Rise of the robots
How Horizon’s machine combat is evolving
Even as we played it and marvelled at its scope, what we saw in Horizon Zero Dawn felt like just the tip of the iceberg. We knew there had to be more landscapes housing different robo-dinos – and giving us exciting new ways to take them down. Now Guerrilla Games is showing a little more of what’s below the waterline in sequel Horizon Forbidden West.
“Part of what made the machine combat in Horizon Zero Dawn so satisfying was the puzzle-solving element in each encounter,” says the developer when we ask how the fighting will evolve. “What is this machine’s attack pattern? What are its weaknesses? Which strategies are most successful? There was the harsh reality of stumbling upon machines that you weren’t quite ready to take on. Our reveal trailer showed players they can look forward to things they’ve never seen before.”
Guerrilla’s keeping specifics a secret, but we couldn’t help pondering what to expect from new mechanical beasties having played so much of the original. While the likes of returning Snapmaws are sure to add tension to new diving segments, we also look forward to facing…
SHELL SNAPPER
These huge tortoise-like machines are hard to spot, their immense metal shells having become so overgrown with vegetation that they blend into the environment. Preferring moist habitats, they guard swamps and coastal areas, so you need to be cautious if you don’t want to get ambushed.
SUNWING
Resembling pterosaurs, these solarpanel-winged creatures soar high to soak up energy. Forbidden West teases plenty of verticality, from Golden Gate Bridge to city ruins and crashed aircraft. You should be able to ground them with your bow.
TREMORTUSK
Huge, four-tusked robo-mammoths are sure to put up a fight, especially the ones that have been overridden by tribes to be turned into war machines (and loaded with extra weaponry). Downing them will take some clever use of the bow – but we’d love to be able to clamber up them Return-Of-The-King-style too.
Take on these metal creatures for yourself on PS4 and PS5 later this year.
”WE’RE SO EXCITED TO SPEND MORE TIME IN THIS WORLD, EXPANDING ITS LORE AND CONTINUING ALOY’S JOURNEY. THERE ARE SO MANY GAMEPLAY AND STORYTELLING POSSIBILITIES IN THIS UNIVERSE.” GUERRILLA GAMES