Venturing into the Mysterious Forbidden West in Horizon's Highly Anticipated Sequel

Exploring the Forbidden West in Horizon's Highly Anticipated Sequel

In 2017, PlayStation 4 gamers around the world were treated to a brand new IP called Horizon Zero Dawn. Developed by Guerrilla Games, Horizon Zero Dawn featured a lush post-apocalyptic world overrun by mechanized creatures where players stepped into the role of a brave young hunter named Aloy. Praised for its stunning visuals, deep lore and satisfying combat, Horizon Zero Dawn was a critical and commercial success. Now in 2022, Guerrilla Games is back with Horizon Forbidden West, the highly anticipated sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn launching on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Let's explore what Forbidden West has in store for Aloy and players in this next chapter of her journey through a far-future America.

Venturing Into the Mysterious West

Forbidden West picks up six months after the events of Zero Dawn with Aloy headed west to investigate a mysterious and deadly blight. Her adventure takes her into the Forbidden West, a unfamiliar frontier filled with new threats. This uncharted territory was once part of America but is now home to diverse tribes of people and an array of imposing robotic creatures. Many longtime fans are excited to learn more about this mysterious region beyond the borders of the Zero Dawn map.

Facing Formidable New Machines

Taking down mechanized dinosaurs was no easy feat in Zero Dawn and the machines in Forbidden West are shaping up to be even more imposing. The game will introduce a wide range of new animal-inspired robots for players to hunt and battle including the Rollerback, a gorilla-like machine armed with crushing pneumatic fists. There's also the Sunwing, a gigantic flying robot with massive plasma-spitting horns as well as the Slitherfang, an intimidating cobra-like adversary. Overcoming these challenging foes will test players' abilities to the fullest.

New Tools and Tactics

Fortunately, Aloy has some impressive new tools at her disposal to counter these deadly machines. Using her Focus scanner, she can identify components and weaknesses to exploit. Aloy's resourceful crafting abilities also allow her to design ammunition tailored to take down specific enemies. Players can tactically override some machines, turning them into mounts or allies during combat. Aloy also boasts impressive new mobility moves like being able to climb larger machines and improvising shields mid-battle. Utilizing these new abilities along with her wide array of weapons will be key to surviving the Forbidden West.

Rich Tribal Cultures

Beyond its striking landscapes, one of the most intriguing parts of exploring the Forbidden West will be encountering its diverse inhabitants. The region is home to numerous unique tribal settlements with their own rich cultures, many of which mistrust Aloy as an outlander. Winning their trust opens up opportunities to take on side quests and acquire valuable resources. Players can expect to encounter and ally with the marsh-dwelling Tenakth, the reclusive Utaru tribe, the mountainous Tagoona and more on their journey.

Unraveling the Mysteries

As with Zero Dawn, following the deep mystery behind this world is a huge part of Forbidden West's appeal. Aloy once again finds herself searching for answers that could save humanity from a new threat. Ancient ruins and high-tech facilities hidden throughout the landscape offer tantalizing clues about the past and the nature of the blight. Recording and analyzing details with her Focus while piecing together the puzzle is a compelling part of the gameplay loop. Forbidden West appears primed to deliver a thought-provoking story fans will be theorizing over for years.

Braving the Frontier

Horizon Forbidden West shapes up to be an outstanding sequel, retaining everything fans loved about Zero Dawn while expanding the experience. The chance to explore an alluring new frontier rich with mysteries is exciting. Battling massive new machines and customizing gear to defeat hordes of mechanical creatures promises satisfying action. For PlayStation gamers seeking an epic adventure merging technical mastery with natural wonder, Horizon Forbidden West is set to deliver an unforgettable trip into the unknown.

FAQs

When is Horizon Forbidden West being released?

Horizon Forbidden West is scheduled to release on February 18, 2022 for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

Do I need to play Horizon Zero Dawn first?

It's highly recommended to complete Horizon Zero Dawn before playing Forbidden West since it directly continues Aloy's story and world. However, there will likely be recap materials to help new players get up to speed.

What new features are in Horizon Forbidden West?

New features include the unexplored Forbidden West region with new tribes, an expanded variety of machines to fight, new tools like the Pullcaster, new skills for Aloy like shield parrying, underwater exploration and the ability to override more machines.

Will Horizon Forbidden West have multiplayer?

No, like the first game Horizon Forbidden West will be a single player only experience without any multiplayer components.

What console(s) is Horizon Forbidden West releasing on?

Horizon Forbidden West will launch for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. There is a free upgrade path from PS4 to PS5.