Is Horizon on PS5 Worth It? A Deep Dive into Guerrilla Games’ Masterpiece
Absolutely. Horizon Forbidden West on the PS5 is an experience that every gamer should have. It builds upon the strong foundation of Horizon Zero Dawn in practically every way, offering a visually stunning, narratively engaging, and mechanically refined adventure that takes full advantage of the PS5’s capabilities. From the enhanced graphics and performance to the immersive gameplay and compelling story, Horizon Forbidden West on the PS5 is a truly worthwhile investment.
The Allure of the Forbidden West: A PS5 Spectacle
Visual Feast
The jump from PS4 to PS5 is significant when it comes to Horizon Forbidden West. The PS5 delivers sharper, more detailed textures, which makes every vista a breathtaking panorama. Imagine landscapes bursting with color, the intricate details of Aloy’s armor, and the imposing presence of the machines, all rendered with unparalleled clarity. The cleaner image quality and faster frame rates contribute to a smoother, more responsive gameplay experience, while the denser fauna, more effects, and higher polygon counts create a world that feels truly alive. The difference is so significant that going back to the PS4 version feels like a considerable downgrade. The upgrade is more than just a visual overhaul; it’s an immersion enhancer, sucking players deeper into the world.
Gameplay Enhancements
Beyond the visual improvements, the PS5 enhances gameplay performance. Load times are significantly reduced, meaning less waiting and more playing. The DualSense controller adds another layer of immersion with its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, providing tactile sensations that correspond to Aloy’s actions. The way the controller reacts when drawing a bow or traversing different terrains is a testament to the game’s design.
Narrative Depth
While some argue that Horizon Zero Dawn has a slightly tighter plot, Horizon Forbidden West expands upon the lore in significant ways. You’ll get a glimpse of new tribes, unraveling mysteries, and learn more about the world before Aloy was born. It builds upon the foundation and weaves a narrative that is sure to capture players’ attention. The characters are well-written and acted, the relationships between them are complex and compelling, and Aloy’s personal growth is one of the most compelling aspects of the game.
Addressing the Concerns
Some gamers have expressed concerns about bugs or the overall quality of the experience. While there were some minor issues at launch, Guerrilla Games has diligently released patches and updates to address these problems. The current version of Horizon Forbidden West on the PS5 is stable and polished, offering a seamless and enjoyable experience.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Horizon on PS5
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Horizon on PS5 to address potential questions and concerns:
1. Is Horizon Forbidden West better on PS5 than PS4?
Yes, significantly. The PS5 version boasts superior graphics, faster load times, and smoother performance, thanks to the console’s enhanced processing power.
2. Does Horizon Zero Dawn run well on PS5?
Yes, Horizon Zero Dawn is backward compatible with the PS5 and runs at a stable 60 FPS with a 4K checkerboard resolution.
3. Which is better, Zero Dawn or Forbidden West?
That depends on your priorities. Forbidden West is visually superior and more expansive, while Zero Dawn has a more focused plot and, according to some, better characters. Both are excellent.
4. Is Horizon Forbidden West as bad as Zero Dawn?
Horizon Forbidden West improves upon Zero Dawn in many ways, especially in its visuals and gameplay mechanics. Some find the story less compelling, but overall, it’s a superior experience.
5. Is Horizon Zero Dawn as good as Horizon Forbidden West?
Zero Dawn is an excellent game, but Forbidden West builds upon its foundation with improved graphics, gameplay, and world design.
6. How much better is Horizon Forbidden West on PS5?
The PS5 version offers sharper textures, cleaner image quality, faster frame rates, denser fauna, more effects, and higher detail with polygon objects.
7. How many hours is Horizon Forbidden West on PS5?
The main story takes around 29 hours, while a 100% completion run can take up to 88 hours.
8. Is Horizon Zero Dawn 4K on PS5?
Yes, a patch added 4K checkerboard resolution and improved performance to Horizon Zero Dawn on PS5.
9. Is Horizon Forbidden West worth playing in 2024?
Absolutely! The game has received numerous updates and remains a visually stunning and engaging open-world adventure.
10. Should I play Horizon Forbidden West first?
It’s best to play Horizon Zero Dawn first to understand the story and characters better.
11. Is Horizon Forbidden West as good as the first game?
It’s everything the first was and more. Developed Aloy SO much as a character, fighting and climbing is better and more fun, so many fun tools and mounts, etc.
12. Why is Horizon Forbidden West more expensive on PS5?
The PS5 version is typically priced higher to reflect the enhanced experience and production costs for the newer console.
13. Is Forbidden West bigger than Zero Dawn?
Yes, Horizon Forbidden West has a larger map and more content than Horizon Zero Dawn.
14. Is Forbidden West longer than Zero Dawn?
Forbidden West is apparently “about as long as its predecessor.”
15. Will there be a 3rd Horizon game?
Yes, Guerrilla Games has confirmed that a third mainline Horizon game is in development, expanding on Aloy’s story.
The Verdict
Horizon Forbidden West on the PS5 is an absolute must-play. It showcases the power of the console while offering a compelling story, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals. The improvements over the PS4 version are significant, making it well worth the investment for anyone looking for an immersive and unforgettable gaming experience. The game serves not only as a source of entertainment but also as a window into understanding how games can evolve. This relates to the principles studied by GamesLearningSociety.org, which explores the intersection of gaming and education.
Explore the world, embrace the challenge, and experience the wonder of the Forbidden West on the PS5. You won’t regret it.