When the horizon’s colors are forbidden and the west beckons, there’s nothing quite like diving deep into the vastness of the virtual realm. And that realm is soon to see an expansion!
The official word’s out from Sony, and it’s all about Horizon Forbidden West.
Scheduled to make its grand debut on PC early next year, the re-release of the critically acclaimed follow-up to Guerilla Games’ top-billing first-party Sony title was initially leaked earlier this month and just a few hours before the announcement.
The story, set after the events of Horizon Zero Dawn and its Frozen Wilds expansion, transports players into the future and back into the shoes of Aloy.
This time around, the former Nora outcast is up against even more formidable adversaries as she ventures into perilous lands to salvage the planet’s biosphere from a peculiar affliction that affects both living and robotic beings. The Burning Shores expansion further deepens the narrative, introducing Aloy to the remnants of Los Angeles and even sparking a controversial romance.
On the technical side, Nixxes Software, a name that’s synonymous with quality ports, is spearheading the move to PC. This transition isn’t just about the base game. Players can look forward to a complete-edition package that fuses both Horizon Forbidden West and its Burning Shores expansion, supplemented by an array of digital goodies.
From the digital soundtrack to the digital art book, the Horizon Zero Dawn Vol. 1: The Sunhawk digital comic book is just the icing on the cake. A slew of in-game items, including special poses, face paint, outfits, bows, slings, and even a machine strike piece, round off the package.
When Horizon Forbidden West first graced the PS5 and PS4 last year, it was met with resounding praise. Soon after, the PS5-exclusive DLC, Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores, was released, captivating even more players with its story and intricate world-building. With such acclaim, it’s not hard to see why fans are excited for its forthcoming port on the PS5 in October and PC in early 2024.
Sony was wise to acquire Nixxed Software, a studio known for its PC porting prowess. In the past, Nixxes has showcased its expertise with the PC ports of several acclaimed titles from Insomniac Games, such as the pair of Marvel’s Spider-Man games and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, the latter of which enjoyed a lukewarm reception on desktops.
While Horizon Zero Dawn led the way as the inaugural major PlayStation exclusive to transition to PC, Horizon Forbidden West’s journey promises to amplify the legacy. Given the strategy of PlayStation releasing single-player titles on PC a couple of years post the initial console debut, this progression appears both strategic and timely. Games like God of War, The Last of Us, and the Uncharted collection have already set the stage, and Forbidden West seems poised to follow suit.
What’s intriguing is PlayStation’s financial projection. The tech giant anticipates a revenue of $450 million from the PC ports through March 2024. With the launch of Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition, it’s not hard to imagine the company reaching, if not surpassing, this target.
As the horizon stretches beyond Forbidden West, fans have a smorgasbord of content to look forward to. Guerrilla’s announcement in April indicated that a sequel to Horizon Forbidden West is in the pipeline. Speculations about a PS5 remaster of Horizon Zero Dawn, a Netflix TV adaptation, and an MMO spin-off further fuel the anticipatory fervor.
However, amidst the hopes and hypes, it’s pivotal to approach the news with a dash of caution. Given the intensity and intricacy of Forbidden West’s graphics, potential PC gamers might need to beef up their rigs to fully experience the grandeur of this title. Yet, if Sony’s previous PC ports are anything to go by, players can expect a seamless, immersive experience, one that’ll undoubtedly be worth the wait.
As the gaming world turns its gaze to the forbidden west, the horizon gleams with promises of exhilarating adventures, detailed worlds, and an unforgettable journey with Aloy.
