Since its beginnings back in 2017, theHorizonfranchise has quickly become a standout IP for Sony. With two mainline games, DLC, and even an upcoming LEGO spin-off,Horizonhas proven itself as one of the most popular modern series in the industry. Due to this success, there is now an online multiplayer game in the works, promising a bold new take on theHorizonname.
Until now,the world ofHorizonhas focused on single-player narrative-driven stories, and Guerrilla Games branching out into multiplayer territory is an intriguing prospect. Getting to exploreHorizon’s AI machine-infested world in an online setting seems like a solid combination, but there are also plenty of gameplay decisions to consider. When it comes toHorizon, overriding machines is an important mechanic, and with reports that its multiplayer counterpart is aiming for bigger machines, this could cause a balance issue.
Horizon’s Multiplayer Spin-Off Properly Balancing Its Machines
Reports Suggest the Arrival of Horizon’s Most Intimidating Machines Yet
A recent job posting forHorizon’s multiplayer spin-offis hinting at even more harrowing machines planned for players. The listing for Senior Combat Designer emphasizes a focus on bosses that require multiple players to take on. Bosses that need the help of a team of players to take down suggest huge enemies are on the way. Although compelling, it also raises some serious questions about how overrides will work within the game.
When it comes tooverriding inHorizon, this method can be used to deactivate a machine’s hostility toward players. However, a select few machines are also available to be mounted once overridden, and there has yet to be any confirmation on how far these mechanics will be taken in a multiplayer setting. It’s highly likely that there will be some sort of override mechanic. Otherwise, it presents a huge continuity issue within the franchise that could take players out of the experience. If machines are bound to be even bigger in theHorizonspin-off, then it makes one wonder if these larger enemies can be mounted.
Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier recently stated thatHorizon 3will likely be “a ways off,” suggesting that the multiplayer spin-off will arrive first.
At first, this sounds exciting, but it could easily make a player overpowered. In themainlineHorizongames, Aloy is already able to override some pretty powerful machines, like a Sunwing. Therefore, a Sunwing would likely have to be made mountable in the multiplayer game, but that could give a player an unfair advantage, depending on what the gameplay is like. If a few select larger machines are given the ability to be mounted, it could either present a thrilling evolution of the feature or a chaotic and unbalanced experience. However, there could be another angle taken to mounting in a multiplayer setting.
Making Overriding a Cooperative Effort
Bringing Teamwork to New Heights
For these larger machines, a potentially fun approach would be to make overriding such enemies a group effort. Guerrilla Games' job listing has made it clear thatHorizon’s multiplayer title will be focused on presenting challenges to multiple players at once, and requiring team effort to override a machine could definitely be a difficult, but rewarding, task.Horizon Forbidden Westbrought its machines to the next level, and its online counterpart will likely push these boundaries even further.
Reports claim that Guerrilla Games will repurpose systems from the mainlineHorizontitles.
Whether players have to work together to override or are able to mount a larger machine with multiple players riding along, it will be fascinating to see howHorizon’s multiplayer project evolves its gameplay to suit a co-op environment. WithSony’s live service ambitions struggling to take off,Horizoncould be the franchise to finally make these plans successfully come to fruition.
