This is kinda like a Fallout game in that there is so much going on in the geography and the environment.
It’s kind of a love letter to the U.S. National Park System. Or like the movie adaptation of Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy. As the B-roll of natural wonders unspooled, it’s like Hammer & Tongs and the ghost of Douglas Adams were whispering to the audience, “Appreciate the natural world, because it might not be here forever – or we might not be.”
Well, I wouldn’t want to overpromise on it; it’s not an essential experience compared to the main questline. The gameplay challenge is tougher, something I enjoyed but that’s very much a ‘me’ thing and can understand that may be a turn off for some. I’d recommend ignoring it until you’re done with the main quest so you can bail on it at whim.
I actually kinda enjoyed it on a technical level too. The deformable snow effects are really cool and worth seeing, though they kinda spoil going back to the main quest which doesn’t have that tech in its snowy areas. I also recall particularly enjoying the mo-cap performances, I think they captured a lot more facial tics and such which I think pushed things a bit further out of ‘uncanny valley’ territory compared to those in the main quest. But my memory here may be a bit fuzzy.
Ever been to Yellowstone NP?
The rumor is that Sony is doing a remake of the first game for PS5.
That’s another head-scratcher for me. It seems too soon, right? What’s with these quick remakes?
A remaster, not a remake. Which is somewhat puzzling, but less so.
It’s not much of a mystery. They’ve done it with Spiderman, Ghost of Tsushima, and Death Stranding already. Presumably they see people willing to buy, making the investment worth it.
I picked this one up at the very end of the Steam Sale. I also grabbed Elden Ring, but I think I will start with this one as a lighter and friendlier (I hope) on-ramp back into action gaming.
It is a fun game with nice graphics, some interesting mechanics, imaginative enemies and a good story.
just went on sale on steam for 1649 cents
but for me it’s not the price as much as whether or not it’ll be worth my time
seems like it might be, and I’m right at the recommended requirements
Hey Rimbo, haven’t seen you in a bit! It’s a solid game, gorgeous as far as graphics, call it 50% of a Souls game on difficulty. The first hour or so drags a touch as they introduce the mechanics, after that it’s a pleasure.
'Sup, Houngan! Thanks for the review. Honestly, I could use a mechanics review; I don’t play games enough that getting one will be worth the time and effort.
Reviews seem nigh-universally positive, too. Looks like fun. I’m in.
Is it sad if I admit I only got interested in this game because of the Lego set?
i’ve also never played a Souls game yet
Me either, I watched a streamer go through Elden Ring and it’s just not for me. Give Horizon a shot, you will probably enjoy it.
lol
It’s on my wish list. I’m waiting for it to go on sale.
I have a feeling I’ll be waiting a looooooooooooooooooong time.
Maybe, by then, I’ll have a machine that can actually play it well. :D
You missed the ER sale, which as expected wasn’t much of a mark down. Horizon is a fun game once you understand what you can do. I ran it on a less than optimal pc and for the most part it ran well. As did ER surprisingly.
I’ve been playing the complete edition of this since it showed up on PS Plus. I’m probably 25 hrs into it. I feel like once you’ve done the Proving at the beginning, you’ve seen all pretty much all the game has to offer. From that point, it’s a freaking slog to get to Maker’s End for the next major story beats. The pacing there definitely could have been better. Also seems like I need to find another cauldron soon.
How does Forbidden West compare? Better pacing? Anything new/interesting with combat or other mechanics? Just prettier?
The main draw for me (on PC, so no Forbidden West) was the combat, really. The mechanics were slick. The story was decent, but you’re not wrong–it sort of spreads stuff out a lot and it can drag.
In my opinion, Zero Dawn is a significantly better game than Forbidden West. The plot in Zero Dawn is much stronger, and the pacing is better.
Forbidden West is absolutely gob-smackingly gorgeous (calling it “prettier” is underselling it), but the plot is less interesting, it inherits some very bad decisions from its prequel (namely inventory and resource gathering), and it’s absolutely massive (in a bad way). It rebalances combat so traps are weaker, and adds some interesting new weapons and ultimate abilities. Battles against the larger machines are grueling, which is good and bad.
Overall, it’s more Horizon, which means its excellent. But if I had to rank the games the original is ahead.