To say that Horizon Forbidden West is furiously awaited is an understatement: the first part was a resplendent box with an impeccable critical reception (it is in particular a nice 18/20 by us) and titanic sales, confirming the full potential of this new franchise from Guerrilla Games. The dads of FPS Killzone seem to have found a formula that suits them particularly well, that of Open-world action game with small RPG mechanics, while offering an open world and first-rate technique.
With “Horizon 2”, we might as well say that the wait is great and hopes are massive. Here, the Dutch studio seems to have redoubled its efforts to offer an even larger open world, with even more cogs and even more depth; at least, it is that the developers wish to make feel through the various presentations, of which the last to date focuses on the combat and the gameplay. The adventure promises to be eagerly awaited by the PlayStation community, it is a fact.
This sequel will therefore be an opportunity for Aloy, the heroine of the game, to visit the American West. The San Francisco region will be present with for the first time underwater swimming phases, but also the exploration of other regions, eyeing both hot sandy beaches and arid deserts: it is the latter that interest us today since a new burst of screenshots (published by the magazine Game Informer who made the game his last cover) immerse us in this unique region.
More precisely, these five images illustrate “The Daunt”, a new region taking the form of a gigantic canyon at the end of Carja territory. In the game, it will be a kind of learning zone, where Aloy will learn the basics before plunging for good into the famous “Is Forbidden”. In particular, we can see populations there, such as a market or a tavern in which it will be possible to walk.
Finally, we also get a preview of the Burrower (literally “fouisseur” in French), a new enemy which should succeed the Watcher and whose particularity is not surprising to dig underground tunnels … to reappear everywhere and trap your opponent. Game Informer also teaches us that when this enemy feels in danger, he emits an ultra-high pitched sound to stun his enemy while summoning his allies: it is an adversary “Flexible, fast and downright fierce” according to game director Mathis de Jonge. Everything we love.
Horizon Forbidden West will be released for PS5 and PS4 on February 18, 2024. If you feel like getting it, the size of the game is now known, whether or not you make room (or not) on your hard drive in advance.
