Links

Amazon

Twitch

CRITIK

Horizon Forbidden West

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Horizon Forbidden West
Item: Horizon Forbidden West
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Single Player

AvailableFeb 18, 2022

PlatformPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

DeveloperGuerrilla

Overview

Horizon Forbidden West continues Aloy’s story as she moves west to a far-future America to brave a majestic, but dangerous frontier where she’ll face awe-inspiring machines and mysterious new threats.

Elsewhere

9.0

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Horizon Forbidden West are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. Critics such as Siliconera, RPG Site, and Impulsegamer highlight the engaging and compelling nature of the narrative. They praise the character development of Aloy and the inclusion of surprises and twists throughout the story. The Daily Star and GameSpace also mention the epic and gripping nature of the storyline, with a focus on the protagonist's battle for good. These positive reviews indicate that the story of Horizon Forbidden West succeeds in keeping players engaged and invested in the narrative. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the story of Horizon Forbidden West. Critics such as Comicbook.com and TheGamer express disappointment in certain aspects of the narrative. Comicbook.com mentions the lack of a compelling conflict and the absence of the same sense of intrigue and mystery as the previous installment. TheGamer criticizes the weak story, stating that the stakes are too big to relate to or connect with, and that the characters are dull. These negative reviews suggest that the story may not resonate with all players and may have some weaknesses in terms of conflict and character development. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Horizon Forbidden West has both positive and negative elements. While there are criticisms regarding rushed parts, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of compelling conflict, the majority of critics appreciate the engaging and compelling nature of the narrative. Critics such as Game Informer, Guardian, and ZTGD mention specific aspects of the story that contribute to its appeal, such as the focus on finding AI subfunctions, the balance between customs and rule-breaking, and the remarkable core story. Additionally, critics like Destructoid and TheSixthAxis highlight the expansion and improvement of the narrative compared to the first game. Despite some criticisms, the overall sentiment suggests that the story of Horizon Forbidden West manages to captivate and entertain players, with its engaging storytelling, character development, and world-building.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Horizon Forbidden West's story. Positive reviews praise the engaging narrative, character development, and surprises. However, negative feedback criticizes the lack of compelling conflict and underdeveloped characters. Overall, while some find faults like rushed parts and dull characters, most appreciate the engaging storytelling, character development, and world-building that captivate players.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of Horizon Forbidden West, highlighting various positive aspects. They commended the improved combat mechanics, with snappy and engaging battles against aggressive and varied mechanical creatures. The combat was described as satisfying, with a wide range of weapons, combo moves, and tactics to employ, allowing players to approach fights in their own style. Critics such as Game Informer and Comicbook.com specifically mentioned the adrenaline-pumping nature of battles and the fun hunting mechanic. Additionally, the game offered a diverse set of activities, including exploration, puzzles, and strategy board games, providing players with a variety of engaging gameplay experiences. The presence of new machines, weapons, and gadgets, as well as enhancements to traversal mechanics and underwater exploration, were also appreciated by reviewers like GameByte and TheGamer. However, there were some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Horizon Forbidden West. Some critics, such as Washington Post and Screen Rant, noted that certain aspects felt similar to other open-world games or the original Horizon game, lacking innovation. The touchiness of melee combat and the half-baked nature of stealth gameplay were also mentioned as negatives by Screen Rant. GameSpace pointed out that camera angles and Aloy's behavior could be unresponsive at times, affecting the overall experience. Some reviewers, like App Trigger, MMORPG.com, and Slant Magazine, mentioned that while the gameplay was solid and enjoyable, it could become repetitive or lacked significant improvements compared to its predecessor. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Horizon Forbidden West is highly commendable. The majority of reviewers expressed positive sentiments, highlighting the engaging combat, improved mechanics, and the wide range of options available to players. The gameplay was described as fun, satisfying, and offering a variety of activities to keep players entertained. The positive feedback from multiple critics, such as Power Unlimited, Siliconera, and Impulsegamer, further supports the notion that the gameplay of Horizon Forbidden West is a strong aspect of the game. While there were some minor criticisms regarding similarities to other games and certain gameplay elements, these were outweighed by the overall positive reception of the gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Horizon Forbidden West's gameplay, praising its improved combat mechanics, diverse activities, and engaging battles against mechanical creatures. While some critics found aspects repetitive or lacking innovation, the majority lauded the game for its fun and satisfying gameplay experiences. Overall, Horizon Forbidden West's gameplay receives high praise for its adrenaline-pumping battles and wide range of options, despite minor criticisms of similarities to other games and some gameplay elements.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of Horizon Forbidden West, describing it as stunning, beautiful, and visually striking. They commended the game for its high-quality visuals, impressive attention to detail, and vibrant use of colors. Critics such as Siliconera, RPG Site, and Game Informer highlighted the aesthetically pleasing visuals, with impressive use of colors, textures, and breathtaking vistas. They also mentioned the diverse and well-designed environments, including lush jungles, underwater corridors, and distinct biomes. The game's next-gen visuals and realistic character design were also appreciated by Impulsegamer. The visuals were described as a technical marvel, showcasing the capabilities of video games in 2022, particularly on PlayStation 5, according to Guardian. The visuals were also praised for their granular detail, excellent lighting, and impressive day-night cycles by GameByte and GameSpew. The diverse and stunning map, well-designed human characters with recognizable tribal identities, and improved weather effects were mentioned by Push Square and Screen Rant. The game's open world was described as vibrant, detailed, and filled with captivating visuals by Slant Magazine. However, there were some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of Horizon Forbidden West. The underwater sections and machines were disappointing for TheGamer, and the cutscenes were described as having uneven quality by Washington Post, with some impressive acting but also poor mise-en-scene. The actors sometimes appeared pasted onto a backdrop, reminiscent of 1990s games with pre-rendered graphics. App Trigger mentioned some issues with clipping, and Video Chums noted occasional texture pop-ins. GameSpace also mentioned bugs and technical issues that the developers have promised to address. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the graphics and visual design of Horizon Forbidden West are very good. The majority of the critics praised the game's stunning visuals, diverse and well-designed environments, impressive attention to detail, and vibrant use of colors. The game was described as visually striking, beautiful, and a clear example of next-gen graphics. The positive aspects of the graphics and visual design outweighed the criticisms mentioned by a few critics. The game's visuals were considered a technical marvel and showcased the capabilities of video games in 2022, particularly on PlayStation 5. The overall sentiment is highly positive, with the majority of the critics being impressed by the graphics and visual design of Horizon Forbidden West.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Horizon Forbidden West's stunning graphics and visual design, praising its high-quality visuals, attention to detail, vibrant colors, and diverse environments. While some critics had minor criticisms like uneven cutscene quality and occasional technical issues, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority impressed by the game's next-gen visuals and immersive world.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Horizon Forbidden West, with several positive aspects highlighted. Impulsegamer commends the game for its excellent soundtrack, voice acting, and audio that adds emotion to the gameplay. The impressive lineup of voice actors further enhances the immersive experience. GameSpace also praises the well-chosen music that complements each location, contributing to the atmospheric experience. The ambient sound, including the machines' sounds and environmental noises, adds to the immersion. Game Over Online agrees, stating that the soundtrack and sound design add an extra layer of tension to the gameplay. Video Chums mentions that the soundtrack perfectly matches the game's atmosphere and flows with the onscreen action, while also noting the controller emitting effects that correspond to the weapons. MMORPG.com appreciates the cool combat sounds and the overall impressive sound design, particularly highlighting the use of the DualSense controller's speaker and haptics. However, there are a few criticisms regarding the sound design and music of Horizon Forbidden West. App Trigger mentions that while the voice acting is top-notch, the voice of the protagonist, Aloy, feels strange. This suggests that there may be some inconsistencies or issues with the portrayal of the main character's voice, which could potentially detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Horizon Forbidden West are very good. The positive aspects, such as the excellent soundtrack, immersive ambient sound, and the use of the DualSense controller's features, are consistently praised. TheSixthAxis highlights the game's diverse cast of voiced characters who sound and act like people, further contributing to the overall positive sentiment. Despite the minor criticism regarding the protagonist's voice, the majority of the critics express satisfaction with the sound design and music, indicating that it greatly enhances the gameplay experience and adds to the immersive atmosphere of Horizon Forbidden West.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics laud Horizon Forbidden West's sound design and music, praising the excellent soundtrack, voice acting, and immersive ambient sounds that heighten the gameplay experience. While some raise concerns about the protagonist's voice, overall consensus is positive, with the majority highlighting the game's impressive soundscapes, diverse cast of voiced characters, and innovative use of the DualSense controller's features.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The overall sentiment regarding the voice acting in Horizon Forbidden West is largely positive. Many critics praise the performances of the main characters, with Siliconera noting that the main characters receive more attention and the conversations flow better. Impulsegamer describes the voice acting as fantastic, with a talented lineup of actors. Guardian also praises the voice acting as engaging and well-acted by the cast. App Trigger goes as far as to describe the voice acting as phenomenal, even for minor NPCs. Game Over Online specifically mentions Ashly Burch's performance as Aloy as incredible. Angela Basset's performance is also highlighted by TheSixthAxis as a standout. These positive opinions indicate that the voice acting in the game is generally well-received and adds to the overall experience. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Horizon Forbidden West. The Washington Post mentions that while Erica Luttrell's performance as Utaru warrior Zo is excellent, some actors struggle with maintaining accents. PlayStation LifeStyle points out that distracting facial expressions and eye-rolling detract from the seriousness of the situation. MMORPG.com notes that while Aloy's character is well-written and well-developed, some of her dialogue sounds forced at times. Slant Magazine also mentions that the voice acting, including Angela Bassett's performance, is mildly underutilized. These negative opinions highlight certain areas where the voice acting may fall short or could have been improved upon. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Horizon Forbidden West is generally positive. The majority of critics praise the performances of the main characters and the engaging nature of the voice acting. The improved writing and fleshed-out supporting characters are also mentioned as positives. While there are some criticisms regarding accents, distracting facial expressions, and occasional forced dialogue, these negative aspects do not seem to outweigh the overall positive reception of the voice acting. The game features a talented lineup of actors who deliver standout performances, contributing to the immersive and well-developed world of Horizon Forbidden West.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics largely praise voice acting in Horizon Forbidden West as fantastic, engaging, and well-acted, with standout performances from main characters like Aloy and Zo. Some minor issues noted include struggling with accents and occasional forced dialogue, but overall, the voice acting adds to the immersive experience of the game.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

31%

Mixed (50-79)

69%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the PS5, the majority of critics praised Horizon Forbidden West for its smooth animations, quick loading times, and consistent frame rate. Game Over Online specifically mentioned that both the PS4 and PS5 versions of the game had no slowdown and benefited from better streaming of assets and draw distance on the PS5. GameByte also highlighted the game's instantaneous loading on the PS5 and mostly consistent frame rate, with occasional drops. These positive aspects indicate that the technical performance on the PS5 platform was generally impressive. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by critics regarding the technical performance on the PS5. Daily Star pointed out minor issues with textures and hair physics, while Comicbook.com experienced a decent number of bugs, including texture pop-in, clipping, and audio glitches. ZTGD mentioned issues with buildings and areas not loading, minor load issues, and weird issues in cutscenes, although most of these problems seemed to be addressed by the day one patch. Despite these negatives, the overall sentiment from critics on the PS5 platform was still mostly positive, with the technical performance being considered cutting edge by Daily Star. Moving on to the PS4 platform, GameSpace highlighted several technical issues such as bugs, glitches, lags, slowdowns, and FPS drops. They also mentioned that the developers have promised to address these issues in patches. This indicates that the technical performance on the PS4 platform was not as smooth as on the PS5. However, it is worth noting that Game Informer, who played the game on PS5, encountered only a few minor glitches, poor AI pathing, and bad checkpoints, which suggests that the technical performance may vary between platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Horizon Forbidden West has some technical missteps and minor bugs across all platforms. However, the majority of reviewers praised the game's technical performance on the PS5, highlighting its smooth animations, quick loading times, and consistent frame rate. The PS4 platform, on the other hand, seemed to have more technical issues, including bugs, glitches, and FPS drops. Despite these negatives, the overall sentiment from critics was positive, with the majority considering the technical performance to be impressive and the game to be visually appealing.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics lauded Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 for its smooth animations, quick loading, and consistent frame rate. Some minor technical issues were noted, like texture problems and bugs, especially on PS4. Overall, the game's technical performance on PS5 impressed reviewers, while the PS4 version had more noticeable glitches and lags.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Horizon Forbidden West is overwhelmingly positive. Critics such as Siliconera, Daily Star, Comicbook.com, Guardian, PlayStation LifeStyle, GameByte, GameSpew, God is a Geek, Screen Rant, and TheSixthAxis all emphasize the abundance of content and activities available in the game. They mention the large sandbox world, numerous side quests, collectibles, skill trees, and upgrades that provide players with a variety of options to engage with. These positive aspects contribute to a rich and immersive gameplay experience, encouraging players to explore and spend many hours in the game world. However, there are a few critics who express some reservations about the replay value of Horizon Forbidden West. App Trigger notes that the game doesn't offer significant changes or challenges, but still encourages exploration. This suggests that while the game may not provide drastic variations in gameplay, it compensates for it by offering a vast and detailed world to discover. ZTGD mentions that some side quests can be tedious, which may deter players from fully engaging with all the available content. While this is a minor drawback, it is important to consider the overall positive sentiment expressed by the majority of the critics. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is that Horizon Forbidden West has a high replay value. The game's vast scope, abundance of content, and engaging side activities contribute to a fulfilling and immersive experience. Critics such as Game Informer, GameSpew, and TheSixthAxis highlight the game's impressive number of quests, items, and side missions, which add depth to the lore and provide constant rewards. The positive sentiment expressed by multiple critics indicates that Horizon Forbidden West offers a rich and enjoyable gameplay experience with ample opportunities for exploration and replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics widely praise Horizon Forbidden West for its high replay value, citing its vast world, abundance of content, and engaging gameplay. While some critics mention minor drawbacks like lack of significant gameplay changes and tedious side quests, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. The game's rich lore, numerous quests, and constant rewards contribute to a fulfilling and immersive experience, making it a highly recommended choice for players seeking exploration and replayability.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers, it is evident that the overall verdict of Horizon Forbidden West is overwhelmingly positive. The majority of critics praised the game for its improvements over its predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn, and considered it a must-play experience. Critics such as Gfinity, Game Informer, and But Why Tho?? commended the game for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and compelling story. They highlighted how Horizon Forbidden West reaches new heights for Guerrilla Games, surpassing its predecessor and providing unforgettable moments and fights. The game's improved graphics, diverse combat, and enhanced side quests were also lauded by critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and Push Square. However, it is important to note that there were some criticisms voiced by a few reviewers. Comicbook.com and Video Chums expressed disappointment in certain aspects of the game. Comicbook.com mentioned some disappointments in the story, while Video Chums pointed out that the boss fights were too similar and traversal could be buggy. The Washington Post also noted that the game lacked innovation and may not leave a lasting impression. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics is that Horizon Forbidden West is a highly enjoyable and impressive sequel. The game's captivating story, stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and improved gameplay mechanics were praised by multiple reviewers. Critics such as Siliconera, RPG Site, and GameByte emphasized that despite its weaknesses, Horizon Forbidden West deserves players' time and attention. The game was described as a triumph for Guerrilla Games, elevating the promise of Horizon Zero Dawn and delivering the RPG experience the studio aimed for. Overall, the positive sentiment surrounding Horizon Forbidden West outweighs the negative opinions. The game is widely regarded as a top-tier experience, with many critics considering it a masterpiece and one of the greatest single-player games of all time. The improvements over its predecessor, the gripping story, enjoyable gameplay, and stunning visuals were consistently highlighted as the game's strengths. While there were a few criticisms regarding certain aspects, they did not significantly impact the overall positive reception of Horizon Forbidden West.

TL;DR

Horizon Forbidden West receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and compelling story, surpassing its predecessor according to critics. While some reviewers noted criticisms like story disappointments and repetitive boss fights, the consensus is that the game is a highly enjoyable and impressive sequel. Despite minor flaws, Horizon Forbidden West is praised as a top-tier experience and a masterpiece by many critics, solidifying its status as one of the greatest single-player games of all time.

CRITIK

Reviews

243 reviews found

100

Daily Star

PlayStation 5

Feb 14, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is a top-tier monster and worth every penny, with a pitch-perfect story and exemplary gameplay.

Read full review

100

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 5

Feb 17, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

An enjoyable game with engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and great sound design. A must-play masterpiece on the PlayStation 5.

Read full review

100

GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Feb 14, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Horizon Forbidden West is a must-have game for PlayStation gamers, with a heart-warming story, thrilling combat, and stunning visuals that showcase the capabilities of the PS5.

Read full review

100

God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Feb 13, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Horizon Forbidden West is a masterpiece with a gripping story, gorgeous visuals, expertly designed machines, magnificent combat, and loads to do. It is considered one of the greatest single player games of all time.

Read full review

100

PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 5

Feb 14, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Horizon Forbidden West improves on Zero Dawn with a better story, diverse combat, improved side quests, and a beautiful world. It offers hours of engaging gameplay.

Read full review

Game Over Online

PlayStation 5

Mar 8, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Horizon Forbidden West is a fantastic experience that surpasses the original game in terms of gameplay and storytelling, and recommends it to both fans of the original and newcomers.

MMORPG.com

PlayStation 5

Feb 14, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Horizon: Forbidden West is an amazing follow-up to Horizon Zero Dawn, with a gripping story, fun gameplay, and stunning visuals.

Read full review

GameByte

PlayStation 5

Feb 13, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Horizon Forbidden West is a triumph for Guerrilla Games, elevating the promise of Horizon Zero Dawn and delivering the RPG experience the studio wanted to make.

Read full review

Game Informer

PlayStation 5

Feb 14, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Horizon Forbidden West reaches a new high bar for Guerrilla Games, surpassing its predecessor and providing an entertaining experience with jaw-dropping moments and unforgettable fights.

Read full review

Push Square

PlayStation 5

Feb 14, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Horizon Forbidden West is a huge improvement on its predecessor, with a diverse map, better characters and conversations, enhanced gameplay, and a captivating story with daring twists. It's a gorgeous and wildly fun action RPG.

Read full review