Summary
TheHorizonfranchise is far from over.Horizon Forbidden Westends with the threat of a malevolent AI on its way to Earth to extinguish humanity. Once again, it is up to Aloy and her friends to save life on Earth.
WithHorizon Forbidden West, Guerrilla Games proved it could start with the baseline ofHorizon Zero Dawnand do things bigger and better. However, that may not be enough forHorizon 3. It may be a good idea to switch things up and offer multiple playable protagonists, although this comes with some possible downsides.
The Pros of Having Multiple Protagonists in Horizon 3
Although Aloy is born and raised as an outcast, she earns a few friends throughout her adventures. This includes folks like the Oseram Erend Vanguardsman, Kotallo from the Tenakth tribe, Alva from the Quen tribe, and even Sylens, a character that continues to be a mysterious figure and something of a rival to Aloy. Playing as one ofAloy’s friendswill give players a different perspective on events, as Aloy’s friends are members of varying tribes.
It would also emphasize one of the main themes of the franchise, which is that, despite her upbringing, Aloy is not an outcast, and she is not alone. Most importantly, she cannot do what she needs to accomplish alone, and she needs the help of her friends. There’s a strong cast of characters to choose from, and each of them could offer insight that may not be obvious to Aloy while applying their unique skillsets in new game mechanics.
The Tribes of the Horizon Franchise
There are several tribes Aloy comes across during her journey. Each of the tribes have differing worldviews and ways of living which set them apart. For instance, thesun-worshipping Carja tribeis one of the biggest and most advanced, while the Nora tribe seldom leave their Sacred Land. The fierce Banuk tribe live in The Cut which is snowy, and the Quen are obsessed with the Old Ones and their relics.
The Cons of Having Multiple Protagonists in Horizon 3
Aloy is a beloved character, and she has become one of themost recognizable protagonists in PlayStation’s roster. This is not for nothing. She’s fierce, independent, and unrelenting when it comes to accomplishing her goals. Playing as a different character may be unpopular with players who want to stick with the iconic heroine.
Another problem that arises is that things could get confusing if there are multiple protagonists. The franchise’s plot is complex enough as it is, considering the full story spans centuries and stretches toouter space with the Far Zeniths. Switching away from Aloy and introducing even more perspectives could increase the complexity too much, making the story harder than ever to follow.
What’s in the Horizon Franchise’s Future?
Although a thirdHorizongame has yet to be officially confirmed,Forbidden Westends on a cliffhanger that all but confirms a threequel is on the way. Guerrilla Games has also confirmed that amultiplayerHorizongame is in development. It will reportedly feature a new cast of characters and a unique stylized look.
There are many directions the third mainlineHorizongame could go, and having multiple playable characters is one of the options. It could be a fantastic choice for Guerrilla Games to make if implemented correctly, but there are several potential pitfalls to look out for as well.
Horizon Forbidden West
WHERE TO PLAY
Join Aloy as she braves a majestic but dangerous new frontier that holds mysterious new threats. This Complete Edition allows you to enjoy the critically acclaimed Horizon Forbidden West on PC in its entirety with bonus content, including the Burning Shores story expansion that picks up after the main game.Explore distant lands, fight bigger and more awe-inspiring machines, and encounter astonishing new tribes as you return to the far-future, post-apocalyptic world of Horizon.The land is dying. Vicious storms and an unstoppable blight ravage the scattered remnants of humanity while fearsome new machines prowl their borders, and life on Earth is hurtling toward another extinction.It’s up to Aloy to uncover the secrets behind these threats and restore order and balance to the world. Along the way, she must reunite with old friends, forge alliances with warring new factions and unravel the legacy of the ancient past.
