Horizon Forbidden West Shows How a Sequel Should Be Done

gamerant.com:

After the success of Horizon Zero Dawn, Guerrilla Games had some high expectations to meet with its sequel. However, things changed since the release of the first game. Unlike Horizon Zero Dawn, the studio had to deal with developing the game for two consoles thanks to the release of the PlayStation 5. Furthermore, Guerrilla Games’ director, Hermen Hulst, had been promoted to head of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, leaving the studio under the new leadership of Jan-Bart van Beek and Michiel van der Leeuw. Despite the hurdles, the studio was able to rise above it all, releasing Horizon Forbidden West.

Horizon Forbidden West has enjoyed great reviews from critics and a warm reception from gamers. Most of this is because the developers have taken inventory of the responses to Horizon Zero Dawn, and it shows in the end product. Through the way it balances familiarity with the introduction of exciting new features, Horizon Forbidden West illustrates how effective video game sequels are crafted.

Spoilers for Horizon Forbidden West ahead.

Introducing Horizon Forbidden West's New Characters

There have been many sequels that have ambitious aspirations, and as a result attempt to revolutionize everything the first game did. Although this is a laudable endeavor, it can result in a series losing the essence of what originally made it good. For example, some gamers argue that the Saints Row series has veered too far into wackiness and has, in the process, lost its heart, while others claim that the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has completely forgotten what made the first few games so good.

Horizon Forbidden West avoids this pitfall by keeping the elements of Horizon Zero Dawn that worked. Most notably, Aloy is the same