Aloy was back for a second adventure, in Horizon: Forbidden West, the franchise's second installment released on PS4 and PS5 on February 18, 2022. It was at Gamescom 2021 that fans learned the good news about the release date of this new opus. The game will also be available in a "Complete Edition" on PS5 from October 6, 2023 - including the base game, Burning Shores DLC, an art book and digital soundtrack, as well asHorizon Zero Dawn Vol. 1: The Sun Hawk digital comic - and a PC version in 2024. And as for the PC version, we now know the release date! Join us on March 21, 2023 for a new look at Aloy's adventures, available on Steam and theEpic Games Store.
Horizon II was unveiled at the presentation of Sony' s new console in June 2020, with a first trailer. Since then, nothing: we've had to wait until May 27, 2021 to see a little more, through a tantalizing gameplay video, broadcast on the occasion of a PlayStation State of Play exclusive to the game.
A new gameplay video showingAloy 's abilities in this new game, which are far more extensive than in the previous opus. In terms of weapons, we note the possibility of using a spear in close combat, as well as different types of arrows to bring down the biggest mechanical monsters in this new game. Enemy weapons - snatched from a mechanical mammoth in the video - can also be used by Aloy on the ground.
As for accessories, the grappling hook will enable you to escape problems more quickly and even avoid conflicts. We also appreciate the radar, which displays, for example, areas where our heroine can climb, or grapple targets. Finally, the energy shield can also be used as a parachute, to avoid crashing to the ground or surprising an enemy.
A second adventure in the saga, this time taking us to the heart of post-apocalyptic California, where Aloy must investigate a mysterious evil spreading through nature, affecting flora and fauna and threatening to destroy what's left of humanity. A graphically splendid first trailer that makes us want to embark on a long journey through this unique open world.
As for the PC version, please note that it includes the base game, as well as its extension, Burning Shores. Already available for pre-order, this version also offers bonus content. Here's an overview:
Our review of Horizon: Forbidden West:
Let's get straight to the point: Horizon Forbidden West is a complete success, offering a more engaging sequel to the first installment, keeping what worked in that opus, in terms of gameplay, while adding some welcome new features. These include the glider, which brings new perspectives to movement, whether on the map or within the "buildings" (for want of a better word), allowing new ways of thinking about how to achieve objectives.
A real success, technically speaking too. And with good reason: Guerilla Games has almost done a flawless job of makingAloy 's interactions with her environment much more fluid, without spoiling anything graphically speaking. Storytelling is also much more fluid, with crazy facial expressions and shots that don't freeze (or at least not completely) in dialogue. We particularly appreciateAloy 's handling in the races, which is much smoother and faster than in the first part, and right from the start. We also appreciate the simple, ergonomic handling of the character, which will appeal to both experienced gamers and novices who haven't necessarily played the first opus.
Graphically speaking, there aren't any huge differences between this opus and the previous one on the PS4 (we discovered the opus on this same console), but there's a real upgrade nonetheless, particularly in terms of textures (rivers and streams come to mind...). But for the PS5, it's quite a different story, as the software has been specially designed for the console, where the graphics set the bar very high. We got to see what it looks like: it's beautiful, it's polished... In short, what more could you ask for?
On the other hand, there are a few negative points: we regret that the story takes a little too long to get going, since it will take you no less than several hours (it took us ten, give or take, doing the side quests) to finally get to the game's real plot. But it's a blessing in disguise, as boredom is a long way off. The quests are well-written, allowing players to get back into the swing of things before embarking on the game's real story, and for neophytes, to get a good summary of the previous opus and avoid being left behind. That's a pretty good move on Guerilla Games ' part!
We also regret a fewaliasing problems and bugs, but this doesn't detract from the fact thatHorizon Forbidden West is a fine game with a well-crafted storyline that should please gamers looking for something to do on these cold winter evenings. So get set!
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