When multiple titles within the same genre release at similar times, comparisons will naturally be made between the two. Open-world level design seems to be the latest example; and withHorizon Forbidden Westrefining the formula developerGuerilla forged some five years ago, mistakes or missteps that new open-world games make are going to be far more apparent.
Pokemon Legends: Arceusis the veteran JRPG franchise’s first foray into a more expansive, “go anywhere” setting. Previous iterations of the series have shepherded players through a somewhat linear region. The title is far from howGrand Theft AutoorTheWitcher 3handle open worlds, but it starteda trend that thePokemonseries may still look to explore. In doing so, developer Game Freak has much to learn, and part of the process could be to look to other games for inspiration, particularly for the way in which it approaches populating the area, as the barren world thatPokemon Legends: Arceuspresents leaves much to be desired in that department.
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Settling Down After An Open-World Adventure
Horizon Forbidden Westmeticulously refines that which madeHorizon Zero Dawnso great. The climbing is tweaked, setting is overhauled, and settlements are more plentiful, making the gorgeous locations feel all the more dense, and populated. The diverse landscape is littered with settlements that each feel unique to the area, so a map size that rivalsSkyrim,orRed Dead Redemption 2is never bereft of the potential to impress. For as pioneering asPokemon Legends: Arceusis to thePokemonformula, the somewhat bland open world looks all the more drab in comparison to Guerilla’s, and is made even worse byElden Ring’s release as well.
DespiteHorizon Forbidden Westbeing the one that makes the player feel at home in the wild, it isPokemon Legends: Arceusthat takes the player further away from civilization. The time spent withHorizon Forbidden Westwill be packed with intriguing interactions with wayfaring strangers, whereas hours will go by inPokemon Legends: Arceuswith nothing but Rowlets and Jolteonsfor company.
Horizon’s Settlements Counteract The Feeling of Solitude
Of course, not every open area has to be littered with buildings, merchants, and communities, as titles likeThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildsucceed despite being somewhat sparsely populated. In order to have an open world feel justified, the gameplay, art direction, and activities take precedent over the characters that can be met along the way. Be it hunting for exotic animals, or cruising down a sun-draped highway, the majority of the players time will be taken up engaging in the game’s main mechanics. In most expansive settings, the dialogue between the protagonist and NPC’s is usually supplementary to the game’s primary objectives.
However, as much of the journey in mostPokemongames is reliant on overcoming Gym Leaders, battling strangers, andstopping off at the town’s local Pokemon Center, the series' reliance on other inhabitants is far more prominent than its hero-focusedLegend of ZeldaorMariocontemporaries. Skipping from city to city is customary with the majority ofPokemongames, soPokemon Legends: Arceus’somewhat lonely adventure feels like it’s missing the series' pillar. Conversely,Horizon Forbidden Westis a far less solitary affair than its predecessor, and though Aloy’s mission is largely completed alone, the settlements are a welcome addition, and do well to make the area feel more fleshed out.
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Horizon’s Success Becomes Pokemon’s Problem
Horizon Forbidden Westsucceeds largely thanks to its advancements on an already incredible experience. Byimplementing a handful of eclectic, and memorable settlementsthat Aloy can stop, resupply, and regroup in, the harshness of the Forbidden West is made all the more manageable.Pokemon Legends: Arceuson the other hand is a promising first step into a new gameplay formula thatPokemon VioletandScarletcould look to refine further. However, as each respective franchise currently stands, the way in whichHorizon Forbidden Westhandles its settlements reveals a significant flaw inPokemon Legends: Arceus’game design.
Horizon Forbidden Westis available now on PS4, and PS5.
