Horizon Forbidden West (PS5)

The Wild Wild West

Horizon Zero Dawn is probably one of my top five video games of all time, and with its massive success, a sequel was inevitable. Horizon Forbidden West picks up Aloy’s story in a bigger, bolder, and more stunning world, adding new mechanics, weapons, and challenges while keeping everything that made the first game so special. Like most sequels, it refines and builds upon the original formula rather than completely reinventing it. And honestly, I couldn't ask for anything else.

Guerrilla Games once again proves that they’re masters of world-building. The world of Forbidden West is absolutely stunning — lush jungles, vast deserts, underwater ruins, and high-tech remnants of the old world all blend seamlessly into a breathtaking landscape. Some of the underwater sections, in particular, are phenomenal and among the most memorable moments in the game.

Aloy returns as the fierce and determined heroine we know and love. The game picks up not long after the events of the first one, and while the story is still engaging, it doesn’t quite reach the same level of mystery and emotional pull as Zero Dawn. That said, there are still plenty of twists and interesting discoveries along the way and the world itself is so rich that it’s easy to get lost in it.

Gameplay-wise, Forbidden West stays true to its roots while adding new layers. Combat against machines is still exciting and sometimes truly challenging. There are more weapons, gadgets, and abilities than before — for better or worse. Some are fun to experiment with, but at times the variety can feel a little overwhelming. Aloy also gains new tools, including the Glider, which makes exploring the vertical landscapes more fun and fluid. It’s one of those additions that feels so natural you can’t imagine the game without it.

There’s also a fun little board game called Machine Strike, which you can play with various NPCs throughout the world. It’s surprisingly addictive and a nice distraction when you want to take a break from hunting machines.

Speaking of NPCs.  There are a lot of them. The settlements feel alive, full of people to talk to and side quests to pick up. The voice acting and facial animations are excellent, making conversations feel more natural than ever. 

After spending dozens of hours exploring every corner of the Forbidden West, I can safely say it’s one of the most visually stunning and polished games I’ve ever played. It may not deliver the same sense of discovery as the first game, but it perfects the formula in nearly every way. It’s a world worth exploring, full of detail, adventure, and heart.

Final Rating: 9.5 / 10

Pros:

• Absolutely breathtaking visuals and world design

• Underwater sections are unforgettable

• The Glider is a great new addition

• Machine combat is still exciting and satisfying

• Strong voice acting and facial animations

Cons:

• Story not quite as intriguing as Zero Dawn

• Too many weapons and abilities can feel overwhelming

• Some dialogue-heavy sections slow down the pacing