Horizon: Forbidden West not only expanded the map, graphics and story for protagonist Aloy, but also the main component on which the series depends: machines. Before Horizon: Forbidden West or Zero Dawn was released, the first game was known as the robot dinosaur game. While elements of that description are valid in the games, the distinguishing feature of the Machines is not so much ones that resemble dinosaurs, but ones that resemble animals.
Horizon: Zero Dawn had 26 Machines to discover; many of them resembled modern reptiles, birds and mammals. The sequel added 23 new machine types, many of which are enhanced on this theme from the first game, with machine designs such as snakes, turtles, monkeys, hippos and more. With a third game sure to come, there’s room to scratch beneath the surface and feature some intriguing animal designs.
Frogs in Horizon
Historically known for eating insects, frogs are used for medical advancement, while their tadpoles filter water that humans drink. Seeing a frog or toad-based machinery would work well with the idea of a terraforming system intended to re-filter water and air for animal and human survival. The games indicated that Snapmaws and Stormbirds were meant to detoxify the water and air, and with frogs also filtering water, this animal would fit in well. Horizons world.
With their webbed feet, their ability to survive in water and on land, and their stretchy tongues, frog machines could prove lethal to Aloy and his company. Fans can imagine having to dodge their tongue that can shock or stun players into place, or if they mimic a biological species, apply a poison effect. Their ability to jump and cover great distances in a single jump would also pose a threat in battle, especially if there is more than one in a given location.
Burrowing Spiders in Horizon
Horizon: Zero Dawn introduced players to burrowing Machines with the Rockbreakers, who tunneled underground, only to surface when they detected movement on the surface. Horizon: Forbidden West introduced similar burrowing mechanics with the Shellsnapper, a giant turtle that sinks into the ground and launches itself at Aloy when in range, and the aptly named weasel-like Burrower.
Spiders that burrow are known for burrowing in the ground and hiding their holes from unsuspecting prey. A machine in the form of a spider collapsing would be a formidable threat. This machine can set traps in the ground around a certain area, waiting for unsuspecting NPCs and Aloy himself to roam by. Not only that, but their attack methods can mimic those of Rockbreakers and Shellsnappers, as they can dig and emerge at will, making them rather tricky to attack.
Sharks in Horizon
Horizon: Forbidden West opened the gate for water traversal, and underwater was a fun feature in the game that brought new kinds of thrills as Aloy had to swim in the water, hide and dodge. Unable to defend herself with weapons, any underwater encounter could have been deadly, with smoke bombs the only way out.
Sharks are already known as apex predators. A shark-based Horizon machine design would guarantee the same kind of danger, especially with a loaded arsenal at its disposal. If tensions were high with alligator/crocodile look-alikes featuring Snapmaws, a robotic version of a Great White racing toward Aloy as she tries to hide among the weeds could raise the stakes even higher. The ability to use limited weapons would improve the underwater aspects in a third game.
Gorillas in Horizon
Often seen as terrifying, gorillas are incredibly important to local biodiversity, scattering the seeds of fruits they eat over large areas of the area they roam. Despite their size and strength, they are often seen as gentle with human behavior, representing the evolution of humanity from the primate tree millennia ago. Continued study of these majestic creatures can lead to greater understanding and bridging the gap between human and animal intellect.
As Machines in Horizons world, this docile aspect of humanity can be quickly ramped up to deadly with Hephaestus in charge of programming. Their ability to mimic human behavior could see these machine types inside Horizon not only formidable, but also calculating. Their brute strength will present problems in close quarters combat, but what they might consider offensive or defensive would be a sight to behold.
Swarms of Insects in Horizon
Horizon: Zero Dawn and Horizon: Forbidden West introduced numerous machines that come together in groups for their various purposes, but one feature that players have not yet seen is a swarm of insects, similar to a large number of bees or mosquitoes. Zero Dawn detailed how the Chariot Line of war robots acted as a swarm, and soldiers during Enduring Victory refer to the bots as such.
A real swarm of mechanical insects has yet to be seen, however, and can deal untold damage to Aloy as she braves the wilderness and searches for ways to defeat Nemesis. With the sentient AI acting as a sort of Hive Mind of the Zeniths, it could be an interesting take on a contemporary in the Horizon world as it is. Trying to defeat small insects with precise attacks would be an exciting way to change the fighting style against some machines.
Horizon: Forbidden West continued the franchise to adapt contemporary animal forms as Machines operating as part of GAIA’s failing terraforming system. At the same time, some states of the Machines are based on the megafauna of the distant past; many contain animals and their characteristics to help filter and detoxify the air and water. Adding new animal customizations such as frogs, burrowing spiders, sharks, gorillas and insect swarms can increase both the difficulty and variety in the next game
Horizon Forbidden West is now available for PS4 and PS5.
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