A new Horizon game was announced this week, sparking a question: why this franchise, and so many of them, while others languish? The relentless expansion feels… unusual, especially when compared to titles with far more critical acclaim.
For years, whispers of a Horizon multiplayer game have circulated. Initially envisioned as a sprawling MMO, then a more cartoonish experience, the reality is even more complex – two spin-offs are in development, one a full-fledged MMO handled by a Korean studio, the other by the original creators.
Consider the landscape: three new games on the horizon, added to the existing two main entries, a VR experience, and even a Lego collaboration. Remasters, PC ports, and DLC further swell the ranks. Is this saturation justified for a series that, to some, feels strangely… unremarkable?
Perhaps it’s a matter of sales figures, but the franchise feels curiously bland. It possesses intriguing concepts, yet executes them with a frustrating lack of flair. Could this very lack of intensity be the key to its broad appeal?
The comparison to the Far Cry series is striking. Both are vast, open-world adventures with single-player focus, but both often feel forgettable. They wash over you, providing entertainment without leaving a lasting impression.
These games excel at providing a distraction, a way to unwind after a long day. They demand little thought or effort, offering a comfortable, undemanding experience. This formula seems to be a hallmark of many Ubisoft-style titles, including Assassin’s Creed, where competence doesn’t necessarily equate to memorability.
What truly frustrates about Horizon is the wasted potential. The premise – giant robot dinosaurs in a post-apocalyptic world – screams for a playful, over-the-top approach. Instead, it’s treated with a solemnity that feels profoundly misplaced.
The concept feels ripped from an 80s cartoon, complete with a rocking theme song, yet the game itself is relentlessly serious. The backstory is solid, but the actual narratives are easily forgotten. It’s a missed opportunity for genuine fun.
Even the gameplay feels… aggressively adequate. It lacks a truly unique identity, borrowing heavily from other Sony exclusives, particularly the platforming of Uncharted and the simplistic combat systems. There’s little innovation, little to truly set it apart.
The initial purchase was made out of curiosity, and a second playthrough was prompted by a low price and the promise of stunning graphics. The visuals are impressive, but their impact fades quickly, becoming just another element in a sea of mediocrity.
It’s not about upsetting fans, but the success of such an average title is concerning. The idea that Sony deliberately aims for broad appeal by avoiding strong opinions or divisive choices is unsettling.
The disparity is stark: a franchise like Bloodborne, a critically acclaimed masterpiece, has received only one installment in a decade, while Horizon is already on track for multiple games and spin-offs in just eight years. One demands your full attention; the other asks for very little.
Perhaps that’s the difference. Bloodborne isn’t designed to be played while half-asleep. It demands engagement, and rewards it with a truly unforgettable experience. Horizon, it seems, is designed for the opposite.
