Gamefings logoimg

Review of Horizon Forbidden West on PS5

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo Feb 2022
Cover image of Horizon Forbidden West on PS5
Gamefings Score: 9
Platform: PS5 PS5 logo
Released: 18 Feb 2022
Genre: Action Role-playing
Developer: Guerrilla Games
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Introduction

Welcome to the colossal sequel 'Horizon Forbidden West' where the only thing more abundant than robotic dinosaurs is the amount of pretty pixels your PS5 can render! Get ready for a post-apocalyptic wild west filled with intelligent machines and not-so-intelligent people. It's like Mad Max meets Jurassic Park, minus the chaos that makes you question your life choices. Grab your bow and let's dive into an adventure bigger than the roguish graphs of the original.

Gameplay

'Horizon Forbidden West' is like being handed the keys to an SUV in a theme park of robotic beasts. As Aloy, you explore an open world bursting at the seams with lush environments, hostile foes (both robotic and human), and enough quests to fill a thousand to-do lists-so don't worry about getting bored! Combat is a lush buffet; you can opt for stealth, ranged attacks, or the very satisfying up-close-and-personal spear action that thrusts you into battle like some rabid firefly. New traversal mechanics like the pullcaster (you know, it's not just for pulling your fridge closer) and swimming allow for a more expansive exploration, with dives deep enough to envy Aquaman. Quick tip: remember to breathe underwater, or you may have a truly tragic end to your hero's journey. Oh, and keep an eye on those elemental ammo types; nothing says strategy like chaining shock damage to a machine while you laugh maniacally.

Graphics

Graphical fidelity is off the charts-a feast for the eyeballs that'll have even your grandma impressed (although she may not appreciate the whole 'robotic dino vs. human' action). Thanks to the Decima engine, the environments are so beautifully rendered that you'll feel like you've stepped into a digitally painted postcard. Lighting effects dance across the landscapes like they're auditioning for a music video, and rain? Don't even get me started! It's like Mother Nature threw a script collaboration and said, 'Let's make this moment cinematic!' Every detail is painstakingly crafted, making you question how reality can ever look this good while you sip on your cold drink.

Conclusion

In a world overflowing with new titles, 'Horizon Forbidden West' manages to shine by embracing its predecessor's spirit while elevating it into the future. Yes, some minor flaws in storytelling may leave certain players scratching their heads-if you wanted a disjointed narrative, you might as well just binge-watch reality TV. But if you loved the first game, value jaw-dropping visuals (and who doesn't?), and enjoy colossal open-world adventures, then you're in for a treat. This game is the perfect blend of beauty and beastly gameplay, leaving you wondering whether you should go outside or just play some more. So, go forth, brave adventurer! The Forbidden West awaits you, and remember, don't get eaten!

See Latest Prices for Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 on Amazon

See Prices for Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 on Ebay

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Sophie Turner Is Lara Croft — How Tomb Raider's Brutal Skill Ceiling Will Shape Amazon's TV Take'
Hemal Harris - 04 Sep 2025
Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series. Here's how the show can capture the games' brutal challenge loo...
image for news article 'Gamescom 2025: From Hornet's Revenge to Gunfights in the Future — The Biggest Reveals, Ranked by Hype (and Probability of Screaming)'
Gemma Looksby - 27 Aug 2025
Gamescom 2025 unleashed release dates, surprises, and enough nostalgia to power a retro arcade. Hollow Knight: Silksong finally la...
image for news article 'From Sidekick to Symptom: An In-Depth Look at How Game Characters Grow (and Break) Over Time'
Tanya Krane - 22 Aug 2025
A witty, in-depth analysis of how video game characters evolve - from antiheroes and companions to tragic villains - and how gamep...
image for news article 'Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Skill Test — How to Survive When Friendly Fire Is A Feature'
Hemal Harris - 22 Aug 2025
Helldivers 2 turns cooperative shooters into a terrifying teamwork exam. From friendly-fire fiascos to stratagem juggling and glob...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus August Drop: Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea and Two Resident Evils — Sony’s Buffet of Beatdowns and Beachside Introspection'
Chucky - 22 Aug 2025
Sony's August PlayStation Plus drop mixes Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man with day-one indie Sword of the Sea, EDF6 co-op ...
image for news article 'Tariff Drama and Console Character Arcs: How the PS5 Price Hike Recasts PlayStation's Story'
Tanya Krane - 21 Aug 2025
Sony just raised PS5 prices in the US - but this is more than a number. We break down the cast, the catalyst (hello, tariffs), and...
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...