Horizon Forbidden West Review Score: Open World and Combat Ratings
When Horizon Zero Dawn launched in 2017, it set a new benchmark for open-world action RPGs with its compelling protagonist, unique post-apocalyptic setting, and engaging combat mechanics. Five years later, its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, arrived with immense expectations. Developed by Guerrilla Games, this title promised a larger world, deeper narrative, and refined gameplay. But did it deliver? This review delves into the critical reception of Horizon Forbidden West, focusing on its open-world design and combat system—two pillars that define the experience.
Overall Critical Reception
Horizon Forbidden West was met with widespread critical acclaim upon release. It holds an aggregate score of 88/100 on Metacritic for the PlayStation 5 version, placing it firmly in the "must-play" category. Critics universally praised its stunning visual fidelity, character development, and expansive world, though some noted that it played things safe, iterating rather than revolutionizing the formula established by its predecessor. The narrative, which follows Aloy’s journey to save a dying world from a mysterious blight, was hailed as emotionally resonant and well-paced, though occasionally burdened by exposition.
The Open World: A Lush, Living Canvas
The open world of Horizon Forbidden West is nothing short of breathtaking. Spanning lush rainforests, sun-scorched deserts, snowy mountains, and underwater caverns, the map is both vast and densely packed with detail. Review scores consistently highlight the world design as a masterclass in environmental storytelling and visual artistry.
Exploration and Verticality
One of the most significant improvements over the first game is the emphasis on vertical exploration. Aloy can now free-climb almost any surface, thanks to a more flexible system reminiscent of games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This mechanic transforms traversal from a chore into a joy, encouraging players to scale towering ruins and massive cliffs to uncover secrets. The addition of the Shieldwing glider further enhances mobility, allowing for swift descents and strategic positioning during combat.
Density and Diversity
The world feels alive and purposeful. Unlike many open-world games that suffer from repetitive filler content, Forbidden West populates its landscape with meaningful activities. Side quests are richly narrative-driven, often involving fully voiced characters with compelling stories that expand the lore. Cities and settlements, such as the bustling Chainscrape or the serene Plainsong, are hubs of culture and conflict, each with distinct architecture and social dynamics.
However, some critics argue that the game occasionally falls into the trap of checklist open-world design. With an abundance of collectibles, outposts, and activities, it can feel overwhelming at times. Yet, the quality of these elements—such as the challenging Cauldrons or the strategic Rebel Camps—ensures that they rarely feel like mere padding.
Visuals and Immersion
On the PlayStation 5, Forbidden West is a technical marvel. The Decima engine delivers photorealistic environments, dynamic weather systems, and incredibly detailed character models. The day-night cycle and atmospheric effects contribute to a deeply immersive experience. From the way sunlight filters through dense canopy forests to the eerie glow of underwater biomes, the world is a constant source of wonder.
Combat: Refined, Tactical, and Thrilling
Combat in Horizon Forbidden West builds upon the strong foundation of its predecessor while introducing new layers of strategy and customization. It received near-universal praise for its depth and dynamism, though some reviewers noted a steep learning curve for newcomers.
Weapon and Tool Variety
Aloy’s arsenal has expanded significantly. Alongside returning favorites like the Hunter Bow and Tripcaster, new weapons such as the Spike Thrower and Shredder Gauntlet offer fresh tactical options. Each weapon type feels distinct and situational, encouraging players to adapt their loadout based on the enemy encountered. The workbench feature allows for further customization, enabling upgrades that enhance damage, tear, or elemental effects.
Machine Combat
The heart of combat lies in battling the robotic creatures that roam the world. These machines are more diverse and complex than ever, with improved AI that makes them more aggressive and unpredictable. Fighting a Tremortusk or a Slitherfang requires careful planning: targeting specific components to disable attacks, exploiting elemental weaknesses, and using the environment to gain an advantage. The addition of Valor Surges—powerful abilities that can turn the tide of battle—adds a rewarding progression element to encounters.
Human Encounters and Stealth
While machine combat shines, human enemies received mixed reviews. Though improved from the first game, with better AI and more varied enemy types, they still lack the strategic depth of machine battles. Stealth mechanics are solid but not groundbreaking; tall grass and silent strikes remain effective, though enemies are more alert and coordinated. The introduction of Shieldwing and Pullcaster tools adds verticality to stealth, allowing Aloy to gain positional advantages.
Melee Combat
A notable upgrade is the revamped melee system. Aloy now has a combo-based skill tree, allowing for more fluid and impactful close-quarters combat. While ranged weapons remain the focus, melee is now a viable option against smaller machines and human foes. The Resonator Blast mechanic, which charges melee strikes to create explosive opportunities, adds a satisfying risk-reward dynamic.
Conclusion: A Worthy Successor
Horizon Forbidden West excels where it matters most: it delivers a vast, beautiful world brimming with content and a combat system that is both challenging and rewarding. While it may not reinvent the open-wheel genre, it refines and expands upon the strengths of its predecessor in almost every way. The criticisms—occasional pacing issues, familiar open-world tropes—are minor in the face of its achievements.
For players who cherish exploration, narrative depth, and tactical combat, Horizon Forbidden West is a masterpiece. It stands as a testament to Guerrilla Games’ commitment to quality and innovation, solidifying Aloy’s place as one of gaming’s most iconic heroes. In the pantheon of open-world epics, this sequel not only meets expectations but soars above them.
