Horizon: Forbidden West - A Thrilling Adventure in a Post-Apocalyptic World

My encounter with Jan-Bart Van Beek, the mastermind behind Horizon: Zero Dawn, left an indelible mark on my perception of the series. Initially, I viewed the game as merely "that robot dinosaur game," but my conversation with Van Beek piqued my interest, and I soon found myself engrossed in the world of Horizon. The combat system in Horizon is a breath of fresh air, deviating from the conventional "whittle down the enemy health bar" approach. By scanning machines, you can identify vulnerable components, which, when targeted, yield specific effects. This strategic depth adds a layer of complexity to battles, making them more engaging and fun. I typically shy away from combat in open-world games, preferring to focus on exploration and storytelling. However, in Horizon, I actively seek out machine encounters, eager to test my skills and exploit their weaknesses. The game's side quests are equally captivating, with well-crafted narratives and relatable characters that draw you in and refuse to let go. Aloy, the protagonist, is a powerful and compassionate character, brought to life by Ashly Burch's exceptional performance. Her strong moral compass and unwavering dedication to those in need make her an admirable and inspiring figure. Horizon: Forbidden West builds upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, expanding the world, machines, and gameplay mechanics. The game's map is more diverse, featuring lush jungles, towering redwood forests, and ruined landscapes, each with its unique charm and secrets waiting to be uncovered. The game's visuals are stunning, with Guerrilla pushing the PS5 to its limits to create a world that is both vibrant and immersive. I have spent countless hours in Photo Mode, attempting to capture the essence of the Forbidden West, and the thrill of overriding machines to soar through the skies or glide underwater is exhilarating. The storytelling and writing in Horizon are exceptional, with a narrative that expands on the world and its characters in meaningful ways. The introduction of new tribes, such as the Utaru and the Tenakth, adds depth to the game's lore, while the story elements that transcend Earth's boundaries and delve into the past are both fascinating and thought-provoking. Horizon: Forbidden West is a game that I find impossible to put down, with its captivating world, engaging combat, and memorable characters. Despite the initial launch timing, which may have overshadowed the game, I firmly believe that it is an experience worth revisiting, and I urge anyone who has not yet delved into the world of Horizon to do so.