero Dawn has faced a new threat — the Earth is ravaged by fierce natural disasters, mysterious diseases are spreading, and new mechosaurs threaten the already barely surviving humanity. Aloy can stop all this only by finding the artificial intelligence "Gaia" in the Forbidden West, which she sets out to after a lengthy prologue in Meridian.

The game world features diverse biomes (snowy mountains, murky swamps, dense forests, deserts, beaches of the western coast of the USA), each with its own flora, mech-fauna, beautiful natural landscapes, and incredible attention to detail. There is verticality: you can climb heights, descend into crevices, explore the underwater world, and even fly. Dungeons are also encountered.

The local tribes embody an inclusive, tolerant community, with representatives of all cultures, races, and orientations. In their settlements, players can trade, relax, play local board games, participate in arena battles, take/receive quests, and engage in plenty of conversations.

The game does not showcase any cruelties typical of post-apocalypse or the declared madness of the tribes of the West (although this is mentioned) — Guerrilla Games has created a comfortable and safe environment for the player's mental health.

Forbidden West is a direct narrative development of the original and its expansion, and knowing them is highly desirable for understanding what is happening on the screen. The main plot is a straightforward story about the Chosen One saving the world "for all that is good," linear from start to finish, with an illusion of choice and one-dimensional conflicts, paladin allies, and caricatured villains.

A couple of narrative twists work to keep the player engaged. Regular "plot twists" rewrite already revealed secrets of the past, reconsider relationships between characters, or shed light on what is happening, and then everything changes again. Hostile groups frequently emerge, whose role is to denote conflict and bounce off the heroine's invisible shield.

Aloy — the local embodiment of Mary Sue — hardly develops as a character, as everyone has dubbed her the savior. Friends, villains, and everything around her adjusts to her, regardless of adequacy. Many new and old characters will be encountered in the plot, this time they have been given backstories and at least some motivation.

Side quests are better: unconventional gameplay tasks, well-thought-out and non-template stories with a hint of emotions, well-developed characters, and a presentation that does not revolve around Aloy. Some side quests even unfold in their own locations.

From a third-person perspective, gameplay now takes center stage — the game is built on dynamic cutscenes of varying quality and complexity, with key scenes manually directed to immerse players in the experience. The dialogue system remains, but as a functional appendage to the narrative — players can choose something or clarify details, while the lines are intended for the player.

The gameplay of Forbidden West fundamentally does not differ from Zero Dawn, but is significantly expanded in the number of mechanics, nuances of their application, types of weapons, gear, and equipment. The artificial intelligence of robots and humans has been improved, as has melee combat and stealth. However, the game can be completed by simply shooting, taking cover, and rolling.

In Aloy's arsenal are various bows, slingshots, darts, and launchers, each with its own perks, damage types, and effects. Ammunition with elemental damage (ignition, freezing, etc.) has been added.

Weapons and some gameplay content are additionally divided into 5 quality levels, from basic to legendary, and a significant portion can be crafted and then upgraded, requiring players to gather resources in the game world in large quantities. However, the gap in progression often nullifies these efforts — a higher quality item is always better.

Aloy now has 6 skill branches that develop various playstyles — infiltrator, warrior, machine master, etc. — divided into active abilities and passive perks. At the end of each branch is an "ultimate" that can determine the outcome of a battle.

Clever spatial puzzles have appeared. Solving them is enjoyable but requires attention and good memory. However, parkour and platforming, even after patches, remain non-intuitive and unresponsive.

Forbidden West is a classic modern sandbox with a strong emphasis on story and engagement, but without life simulation and aggression. The adventurous aspect of the game is excellently crafted; moving forward is engaging, as is seeking new opportunities.

The main activity for players is to recycle content by any available means/mechanics while exploring the world, gathering resources, obtaining necessary parts, and overcoming various challenges (towers, trials, cleanups, hunting, etc.) on the way to the finale.

Mechosaurs and battles with them are still the coolest part of the game, unlike battles with humans, which remain unexciting. Large robotic beasts have become tougher and more aggressive, punishing mistakes and forcing players to prepare carefully, identifying weaknesses and striking vulnerable points. For victories in battles, completing quests, and progressing through the story, Aloy gains experience, which is spent on upgrades.

A hub location has appeared, where players bring recruited characters. Forming a squad of companions is not allowed due to Aloy's perfection (companions will still help in the finale), but players can exchange a few words with them or complete a personal quest. During travels, players will have to engage in a lot of dialogue, and it is not possible to skip conversations.