Over the years, theHorizonfranchise has continued to be a major point of focus for Sony, as it’s one of the company’s newest original IPs.Horizonhas spawned two entries,Horizon Zero DawnandHorizon Forbidden West, and a third chapter is in its early development stages. The franchise has staked its claim as a single-player series, but developer Guerrilla Games is also subverting expectations in a bold way with an online spin-off, too.
For a while, Guerrilla has been quite secretive aboutthe onlineHorizonproject, but this change of pace could be an exciting shake-up. Until now, theHorizonfranchise has followed protagonist Aloy as she journeys through the series' unique take on a post-apocalyptic world.Horizonwithout Aloy may take time for some fans to get used to, but the online spin-off could prove to be a great way to dive deeper into the many tribes that exist across the region.
Horizon’s Online Game Has the Chance to Give Players a Deeper Look Inside Its Tribes
The Horizon Franchise Has Featured Seven Unique Tribes
It’s unclear ifHorizon’s online counterpart will feature the option to choose which tribe players are part of, but it’s incredibly easy to imagine as a possibility. Not allowing tribe choice could prove to be a missed opportunity. If getting to choose one’s desired tribe is part ofGuerrilla’s game plan, then not only would it give players more character freedom, but it would also open the door to a treasure trove of lore potential.
While nothing has been confirmed, the onlineHorizongame is expected to arrive beforeHorizon 3.
Tribes Have Only Been Seen Through Aloy’s Eyes
With each new tribe that is introduced throughout the franchise, Aloy’s perspective has always been front and center. While Aloy has been central to the story, seeing everything through a single perspective can be limiting. Each tribe is bound to boast their own finer details that can easily be overlooked by outsiders, and that gives the onlineHorizonproject an exciting opportunity.Tribes are an important part ofHorizon’s lore, and diving as deep as possible into each unique society may be the best way for the game to really set itself apart.
Of course,theHorizonfranchisehas plenty of material to work with when it comes to the seven different tribes, but it could also be a great way to make this online offering even more immersive, too. Getting to really immerse oneself in a tribe’s culture might be the key to making an onlineHorizongame a success. Since the franchise was built on a single-player focus, switching to multiplayer is a big risk, but the promise of a more intricate look inside the series' world might be its strongest selling point.
Horizon’s online spin-off could also potentially introduce brand-new tribes.
Horizonwithout Aloy may take time for some fans to get used to, but the online spin-off could prove to be a great way to dive deeper into the many tribes that exist across the region.
Horizon’s Lore is Its Biggest Draw
There are many who enjoy Aloy as a main character, but when it comes to the most interesting aspect of the franchise, it’sthe world that Guerrilla has brought to life. A tribal post-apocalyptic landscape that is ravaged by rogue AI machines is a compelling starting point, and the onlineHorizoncould be the best way to showcase more of that world’s history and formation.
Right now, there’s no telling when Guerrilla will be ready to officially reveal itsmultiplayerHorizonspin-off. There’s always a chance that The Game Awards at the end of this year could feature a big announcement, but that remains to be seen. The wait continues, and as Guerrilla remains silent about the project, it’s a hot bed for speculation.
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.