The long-awaited launch of Horizon Forbidden West on PC signifies a major event for gamers everywhere. Initially released on PlayStation 4 and 5 in 2022, this title has made its way to Windows after two years of development. Although I thoroughly enjoyed both Zero Dawn and Forbidden West on PlayStation, I approached the PC version with some hesitation, thinking it would be hard to re-experience the story and battles with robotic creatures I had already tackled multiple times on console.
Storyline:
Horizon Forbidden West follows Alloy as she navigates through a post-apocalyptic landscape now ruled by machines. Among the chaos, a grim plague compels Alloy and her companions to uncover its secrets. The expansive world promises hours of engaging gameplay.
Transitioning from the intuitive controls of a PS controller to the PC setup initially proved to be a challenge. Actions like movement, combat, and interaction, which felt seamless on console, suddenly appeared more complicated on a PC. The PS controllers are designed for ease of use, allowing one button to manage multiple functions; for instance, movement and running are controlled using the joystick. In contrast, the PC version requires additional keystrokes, such as separately pressing the Shift key to run.
As a veteran PC gamer, I quickly adjusted to the game mechanics, finding myself enchanted within the first hour of play. Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition brings together thrilling combat, an intricate narrative, and a distinct universe focused on the battle between humanity and machines. It is undoubtedly an essential addition to any gaming library, and I highly suggest experiencing it on a capable rig that supports high resolutions, like a dual-screen setup or a gaming laptop featuring 2K or 4K specifications. Playing on lower settings could diminish the immersive experience and visual quality.
Graphics on PC:
My interest in Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition peaked as I browsed its specifications on Steam. One striking feature was its Ultrawide resolution support. The ability to immerse myself in the game with aspect ratios of 21:9 and 32:9, or even through triple monitor arrangements reaching a maximum of 48:9, was incredibly appealing. Coupled with Nvidia’s DLSS 3 upscaling technology, the potential for achieving stunningly lifelike graphics on both my gaming PC and laptop is exciting.
- Ryzen 9 7950x 16 Core CPU
- 32GB DDR5
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super 16GB GPU
Experiencing Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition on maximum settings at 4K with a dual monitor setup was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Thanks to my Ryzen 9 rig, equipped with an RTX 4080 Super, the game operated seamlessly without lag. The exceptional detail in scenes often makes players feel genuinely integrated into the game world. It is crucial to have a powerful rig to appreciate every aspect of Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition; attempting to play on medium or lower settings may undermine the rich experience.
- Alienware x17 R2
- 12th Gen Core i9
- 32GB RAM
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti 32GB GPU
To explore Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition on a gaming laptop, I chose the Alienware x17 R2. After testing multiple games on this device, it seemed perfect for pushing 4K graphics in a portable format. Users of the Alienware x17 R2 might notice that the back panel heats up during intense gaming sessions; however, using a cooling pad significantly alleviates this issue, optimizing performance and comfort. Additionally, while gaming on high settings, it’s advisable to keep the device plugged into a power source, allowing the GPU to draw enough power for peak performance, ensuring stable FPS and maintaining excellent display quality.
As stated previously, Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition truly excels at higher settings. A minimum of 2K resolution alongside an ultra-wide setup can revitalize your gaming experience. With breathtaking landscapes, menacing robotic dinosaurs, and an impressive combat system, the game presents a fascinating open-world adventure. Even after finishing the main story, there remains an abundance of content to explore, guaranteeing many hours of captivating gameplay.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition for PC not only fulfills but surpasses expectations, offering a visually stunning and technically sophisticated gaming experience. Its captivating world and finely honed gameplay mechanics are sure to engage both newcomers and veteran gamers. For those who have yet to dive into Horizon Forbidden West, get ready for a refreshing and immersive adventure.
The game features two unique modes: guided and explorer. For newcomers, the guided mode provides valuable direction through the main storyline before shifting to the more open-ended explorer mode for deeper exploration.
Crafting, unlocking powerful gear, and strategizing against formidable foes are essential gameplay elements. With Alloy utilizing traditional weaponry such as the Bow and Arrow, players must dedicate time to mastering these skills to efficiently navigate challenges.
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition provides a comprehensive experience, filled with a rich narrative, demanding combat interactions, extensive open-world exploration, and a plethora of side quests to satisfy your gaming cravings.