There’s no doubt that the PlayStation 5’s launch will be bolstered due to the release of Horizon Forbidden West. A highly anticipated title, the game’s availability on a next-gen console has prompted fans to take out their wish lists. There’s also significant interest among those who want to see where the story progresses.
With that taken into account, there are several areas where Forbidden West can improve upon its predecessor. There are also innovations this title can bring on this existing formula - put simply, there’s a lot this title can do to please the fans. Here are 10 such things that Forbidden West should look into.
10 A More Assertive Aloy
Aloy’s character is praised for her style and independent nature. However, she also lets everyone walk all over her in conversations. While she’s not bullied, Aloy does allow others to insult her for being an outcast.
Horizon Forbidden West needs to take into account Aloy’s newfound self-respect. The previous game’s events taught her that she wasn’t some freak of nature. This has to be reflected in her characterization for the sequel, and Aloy needs to be an assertive veteran who doesn’t take abuse kindly.
9 Faster Paced Gameplay
Despite the presence of weapons and add-ons, Horizon Zero Dawn’s gameplay style is too slow. Forbidden West should have a quicker pace, in that combat can be dealt with while players simultaneously look to get their parkour mode on.
Fight sequences can see a more empowered Aloy managing to put down enemies without spending too much time on finding their weaknesses. Traveling, too, can make use of frequent checkpoints for fast travel. The map can be designed in a way where needless routes aren’t present. This way, the in-game repetition can be avoided to make way for smoother playthroughs.
8 Impact Of Player Decisions On The Story
RPG elements are very much in the industry’s focus recently. Similar games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey feature player choices having a profound impact on the story. To this end, fans would love to see Horizon Forbidden West also providing players with these options.
It will allow one to be much more invested in the plot. Along with that, the temptation to skip conversations - which happens a lot in Zero Dawn - will be overlooked. It will give way for extra replay value as well.
7 Aloy Gaining A Companion
There are certain characters fans want to see make a return. And yet, none of these qualify as trusted people in Aloy’s life. With Forbidden West stretching the story forward, it’s time Aloy gets people in her life who are not only allies but friends she can count on.
Within the gameplay, this new group could potentially be summoned for assistance. In terms of story, seeing Aloy befriend those who care for and respect her would be a fresh change from the many characters who treated her with contempt in Zero Dawn.
6 Sylens’ Motivations Revealed
The exact plan of Sylens ultimately went unclear in Zero Dawn. This has led to several questions from fans, and at the top of this list is the question of what Sylens wants. The nature of his run-in with the machines and Aloy is still up in the air.
After firstly bringing HADES back, he worked with Aloy to bring it down, only to again seek HADES out in the end. Forbidden West has to bring resolution to Sylens’ characterization. It needs to be clear what his motivations are, and what Sylens’ endgame is supposed to be.
5 Underwater Missions
The promotional image of Aloy exploring the depths below has brought hilarious reactions showing fans’ excitement. This is one aspect of Forbidden West that is highly anticipated, as it signifies diversity in gameplay.
Here, exploration needs to be key, and it’s vital that tedious gameplay mechanics like shortness of breath aren’t present. In its place, Forbidden West can wow fans by potentially presenting underwater locales that form part of Aloy’s mission.
4 Side Missions Unique To Their Locations
Horizon Zero Dawn didn’t make the most of its open-world format, with most locations being there without much substance. For this reason, fans would love to see Forbidden West bring forward a large variety of side missions in the cities Aloy visits.
This will justify visiting these areas in the first place, along with giving players a reason to stay. Each city should have unique side missions suited to its backdrop. These can be connected to one another, with the completion of one mission allowing for another to be unlocked.
3 More Light-Hearted Moments
One thing that severely lacks in Zero Dawn is a comedy aspect. While Forbidden West doesn’t need to make things too funny, it would benefit from a dose of humor. Supporting characters should have more expressive personalities here, and there’s no better way than comedy.
Aloy herself needs to be more laid back this time around. This idea makes sense, too, seeing as she’s not burdened by the identity crisis she once had. A light-hearted style will go a long way in establishing a fresh take on this world.
2 Narrative Boss Fights
Rather than have boss fights in a linear style where they are fought and only then can the story progress, Forbidden West can combine the story with these battles. This can be comparable to PS4’s God of War, where fight scenes also saw the protagonists move further along to new environments.
While it might give way to quick-time events or button prompts, a narrative boss fight will avoid repetitive gameplay styles and make every opponent feel unique. It will also avoid interfering with the story’s pace.
1 Playing As Different Characters
Instead of relying on flashbacks to fill gaps in the timeline, Forbidden West can have those featured during sequences as the playable characters. An interesting take would be to have the first act played out as a separate character such as Rost, with Aloy coming in later on.
The game can take a page out of The Last of Us Part II and bring in a new protagonist midway through in order to tell a different side of the story. More interestingly, a whole new gameplay style fitting to this character can be seen. Fans would enjoy this as a palate cleanser on account of the shift in gameplay.
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