Mounts in Horizon 3 Set to Outshine All Others for a Major Reason

Highlights

Horizon Forbidden West solidified the Horizon series as one of PlayStation's premier first-party series, alongside titles like God of War and The Last of Us.

Mounts have always been a key highlight of the Horizon series, elevating both the thrill and immersion of the gaming experience. The upcoming mainline Horizon game on PS5 is poised to take mount functionality to new heights, introducing enhanced aerial maneuverability, the opportunity for captivating underwater exploration, and even more intricate designs.

In 2017, Guerrilla Games released Horizon Zero Dawn to great acclaim, capturing the attention of both players and reviewers with its captivating gameplay, immersive world, stunning graphics, and gripping narrative. Its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, released in 2022, went on to surpass its predecessor in almost every aspect, receiving widespread critical and commercial success, and positioning itself as a strong contender for Game of the Year. The Horizon series has firmly secured its place as one of PlayStation and Sony's top-tier first-party franchises, joining the likes of renowned titles such as God of War, The Last of Us, and the recent Marvel's Spider-Man 2.

With the confirmation from Guerrilla that a third mainline Horizon game is currently in development, it comes as no surprise to fans given the series' popularity and ascent within the AAA gaming industry. However, the studio has also revealed their focus on creating a Horizon multiplayer experience that aims to expand the game's universe, indicating that this will likely be released prior to the next installment in the single-player narrative. Regardless, one particular feature that has been present in the series since its inception is mounts, and fans can expect the best implementation of this feature thus far in the upcoming third installment.

Why Horizon 3's Mounts Could Be The Series' Best Yet

Horizon Zero Dawn presents a unique and original world, setting it apart from other post-apocalyptic titles. Unlike the common themes of nuclear war or alien invasions, the game revolves around the consequences of military AI technology gone awry, leading to a global environmental catastrophe. One notable aspect that distinguishes Zero Dawn from its genre counterparts is the presence of machine creatures that wander its expansive map. These machines, resembling a combination of real-world wildlife and well-known dinosaur species, have become emblematic of the franchise due to their distinctiveness.

While most of these machine creatures serve as formidable adversaries for the game's protagonist, Aloy, Zero Dawn introduces an enjoyable mechanic that allows players to utilize certain machines as ridable mounts. Over time, players gain the ability to override this specific subset of machines, transforming them into companions and enabling them to navigate the game's vast world. This addition not only enhances the narrative cohesiveness but also contributes to the immersive and thrilling gameplay experience.

Zero Dawn only had three land-based mountable machines, while Forbidden West introduced four new ones and carried over one from the previous game. However, it wasn't until a final mission in Forbidden West that players could obtain the most unique mount in the game—the Sunwing. This agile pterosaur-like creature had the ability to fly and briefly dive underwater, providing an exhilarating and seamless travel experience that showcased the impressive capabilities of Sony's latest console.

With the enhanced processing power of the PS5, the next mainline Horizon game has the potential to introduce even cooler and more elaborate mounts. It is likely that the Sunwing will make a return, possibly with improved aerial maneuverability and combat skills. Other machines previously seen, such as the aquatic Snapmaw, could also be added as mountable options, particularly since Forbidden West included various underwater sections. Being able to explore these areas while riding an aquatic beast would be an exciting addition. Regardless of the direction Guerrilla takes with the next Horizon game, they have the technology to make their mounts even more remarkable and unforgettable.