Sony is starting to reveal new information forHorizon Forbidden Westas the official release date creeps closer. A new PlayStation Blog post from some of the developers at Guerrilla Games speaks in-depth about the new gear and abilities, combat techniques, and challenges that Aloy will use inHorizon Forbidden West.
The blog post was written by Bo deVries, the Community Lead at Guerilla, and goes into detail about the studio’s intentions whenbuildingHorizon Forbidden Westand what they expect fans to do in the world. Guerrilla Games is focusing on more dynamic interactions and adding new layers for players to go about traversal, combat, and puzzle-solving.
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The post goes in-depth about Aloy’s newest gadgets: The Pullcaster and the Shieldwing. The Pullcaster can not only be used for Aloy to grapple onto higher constructs but can also be used as a winch to pull down some structures in the world. This allows for an added tactic to complete puzzles or combat enemies.
The Pullcaster already seems to be a fun addition to Aloy’s tools but it was not the only one spoken of in the post.Horizon Zero Dawnhad a tendency to give one cool way to drop down off high cliffs and structures from designated grapple areas. But when there were none around, it was either awkward scuttle down the side of a mountain or fast travel out. The Shieldwing will allow for easier and more graceful falls from high objects that don’t have a grapple point. The Shieldwing will also play a part in the combat as, in conjunction with the Pullcaster, can offer Aloy more attack-from-above options.
The Blogpost also touched on Aloy’s Valor Surges. There will be a grand total of 12, according to Dennis Zopfi, Lead Combat Designer, that will have distinct uses against a wide range of combat scenarios. The Valor Surges will have levels that increase the explosive output of the ability. Zopfi goes on to detail that the “Valor Bar,” the purple bar first seen in theMay 2021 gameplay reveal trailer, will charge from hitting enemy weak spots and tearing off armor. Higher Valor Surge levels will require more charge, of course, but will have a huge payoff when it’s finally full.
Horizon Forbidden West’s new faction, the Tenakth, can also control machines. This poses a new challenge for Aloy. As Dennis Zopfi states, the “humanoid encounters” will need an extra element of strategy to defeat as the humans can control a large group of machines at once:
The main takeaway from the blog post is thatHorizon Forbidden Westhas built upfrom its predecessor in ways that will give fans more dynamic options in all facets of the game: Exploration, Traversal, and Combat. This in conjunction with the new area of the Forbidden West and the secrets it holds adds to the excitement for the sequel.
Horizon Forbidden Westwill release on PS5 and PS4 on February 18th, 2022.
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