'Horizon Forbidden West' Gameplay Unveils Refined Combat, Better Movement

Guerilla Games has revealed a 19-minute-long gameplay video of “Horizon Forbidden West” as part of Sony’s regular State Of Play presentations, showcasing the game’s refined combat, gorgeous environments and new exploration mechanics.

“Horizon Forbidden West” has been in development for years now, and this is the first time that the developers have shared actual gameplay footage since the game was announced last year. The sequel stays true to its roots, featuring the blend of ranged and melee combat against dangerous men and machines.

The game is set in a more tropical location with lush, green vegetation, crystal-clear water and ruins of all types. Players will once again play as Aloy, the young huntress from the previous game who is now on a mission to stop a mysterious plague that kills everything it encounters.

Gameplay-wise, “Forbidden West” retains the same style that “Zero Dawn” has. Players will get to explore the wilderness and the ruins of the old world while fending off dangerous raiders and deadly machines. However, “Forbidden West” improves upon the first game’s combat formula by tweaking how enemies interact with players.

Fighting human enemies now involves more melee fighting instead of ranged action. The usual back-and-forth exchange of arrows and projectiles in the first game will now involve more dodging, countering and armor-stripping using Aloy’s spear.

On the other hand, combat against machines will remain largely the same. Players will have to identify a machine’s weaknesses and exploit them accordingly in order to defeat them. This normally involves shooting a machine’s glowing parts and exposed fuel canisters or limiting their movements with tools and traps.

“Horizon Forbidden West” will introduce new robotic enemies such as the agile Raptors and towering Tremortusks.

Aloy will be getting some new tools to traverse the world with; namely, players will be able to explore areas using a holographic glider and a grappling hook. Both can be used in conjunction with each other for some creative movement options. Aloy will also be able to swim and dive down bodies of water, letting her reach hidden treasure and submerged ruins.

Unfortunately, “Horizon Forbidden West” has no concrete release date as of yet.