The Horizon series is known for its intense combat against both human foes and mechanical beasts of all sizes. While Horizon Zero Dawn introduced the concept of dismantling machine parts, Horizon Forbidden West took it a step further by adding more machines and combat dynamics, including a variety of damage types.
Expanding the array of damage types was a strategic move to keep the core gameplay fresh and innovative. As the franchise evolves, it is crucial for a Horizon Forbidden West sequel to maintain the delicate balance that exists now. Introducing too many new elements could complicate gameplay, while reducing them could lead to monotony.
Unpacking the Damage Types in Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Zero Dawn already boasted an extensive list of damage types, each tailored to exploit the weaknesses of different machines. Players had to strategize their loadouts in advance to equip Aloy with a diverse set of weapons for various encounters. The existing damage types are:
- Damage
- Tear - Ideal for removing machine components
- Fire - Inflicts damage over time
- Shock - Temporarily immobilizes the target
- Freeze - Slows down machine movements
- Corruption - Turns machines against their allies
Horizon Forbidden West enriches the combat experience by introducing new damage types, enabling players to employ fresh strategies against a variety of adversaries. These additional damage types, excluding Corruption from Zero Dawn, include:
- Melee
- Ranged
- Explosive
- Purgewater - Increases vulnerability to elemental attacks
- Acid - Causes gradual damage while weakening armor
- Plasma - Triggers a delayed explosion
- Adhesive - Slows down movements by coating the target
- Berserk - Provokes the target to attack indiscriminately
With this assortment of damage types, Aloy can confront any foe effectively, offering diversity without overwhelming players.
Armaments in Horizon Forbidden West
To complement the new damage types, Forbidden West introduces a range of new weapons like the Acid Bomb Launcher, Plasma Bomb Launcher, and Pulse Cannon.
The Need for Balance in Horizon's Future
Forbidden West strikes a perfect balance with its damage types, providing freshness without complexity. Future Horizon games can keep combat engaging by introducing new weaponry, adversaries, and enhancing potion and outfit varieties.
Striking the right balance between innovation and player experience is challenging, and Forbidden West succeeds in this aspect. The forthcoming game should tread carefully when considering alterations to the established formula.
The Horizon 3 Release
Although the next Horizon title is yet to be officially announced, the conclusion of Forbidden West strongly hints at its arrival. Aloy's journey continues, with new trials on the horizon, such as the looming threat of Nemesis, the highly antagonistic AI. Guerrilla Games is also developing a multiplayer Horizon game, albeit with limited details disclosed about this exciting endeavor.
The Horizon franchise is lauded for its stunning landscapes and the unique combat mechanics, pitting Aloy and her primitive arsenal against futuristic machines. Forbidden West excels in its approach to damage types, a facet that the next Horizon installment should handle judiciously to maintain its success.