Horizon Forbidden West

About Horizon Forbidden West

Guerrilla Games released Horizon Forbidden West on February 18, 2022 to follow up their massive hit. This adventure RPG lets you control Aloy as she travels west across a far-future America overrun by machines. You play through a single-player campaign on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. The story picks up right after the first game when Aloy heads into a dangerous frontier to stop a blight threatening all life. You face awe-inspiring robotic beasts while uncovering secrets about this ancient world. It is a direct sequel that expands the map significantly while keeping the same core narrative style fans enjoyed.

Gameplay

You spend most of your time scanning the environment and taking down machines with a bow or spear. Combat requires you to identify weak points on each machine type before striking. You can craft ammunition and use traps to gain an advantage against larger targets like the Thunderjaw. Exploration involves climbing cliffs, swimming through underwater ruins, and hacking computer terminals to disable defenses. The game features a detailed skill tree where you unlock new abilities for stealth or combat. A typical session lasts several hours as you clear out enemy camps and solve environmental puzzles. Controls feel responsive whether you are using a controller or keyboard setup on PC.

What Players Think

The PlayPile data shows an IGDB score of 88.7 out of 100 based on 351 ratings. Players describe the experience as deeply Story-Driven with 5 votes, while 4 others highlight its Atmospheric qualities. The average playtime sits high among RPGs due to the sheer amount of content available. Users praise the visual fidelity and the way the story unfolds without rushing. Critic reviews align with community sentiment, noting the polished mechanics and engaging narrative. There is a strong consensus that the game respects player time while offering substantial challenges. Achievement hunters find plenty of milestones to chase throughout the vast open world.

PlayPile's Take

This title works best for players who want a long campaign with tight combat systems. The PC version brings performance options that console owners lack. Expect to spend money on the base price or wait for a sale since there are no microtransactions. You will earn numerous achievements for mastering the different machine types and finishing side quests. Do not buy this if you prefer short, casual sessions. It demands patience and attention to detail during fights. Finish the main story before exploring every corner of the map to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Storyline

Aloy treks into an arcane region and faces with new hostile enemies and threat in the search for the cause of a mysterious, dangerous blight.