Note: someone pointed out that I misremembered a detail about GAIA's pre-Zero Dawn task. So I acknowledge the error. The comment contained spoilers and has been hidden.
I can't think of any other game that had me as invested in its world's background story as this one. It is a part of Horizon that always seemed to be overshadowed by its gameplay and graphics, while easily being the best thing about it. The open world and combat were amazing but it was uncovering the grim past by simply reading and listening that made me really love this game.
Always happy to see appreciation for this franchise, it really deserves it. It's one of my favorite franchises and games ever. I've always found the world and the mystery of it so interesting. Definitely an all time great for me.
Underrated game imo. And i say that because it gets a lot of hate from the internet hobos for just being another generic open world Sony game. but beyond the fun engaging gameplay, the difficulty and the graphics, the story was just top notch for me. I was invested the entire time. It was so cool seeing real life landmarks degraded. I loved reading the soldiers' lore who were just as lost on what was going on as we were. I played that game in its entirety twice and loved every second of it. HZD isnt the best game I've ever played (I think Ghost of Tsushima takes that cake), but it is my favorite game I ever played. I am truly in love with the world and buy all the memorabilia I can. HFW however, didn't have that same magic for me. Loved the game ofc, but that pull to figure out the mystery wasn't there for me, it wasn't as strong as the first one. I haven't actually even finished the DLC yet and don't see myself playing it again for the platinum like I did HZD. That said, I could see myself playing it again when it comes to PC. I recently finally got HZD on PC and played a bit and just loved how it felt. Wasnt sure the transition from controller to KBM would feel for a game designed for console, but it felt great. Theres been a rumor of a Horizon MMO, and I think it is the perfect world for one. If its a small scale survival type MMO. like 64 players on a map or something (thinking like FO76). Its got dungeons, raids, world bosses, survival mechanics, guilds, factions, PoIs, etc, all built right into the world already. Its a concept I'm truly hyped for if it comes to fruition.
I agree that HFW didn't quite land the story, despite having some massive, surprising twists. The first game had weird pacing too - the middle of the map in both games feels like the story takes its foot off the gas. But I loved playing through them anyway. I can understand why others dropped off, but they missed out on some amazing stuff!
I'm glad to have found your channel. Sucu a gem. And yeah, HZD is one of my favorite open-world RPG. The story and lore isn't revolutionary just like most games as the trope is commonly used, but the presentation is beautiful. It's paradoxical really, that I feel both tranquil and threatened when traversing Horizon's world.
Great video! PC player here and I'm PSYCHED for HFW coming in 2 weeks (I regrettably played 10 hours worth on my friend's PS5, and that made the wait more excruciating). HZD is one of my all-time favorites, for all the reasons you mentioned.
I've always appreciated hearing _why_ people like games (and how they make them feel) rather than feeling the need to offer a particular, primarily of their time, critique. I draw on my experiences with games more than I do specific experiences within games, and I think this is something often overlooked in the urgent, capitalistic drive forward, where most games media focuses on what's here or what's coming rather than what has come before and why it may be meaningful. A most extreme example: I'll never be able to extract myself from a moment in late-1974 and my first experience with Pong, it had a role in shaping who I'd become. To look at Pong now, you couldn't imagine how revolutionary it was or how something so simple could have any impact on culture at all, but to be transported back to that time, to a curved and flickering CRT screen sitting below a glass top console and controlling _light_ was transformative. It felt _different_ to anything else, to pinball or billiards or a board game. And when you take that spark and pour the gasoline that was Dungeons Dragons on it, with a hefty sprinkling of semiconductors, well, it opened up a whole new avenue of interactive entertainment, eventually leading to something as, at the time unimaginable, as Horizon Zero Dawn. It also explains why _qomp_ is compelling. (though I'm not sure qomp2 was necessary) Good stuff John, thanks!
Same here. Horizon is a long way from where I started - typing out lines of code from a magazine and debugging my own typos, age seven, to make Space Invaders work on the Acorn Electron :')
Nice to see a small Chanel on my feed, especially if it's one praising the horizon series :) I just love it and it was my first and favorite open world/RPG game ever when I was 12. It got me so intrigued that I played zero dawn multiple times and collected all the trophy's and find out new things every single time I noticed some things that may or may not help you I have to say the voice over is really good to listen to, but the music is a bit too dramatic and doesn't really suit the rather soothing voice. Also for the background it'd be cool to see some (of your own) gameplay as well, but the quality of the video itself is really good, keep it up🙌🏻
Thanks for the feedback! I have been thinking of incorporating some of my own capture too, but it does add a lot of work to getting these out - I'll bear it in mind for sure :) appreciate the comment and support! And I agree about Aloy's voice - I loved it when she said "hardy little plant, you'll help!" when foraging.
@@GamingInTheWild Yeah maybe it's that extra work that will help you, but you also need to find your time and workflow as well. Still good luck to you on your path and also, I was talking about your voice over in the video :) But Aloys voice is also just great and soothing as well :D
Great Video. I'm such a fan of the Horizon series (HZD/HFW/BS) that I find it difficult to start other RPG's because they just don't seem to measure up. I found that Assassin Creed Odyssey and Origin come close.
I hadn't played either of the games that came out at the same time. I haven't owned a Nintendo since the 90s when i played Zelda 1, and i couldn't tell you what Elden ring is about. That 2016 e3 horizon trailer where you hear Rost talk about Aloy needing to find out where she came from was all i needed to see. I haven't put either horizon game down since. I can't wait for forbidden west on the pc where i can take it apart and explore every bit of the game
I watched your intro and Release & critical reception sections, and believe that your narrative so far is compelling and articulate. I'm waiting for Horizon Forbidden West to come out in a week our two for PC and will come back to your video after playing the game to see what you have to say. For an initial essay this is very well produced so far. Keep up the good work!
100% agree. I don't like open-world games, but this story got me hooked. I absolutely love the visuals as well, just standing on a mountain and watching the sun rise or set is enjoyable.
While it is true that Horizon doesn't grab the public mindshare like other titles have and probably never will (i've heard it described as "TOO sci-fi"... WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN lol), I don't think it needs to be front and center of the conversation, even if it deserves it. The sales have been high, and Sony and Guerrilla clearly believe in the work, given the three games they are working on right now to follow up Forbidden West. Forbidden West is the best game I've ever played. I don't need anyone else to agree with me in order for that to be my choice Great vid!
I feel the same! Part of this video's inspiration was a Kotaku article about HZD's seventh birthday, where the writer seemed to question their own feelings about the game, like they'd been slowly worn down by the consensus. I chose not to quote it here and put the writer on the spot, but it def lit a fire for me to say my piece, and defend the game's legacy! Passionate about the Horizon games :)
@@GamingInTheWild ah, i see! I looked up the article and read it, and yeah. (good choice not quoting it, btw) While Horizon is generally regarded as good, people have definitely found it weird that we could call it the best when all the other games exist that other people hold in higher regard. But just the idea that the internet as whole has to agree for something to be YOUR favorite is mind boggling to me lol. Your instincts were good on this one. Keep making these, we'll keep watching!
Yeah, some people think that having a gay or trans person in your game is some kind of massive statement, rather than just a game successfully reflecting our world, which does in fact have gay and trans people in it - whether they like it or not.
It's interesting that folks find them so bland. I was deeply motivated to uncover the story, so much that I had some real fire and motivation to push through the game, in a way that I just don't with more bland Ubi-sandbox stuff. Also, the combat is amazing with modular enemies, and I love Aloy as a protagonist.
All-time great? Uhhh, not really. Don't get me wrong, it's a really solid game, but it needs to be more than that. For example, Witcher 3 has exceptional writing, Elden Ring has exceptional combat and artwork and on top of the other stuff in them that is done right or OK it makes these games legendary. What is exceptional about Horizon? Well, not much. Many reviews that I've seen after it's release were stating it's a mix trends of it's time done right, but nothing in it stands out. And after playing it some time later I agree. It's not a masterwork, but rather a fine craftsmanship of the game dev
Yeah, I agree with some of that when it comes to open world design-but my case in the video is about the deep, fascinating story of this world, which kept me hooked throughout the journey. It's one of the best I've played, and I still think about it! Every game has its strengths and weaknesses, and I don't think HZD's strengths get enough credit.
@@GamingInTheWild Sure, I get what you mean. However I think when calling games like that it's best to look at the things in more objective manner. Let's say Subnautica, which is my favorite game - I love it, but I think objectively it lacks something to call it an all-time great, even though subjectively it's 10/10 for me. For Horizon it's similar, I just love the setting (which is also the main reason why I love Subnautica), but I think it would be unfair to call it masterwork. Even though I'm happy like a child that Horizon 2 comes to PC in 2 weeks and I already took time off at work to play it in the very day it gets released, lol
Sure. But critical consensus is built from individual opinions, more than units of objective critical analysis. Cultural critique isn't an exact science, especially given the wide net that e.g. Metacritic casts - these aren't all grizzled, seasoned journalists that lend that sheen of expertise. I don't think striving for objective truth is useful in this context, and would contend that my own reading of HZD is as valid as any other (and maybe more thought out than most) in the ocean of opinion. Also, to show my hand a little, it's a RUclips video title rather than a thesis name, and so, to some degree, meant to provoke clicks and debate - even if I stand by the thrust of it :)
I got bored of Witcher 3 and never finished it. The story was NOT nearly as compelling as HDZ. Combat is way more satisfying in HDZ as well. Maybe I just like SciFi over pure fantasy.
this game has some of the most boring characters and dreadful direction i ever seen from a tittle of this scale, All-time great? you are out of your mind?
Note: someone pointed out that I misremembered a detail about GAIA's pre-Zero Dawn task. So I acknowledge the error. The comment contained spoilers and has been hidden.
I can't think of any other game that had me as invested in its world's background story as this one. It is a part of Horizon that always seemed to be overshadowed by its gameplay and graphics, while easily being the best thing about it. The open world and combat were amazing but it was uncovering the grim past by simply reading and listening that made me really love this game.
Couldn't agree more!
Yesss, the only game that i really wanted read every single thing
Always happy to see appreciation for this franchise, it really deserves it. It's one of my favorite franchises and games ever. I've always found the world and the mystery of it so interesting. Definitely an all time great for me.
Underrated game imo. And i say that because it gets a lot of hate from the internet hobos for just being another generic open world Sony game. but beyond the fun engaging gameplay, the difficulty and the graphics, the story was just top notch for me. I was invested the entire time. It was so cool seeing real life landmarks degraded. I loved reading the soldiers' lore who were just as lost on what was going on as we were. I played that game in its entirety twice and loved every second of it. HZD isnt the best game I've ever played (I think Ghost of Tsushima takes that cake), but it is my favorite game I ever played. I am truly in love with the world and buy all the memorabilia I can.
HFW however, didn't have that same magic for me. Loved the game ofc, but that pull to figure out the mystery wasn't there for me, it wasn't as strong as the first one. I haven't actually even finished the DLC yet and don't see myself playing it again for the platinum like I did HZD. That said, I could see myself playing it again when it comes to PC. I recently finally got HZD on PC and played a bit and just loved how it felt. Wasnt sure the transition from controller to KBM would feel for a game designed for console, but it felt great.
Theres been a rumor of a Horizon MMO, and I think it is the perfect world for one. If its a small scale survival type MMO. like 64 players on a map or something (thinking like FO76). Its got dungeons, raids, world bosses, survival mechanics, guilds, factions, PoIs, etc, all built right into the world already. Its a concept I'm truly hyped for if it comes to fruition.
I agree that HFW didn't quite land the story, despite having some massive, surprising twists. The first game had weird pacing too - the middle of the map in both games feels like the story takes its foot off the gas. But I loved playing through them anyway. I can understand why others dropped off, but they missed out on some amazing stuff!
I'm glad to have found your channel. Sucu a gem. And yeah, HZD is one of my favorite open-world RPG. The story and lore isn't revolutionary just like most games as the trope is commonly used, but the presentation is beautiful.
It's paradoxical really, that I feel both tranquil and threatened when traversing Horizon's world.
Yeah they are very special games in so many ways! Glad you found the channel, welcome aboard :)
Great video! PC player here and I'm PSYCHED for HFW coming in 2 weeks (I regrettably played 10 hours worth on my friend's PS5, and that made the wait more excruciating). HZD is one of my all-time favorites, for all the reasons you mentioned.
Man, you have a really good time in store!
Both are my favorite games ever made.
I've always appreciated hearing _why_ people like games (and how they make them feel) rather than feeling the need to offer a particular, primarily of their time, critique. I draw on my experiences with games more than I do specific experiences within games, and I think this is something often overlooked in the urgent, capitalistic drive forward, where most games media focuses on what's here or what's coming rather than what has come before and why it may be meaningful.
A most extreme example: I'll never be able to extract myself from a moment in late-1974 and my first experience with Pong, it had a role in shaping who I'd become. To look at Pong now, you couldn't imagine how revolutionary it was or how something so simple could have any impact on culture at all, but to be transported back to that time, to a curved and flickering CRT screen sitting below a glass top console and controlling _light_ was transformative. It felt _different_ to anything else, to pinball or billiards or a board game. And when you take that spark and pour the gasoline that was Dungeons Dragons on it, with a hefty sprinkling of semiconductors, well, it opened up a whole new avenue of interactive entertainment, eventually leading to something as, at the time unimaginable, as Horizon Zero Dawn.
It also explains why _qomp_ is compelling. (though I'm not sure qomp2 was necessary)
Good stuff John, thanks!
Same here. Horizon is a long way from where I started - typing out lines of code from a magazine and debugging my own typos, age seven, to make Space Invaders work on the Acorn Electron :')
Nice to see a small Chanel on my feed, especially if it's one praising the horizon series :) I just love it and it was my first and favorite open world/RPG game ever when I was 12. It got me so intrigued that I played zero dawn multiple times and collected all the trophy's and find out new things every single time
I noticed some things that may or may not help you
I have to say the voice over is really good to listen to, but the music is a bit too dramatic and doesn't really suit the rather soothing voice. Also for the background it'd be cool to see some (of your own) gameplay as well, but the quality of the video itself is really good, keep it up🙌🏻
Thanks for the feedback! I have been thinking of incorporating some of my own capture too, but it does add a lot of work to getting these out - I'll bear it in mind for sure :) appreciate the comment and support! And I agree about Aloy's voice - I loved it when she said "hardy little plant, you'll help!" when foraging.
@@GamingInTheWild Yeah maybe it's that extra work that will help you, but you also need to find your time and workflow as well. Still good luck to you on your path and also, I was talking about your voice over in the video :)
But Aloys voice is also just great and soothing as well :D
@@Oziverse1610 Hahaha, that's appreciated, cheers :)
@@GamingInTheWild Cheers :)
Great Video. I'm such a fan of the Horizon series (HZD/HFW/BS) that I find it difficult to start other RPG's because they just don't seem to measure up. I found that Assassin Creed Odyssey and Origin come close.
Kassandra was a great protagonist. Odyssey is good, but long. I liked the first and last quarters, found the middle was an effort!
I hadn't played either of the games that came out at the same time. I haven't owned a Nintendo since the 90s when i played Zelda 1, and i couldn't tell you what Elden ring is about. That 2016 e3 horizon trailer where you hear Rost talk about Aloy needing to find out where she came from was all i needed to see. I haven't put either horizon game down since. I can't wait for forbidden west on the pc where i can take it apart and explore every bit of the game
Forbidden West is a marvel, honestly. Such a beautiful game, and some good plot twists. Take your time with it!
@@GamingInTheWild I've played a few times so far. Another few days and i can play again on the computer
I watched your intro and Release & critical reception sections, and believe that your narrative so far is compelling and articulate. I'm waiting for Horizon Forbidden West to come out in a week our two for PC and will come back to your video after playing the game to see what you have to say.
For an initial essay this is very well produced so far. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Brent, enjoy the Forbidden West :)
100% agree. I don't like open-world games, but this story got me hooked. I absolutely love the visuals as well, just standing on a mountain and watching the sun rise or set is enjoyable.
This is one of the game i want to complete 100% all quests and the whole map.❤
Same. Well, everything except the hunting lodges :D
I DID THAT TOO. I CRIED A LOT BUT I'M SATISFIED@@GamingInTheWild
While it is true that Horizon doesn't grab the public mindshare like other titles have and probably never will (i've heard it described as "TOO sci-fi"... WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN lol), I don't think it needs to be front and center of the conversation, even if it deserves it. The sales have been high, and Sony and Guerrilla clearly believe in the work, given the three games they are working on right now to follow up Forbidden West. Forbidden West is the best game I've ever played. I don't need anyone else to agree with me in order for that to be my choice Great vid!
I feel the same! Part of this video's inspiration was a Kotaku article about HZD's seventh birthday, where the writer seemed to question their own feelings about the game, like they'd been slowly worn down by the consensus. I chose not to quote it here and put the writer on the spot, but it def lit a fire for me to say my piece, and defend the game's legacy! Passionate about the Horizon games :)
@@GamingInTheWild ah, i see! I looked up the article and read it, and yeah. (good choice not quoting it, btw) While Horizon is generally regarded as good, people have definitely found it weird that we could call it the best when all the other games exist that other people hold in higher regard. But just the idea that the internet as whole has to agree for something to be YOUR favorite is mind boggling to me lol. Your instincts were good on this one. Keep making these, we'll keep watching!
The title is enough for a like. Like, like, like
Horizon Fans Rise Up! :D
cool !
Its a pity the horizon series has become a punching bag for the Alt-Right.
Yeah, some people think that having a gay or trans person in your game is some kind of massive statement, rather than just a game successfully reflecting our world, which does in fact have gay and trans people in it - whether they like it or not.
But its so boring, repetitive, far cry clone :'( i wish i could enjoy these games but they just bore me so much
It's interesting that folks find them so bland. I was deeply motivated to uncover the story, so much that I had some real fire and motivation to push through the game, in a way that I just don't with more bland Ubi-sandbox stuff. Also, the combat is amazing with modular enemies, and I love Aloy as a protagonist.
All-time great? Uhhh, not really. Don't get me wrong, it's a really solid game, but it needs to be more than that. For example, Witcher 3 has exceptional writing, Elden Ring has exceptional combat and artwork and on top of the other stuff in them that is done right or OK it makes these games legendary. What is exceptional about Horizon? Well, not much. Many reviews that I've seen after it's release were stating it's a mix trends of it's time done right, but nothing in it stands out. And after playing it some time later I agree. It's not a masterwork, but rather a fine craftsmanship of the game dev
Yeah, I agree with some of that when it comes to open world design-but my case in the video is about the deep, fascinating story of this world, which kept me hooked throughout the journey. It's one of the best I've played, and I still think about it! Every game has its strengths and weaknesses, and I don't think HZD's strengths get enough credit.
@@GamingInTheWild Sure, I get what you mean. However I think when calling games like that it's best to look at the things in more objective manner. Let's say Subnautica, which is my favorite game - I love it, but I think objectively it lacks something to call it an all-time great, even though subjectively it's 10/10 for me. For Horizon it's similar, I just love the setting (which is also the main reason why I love Subnautica), but I think it would be unfair to call it masterwork. Even though I'm happy like a child that Horizon 2 comes to PC in 2 weeks and I already took time off at work to play it in the very day it gets released, lol
Sure. But critical consensus is built from individual opinions, more than units of objective critical analysis. Cultural critique isn't an exact science, especially given the wide net that e.g. Metacritic casts - these aren't all grizzled, seasoned journalists that lend that sheen of expertise. I don't think striving for objective truth is useful in this context, and would contend that my own reading of HZD is as valid as any other (and maybe more thought out than most) in the ocean of opinion.
Also, to show my hand a little, it's a RUclips video title rather than a thesis name, and so, to some degree, meant to provoke clicks and debate - even if I stand by the thrust of it :)
I got bored of Witcher 3 and never finished it. The story was NOT nearly as compelling as HDZ. Combat is way more satisfying in HDZ as well. Maybe I just like SciFi over pure fantasy.
this game has some of the most boring characters and dreadful direction i ever seen from a tittle of this scale, All-time great? you are out of your mind?
Nope, I am in my mind! Most of the time. You’re welcome to disagree, I respect different opinions.
All-time great? What are you smoking?
Puffing away on my totally valid personal opinions 💨
Got some really cool hydro called Apple sourz its great stuff.