Summary
- Mini-games like Machine Strike and Gwent have been successful in modern gaming, paving the way for more unique gaming experiences.
- Horizon Forbidden West introduced various mini-games like Hunting Grounds and Melee Pits, which could be expanded upon in the sequel.
- Horizon 3 could include new mini-games like archery challenges or machine racing to offer players more engaging experiences.
Mini-games are becoming increasingly popular in modern gaming and will likely only continue to increase in prominence after the positive reception of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's Queen's Blood mini-game. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's Gwent is another mini-game that took off in recent memory, even to the point of it receiving its own standalone game. The massive success of mini-games such as these has only served to pave the way for more, and the sequel to Guerilla Games' Horizon Forbidden West would do well to pick up on that trend in the series' next installment.
Horizon Forbidden West introduced players to Machine Strike, a chess-like game in which both players take turns attempting to move their opponent's pieces off the board. In some ways, Gwent is seen as a more strategic game than Machine Strike, but both essentially rely on one player having better cards/pieces than the other. Even so, Machine Strike left quite a positive first impression on the Horizon community, so Horizon Forbidden West's sequel should double down on mini-games in the next installment — especially after Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's long list of engaging mini-games has left gamers wanting more.
Horizon 3 Should Include More Mini-Games Like Machine Strike
Horizon 3 Should Include All of Forbidden West's Mini-Games
Including an evolved version of Machine Strike in Horizon 3 is arguably unquestionable. However, while Machine Strike is certainly at the top of the list when it comes to Horizon Forbidden West's mini-games, it is far from the only one. Just as they could in Horizon Zero Dawn, players can participate in Forbidden West's Hunting Grounds, which task them with a series of weapon trials.
It would make sense for the series' Hunting Grounds to be included in Horizon 3's list of activities, even if they double as tutorials for new weapons and skills.
Although Aloy fought in an arena during Zero Dawn's story, Forbidden West's Arena is a new mini-game to the series in which players can compete in a variety of combat challenges to earn valuable rewards. While some Arena fights have proven to be far too difficult for even the most seasoned Horizon players to overcome, it is still a worthwhile way to spend extracurricular time in Forbidden West, and it should still be included in Horizon 3.
Forbidden West's Melee Pits are similar to the Hunting Grounds in that they act as a tutorial for new melee skills, and while they are helpful in their own right, they could be improved in Horizon 3. Finally, Gauntlet Runs in Horizon Forbidden West serve as a way for players to put their machine-racing skills to the test. Horizon 3 certainly shouldn't shy away from including even more opportunities for players to race machines, especially in light of Aloy's growing arsenal of abilities.
Other Mini-Games Horizon 3 Could Include
Horizon Forbidden West may have plenty of mini-games as it is, but that doesn't mean Horizon 3 couldn't include even more. Another tabletop mini-game similar to Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's Queen's Blood would likely be welcomed with open arms in Horizon 3, alongside Machine Strike.
As Aloy is an expert archer, it might make sense to include an archery mini-game like Ocarina of Time's archery range, or perhaps Aloy could find some friendly competition willing to challenge her skills with a bow. Finally, assuming Aloy keeps her Skywing in Horizon 3, a classic "fly through the rings" timed mini-game might find a decent home in the next installment.
With the massive and increasing success of mini-games in modern gaming, Horizon 3 can't afford to stop at what Forbidden West has introduced. Instead, Horizon 3 should pile even more mini-games on top of what the series already has, giving players plenty of opportunities for a brief escape from the game's more demanding tasks.
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition
- Released
- March 21, 2024
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.
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Guerrilla Games, Nixxes
- Publisher(s)
- PlayStation PC LLC
- Engine
- Decima
- Franchise
- Horizon
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Open-World
- How Long To Beat
- 30 Hours
- Metascore
- 89
