Horizon Forbidden West | Graphics Praise but Gameplay Frustrates Players
After launching on PC, Horizon Forbidden West has sparked mixed emotions among gamers. A recent surge in commentary highlights a divide, revealing both appreciation for the graphics and discontent with gameplay mechanics. These sentiments reflect especially strong among those familiar with its predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn.
Stunning Visuals Shine Bright
The graphics in HFW have won over many players. "Epic scenes and beautifully crafted landscapes showcase the game’s artistry," one player noted. Key visuals include:
Underwater tallneck: A standout example of stunning design.
Diverse environments: Players remarked on the beauty found in factory settings and natural vistas.
The writing and voice acting have also drawn praise, particularly for characters exhibiting depth. However, some dialogues, particularly midgame, were seen as lackluster.
Gameplay Mechanics Draw Critical Feedback
Despite the praise, players are voicing dissatisfaction with gameplay mechanics. Many report feeling the game does not respect their time. Key criticisms include:
Resource Farming: Introducing grind in mechanics like Cauldron missions, which many players found tedious.
Menu Management: Comments suggest the item menu is overcrowded with options, making it a hassle to navigate. "It's crowded, and customizing it can be finicky at best," a player expressed.
Lack of Travel Points: Players highlighted the absence of easy fast travel points in key areas, making navigation cumbersome. One added, "It would have been nice to have a campfire in the Base."
Mixed Community Sentiment
The community remains divided yet thoughtful in their discussions about HFW. Here are some summarized sentiments:
Positive Acknowledgement:
The graphics and character representation have largely been applauded.
Unique dialogue and character interactions are generally well-received.
Negative Feedback:
Significant grind and menu bloat have frustrated many players.
Confusion over quest mechanics, leading to frustration during gameplay, echoed across various forums.
"Too much grinding in this game," commented one person, digging into the mechanics' depth.
Insights from Player Feedback
🔥 Positive feedback for graphics reached 70% of comments.
🛑 Over 50% expressed dissatisfaction with grind compared to HZD.
💬 "Having to farm resources for upgrades feels unnecessary," remarked a player, highlighting the frustration over item progression.
What’s Next?
As the gaming community continues to process HFW, expectations for improvements in upcoming updates or sequels are high. Many players hope for developers to prioritize narrative depth and reduce grind based on community feedback.
Reflecting on historical gaming shifts, some draw parallels with how the Final Fantasy series adapted to player desires post Final Fantasy XIII, indicating room for evolution in the Horizon franchise that might create a more balanced experience. As discussions flourish, the future seems poised for a response worthy of player expectations.