Introduction

Horizon Forbidden West, model number B09FJYNS3W, is the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn. Having spent countless hours exploring its vast, breathtaking world, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. This isn’t just a run-through; it’s a deep dive into the game’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact. Prepare for a detailed look at what makes this game a must-have for some, and potentially a pass for others.

Features

Horizon Forbidden West expands on its predecessor in nearly every conceivable way. The open world is simply stunning, a visually impressive landscape filled with diverse biomes, from lush forests to arid deserts and underwater ruins. The new machines are terrifyingly impressive, demanding strategic combat approaches. Aloy’s expanded skill tree allows for a more personalized combat style, and the narrative, while complex, draws you in with compelling characters and a captivating story. The crafting system is also robust, offering plenty of opportunity for experimentation and optimization. The addition of underwater exploration adds a significant dimension to the already expansive gameplay.

Performance

On the PlayStation 4, Horizon Forbidden West performs admirably, though not without some compromises. Loading times can be a bit lengthy, especially when transitioning between areas. In densely populated areas, I experienced occasional frame rate dips, but nothing game-breaking. The visuals, while not quite matching the PS5 version, are still remarkably detailed and beautiful. The overall performance is acceptable, balancing visual fidelity with a mostly smooth gameplay experience. The audio design is top-notch, providing an immersive and atmospheric experience, from the sounds of the environment to the roar of the colossal machines.

Pros & Cons

Pros: Stunning visuals, expansive open world, engaging story, challenging combat, diverse machine designs, robust crafting system, improved movement mechanics.

Cons: Occasional frame rate drops on PS4, lengthy loading times, some repetitive side quests.

Final Verdict

Horizon Forbidden West is a worthy successor to its predecessor, offering a compelling narrative, breathtaking visuals, and challenging gameplay. While the PS4 version suffers from some performance issues compared to its PS5 counterpart, the overall experience is still incredibly rewarding. If you’re a fan of open-world action RPGs, and can overlook the occasional performance hiccup, then Horizon Forbidden West is a game you won’t want to miss. The rich world, detailed characters, and engaging story make it a worthwhile investment. I wholeheartedly recommend it.