Horizon Forbidden Westbrought new and exciting weapons to the forefront that helped Aloy tackle the ever-increasing danger of the machines. Some weapons and ammo were improved, whileHorizon Forbidden Westsaw more weapons and ammo being created through new technology and intel, including both defensive and offensive innovations. This provides players will lots of fun builds and weapons to explore, but Guerrilla Games needs to ensure that Far Zenith technology doesn’t create overpowered weapons that override the game’s ancient weapon mechanics.
Horizon Zero Dawnstarted teaching its weapon mechanics with a bow and spear. As the story progressed throughHorizon Forbidden West, more weapons and ammo types were explored and created. Several creations or improvements have happened through side quests utilizing new technology or machine parts. It stands to reason that this concept will be further explored to create new weapons with access to someFar Zenith technology. After all, themes within theHorizonfranchise include the benefits and pitfalls of newer technologies and weapons. This is seen using AI, such as GAIA and HADES, where a balance exists between death and preservation.
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Technology’s Effect on Ancient and Future Weapons
InHorizon, GAIA is representative of a preserver and nurturer, where HADES and Nemesis represent technology’s ability to destroy. This is also seen through Elisabet’s green robots that saved the climate compared toTed Faro and FAS creating the Chariot Linethat ended it all. The ability to use new or Far Zenith technology and information available by the end ofHorizon Forbidden Westwill undoubtedly affect the plot of a third game. It will continue to explore what good these new weapons and tech can provide to fight evil, and what other sins can come from such weaponry and tech.
However, the mechanics of the first twoHorizongames rely on more primitive weapons such as bows and spears. New forms of weapons and ammo may be introduced with Far Zenith technology, but everything still comes back to bows and spears. Even the improved melee mechanics focused on the spear; Aloy still cannot wield swords likeTalanah or Carja guards. With the technology and information that can provide templates for new and advanced weapons, Guerilla must ensure that everything is balanced enough to keep those mechanics intact.
The Drawbacks of Far Zenith Technology
A Horus appears intheBurning ShoresDLC trailer, and there must be some specific method for taking it down, but it shouldn’t involve a devastating weapon Aloy can reuse. Otherwise, there would be no point in using the bow and spear. It’s unlikely Guerilla will abandon these items for one game, so improving upon them is the best option, as seen in both games andThe Frozen Wilds.
Fans may see minor adjustments to the bows and spears that further embraces the possibly new Far Zenith tech, but that can augment the weapons well enough. However,Horizon Forbidden Westdid adjust this in passive ways, with the overcharge shots ofThe Frozen Wilds' weapons offering a strategy that players could adjust with skills and mods. Without changing the weaponry landscape too much, this would be a bonus to the player.
It’s possible that the technology from Far Zenith could be used for more defensive purposes, such as increasing the targeting power or information tracking of the Focus. This would balance the two playing fields, making Aloy even more resourceful with her surroundings, but even this would need careful balance. If Aloy can target and drop massive bombs on the bad guys, it would be unrealistic, anti-climatic, and in opposition to the themes and messages of the franchise.
Horizon Forbidden Westis available on PS4 and PS5.
