In an industry filled with open-world games, standing apart from the field is no easy task. Fortunately, 2017’s Horizon Zero Dawn was one open-world game that perfectly set itself apart from others.
Featuring a colourful world, engaging characters and engaging gameplay, it was no surprise that the game was a huge success, selling over 10 million copies in its first two years. The subsequent PC port that released last year sold close to 1 million copies in its first month, showing just how great the game is.
That’s why it came as no surprise when Sony announced that Horizon Forbidden West was in development last year. Launching on the PS5 in 2022, the title looks to build on the foundations created by its predecessor. Everything will be bigger, crisper and more colourful, with the added addition of new gameplay mechanics as well.
Unfortunately, it’s still a while before Horizon Forbidden West releases. However, if you are yet to give the first game a go, we’d definitely recommend picking it up. A recent update on PC added Nvidia DLSS and AMD FidelityFX, which means improved performance across a number of setups and machines. Back to Forbidden West though.
When will Horizon Forbidden West release?
While it isn’t set to release just yet, fans can get their hands on the game pretty early in the year. Horizon Forbidden West will launch on February 18th, 2022. The team had initially aimed for a late 2021 release. However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic meant the game had to be delayed, pushing it back to February. While another delay isn’t impossible, it’s probably unlikely considering how close we are to release at this point.
Initially revealed as a PS5 exclusive title, Sony went back on this decision and announced the game would launch on both the PS4 and PS5. This decision is likely based on the fact the PS5 is still incredibly difficult to get hold of, and the PS4 already has a huge existing install base. This means that on launch day, players can buy the game on both consoles.
Horizon Forbidden West will launch with five different versions. There will of course be the standard edition, which features the game, along with two other more expanded editions. The digital deluxe edition will feature a number of ingame goodies, including armour and weapon sets and a digital comic book, artbook and the game’s soundtrack. The physical special edition features a mini art book, along with the soundtrack and a legacy Nora outfit and spear. A collectors edition features everything mentioned above, and Tremortusk and Aloy statues. And then there’s the Regalla Edition which features everything mentioned, although the tremortusk is swapped out for a Regalla Tremortusk statue. It also includes a replica Focus and stand, machine strike pieces and art cards.
What’s new?
Horizon Forbidden West will not be a completely new game compared to its predecessor. Many of its elements, such as stealth, exploration, crafting and combat, will almost definitely return. Although it’s likely the team has improved all of them based on feedback from the first game. The sequel will also feature a large focus on narrative, as Aloy gos on a journey to find the source of a sinister plague that kills everything it infects.
Horizon Forbidden West will also introduce a number of new gameplay mechanics . A new Shieldwing tool allows Aloy to descend from a great height. This new feature which implies there will be more verticality present in the game. Horizon Forbidden West will also feature a free-from climbing system similar to Breath Of The Wild’s. There is also a new grappling hook, a mask that allows Aloy to breathe underwater and a new Valor Surge System.
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[Featured Image Credit: Sony]