Horizon Forbidden West™ Complete Edition

Horizon Forbidden West™ Complete Edition is widely praised for its stunning graphics, expansive open world, and refined gameplay mechanics that build upon its predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn. Players appreciate the rich world-building, diverse biomes, and the variety of weapons and machines that keep combat engaging. The story continues Aloy's journey with emotional depth and improved character development, though some find it less compelling than the original.

However, the game faces criticism for an overlong and sometimes tedious gameplay loop, with repetitive side quests and frustrating upgrade mechanics that require extensive farming. The PC port suffers from technical issues including poor optimization, bugs, and problematic ultrawide support, impacting player immersion. Additionally, some players find the story pacing uneven, and the DLC's narrative execution disappointing. Despite these flaws, the game remains a strong open-world experience with breathtaking visuals and satisfying combat, recommended especially for fans of the series and genre.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the graphics and world design, noting breathtaking environments and detailed machine animations. The combat mechanics are engaging, offering strategic depth with a variety of weapons and elemental effects. The game's storyline and character development receive positive remarks for emotional resonance and world-building. The addition of new traversal options like gliding and underwater exploration enriches gameplay. The Complete Edition is also commended for its technical execution on PC when running optimally, including unlocked frame rates and customization options.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include a tedious upgrade and crafting system that involves excessive and often frustrating farming for materials. Many players find the story weaker and less engaging than the original, with some plot twists feeling forced or incoherent. The final boss fights and DLC narrative are often described as underwhelming or rushed. The PC port is plagued by performance issues, bugs, and poor ultrawide support, severely impacting gameplay experience. Additionally, some find the climbing mechanics and stealth elements clunky or less satisfying compared to the first game.