Horizon Forbidden West Review (PS5)
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
When Horizon Forbidden West was announced right after the PS5 launch, I was hyped. Having just finished Horizon Zero Dawn, I couldn’t wait to dive into Aloy’s next adventure. As the direct sequel to Zero Dawn, Forbidden West had a lot to live up to — and for the most part, it absolutely did.
Gameplay – A Perfect Fit for the PS5
The combat in Horizon Forbidden West feels incredible, especially with the haptic feedback on the DualSense controller. Every melee attack, dodge, and hit feels responsive, making every fight even more immersive.
Aloy’s melee combat got a huge upgrade, and I loved it. Throwing spears quickly became one of my favorite attacks—it’s just so satisfying landing a perfect throw. The mix of ranged and melee combat feels more fluid than ever, making every encounter fun and strategic.
Visuals & Open World – Breathtaking and Immersive
The visuals? Stunning. Especially when playing on a 4K QLED screen, the world of Forbidden West feels alive. The open world is truly open—you can climb almost every mountain, fly across landscapes, and explore every inch of the game.
The new mechanical creatures are insanely well-designed—the level of detail is next-level. And then there’s the haptic feedback—even running through grass gives you a subtle but realistic feel. Small details like this make the game even more immersive. If you’re into immersive combat and cinematic vibes, here’s my take on God of War Ragnarok.
Story – Good, But Rushed
Here’s where Horizon Forbidden West takes a slight misstep. The story is good, but not great. It felt rushed, especially compared to Horizon Zero Dawn. I get where they were going with the plot, but the final boss and their entourage felt forced into the story rather than naturally introduced.
That said, Aloy’s character development is still solid, and I loved the addition of mini-games and side quests—they added more depth to the world and gave me a reason to explore every corner of the game.
Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Horizon Forbidden West is an amazing sequel, with improved combat, a stunning open world, and next-level immersion on PS5. The story could have been better, but overall, it’s a must-play for fans of action RPGs. Definitely recommended!
What About You?
Did you enjoy Horizon Forbidden West? What’s your favorite new feature? Let me know in the comments!