Revolutionary Horizon's Multiplayer Project: Reinventing a Franchise Staple

Highlights

In a bid to conquer the live-service market, PlayStation is venturing into uncharted territory by utilizing its own flagship franchises such as Horizon and The Last of Us. The ultimate verdict on the viability of this fresh strategy for players hinges on the success of these games.

Incorporating platforming mechanics into the multiplayer spin-off of the Horizon series is vital in order to preserve an authentic gameplay experience. As the multiplayer game is still in the developmental stage and has limited official information available, fans are left to speculate regarding its gameplay and features. Nevertheless, integrating imaginative and diverse platforming mechanics in the game could greatly enhance the overall multiplayer experience.

PlayStation has been steadily expanding its first-party lineup in recent decades and is now preparing to utilize those franchises in a fresh and innovative manner. With a clear intention to make a significant push into the live-service market for about a year now, PlayStation appears to be relying on its first-party roster to spearhead this endeavor. In addition to the delayed Last of Us multiplayer spin-off, there are indications that a multiplayer title based on Horizon is also in development, placing a significant weight of responsibility on its shoulders.

As one of the initial major first-party live-service games from PlayStation, the Horizon multiplayer spin-off must surpass expectations and persuade fans that this new direction is truly valuable for players, rather than merely a means for the company to generate more revenue. To accomplish this, the multiplayer game based on Horizon must offer an exceptional and immersive experience, which entails embracing all of the series' fundamental features, including its climbing and platforming mechanics.

Horizon's Multiplayer Spin-Off Needs to Keep an Emphasis on Climbing

Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West are highly immersive AAA action-adventure open-world games that excel in their mechanical intricacy. These games seamlessly incorporate various complex features, such as shooting mechanics, melee combat, stealth, and RPG elements. However, the standout aspect that binds all of Horizon's systems together is its exceptional climbing and platforming mechanics. These mechanics have undeniably become an integral part of the Horizon experience.

At present, there is very limited official information available regarding the Horizon multiplayer project. In fact, there hasn't been an official announcement yet. Instead, individual members of Guerrilla Games have confirmed its existence through interviews, and various job listings solidify the fact that the project is indeed underway. Fans only have access to the official tidbit that the multiplayer project will be set in the Horizon universe, featuring a fresh ensemble of characters and a distinct stylized aesthetic.

Fans have no information regarding Horizon's multiplayer title, leaving it open to speculation. It could range from a large-scale MMO to a small co-op adventure for two players. However, it is crucial for the multiplayer gameplay to maintain its core focus on platforming. Platforming has become an essential element of Horizon, with even the VR spin-off, Call of the Mountain, highlighting its significance. To ensure an authentic Horizon experience, Guerrilla Games should incorporate some form of platforming in its upcoming multiplayer game.

Nevertheless, Guerrilla Games has the opportunity to be creative with the platforming mechanics in a Horizon multiplayer game. While the climbing mechanics in Horizon are accessible and enjoyable, they can become repetitive over time. In a multiplayer setting, the game can introduce new climbing mechanics designed specifically for multiple players climbing the same environment simultaneously. For example, players may unlock a new piece of gear that allows them to swing off each other using a rope, enabling quicker traversal of the landscape, similar to the cooperative indie game Bread and Fred. Multiplayer platforming could also be made more challenging, incorporating races to incentivize strategic and immersive platforming.

The Horizon multiplayer game is in development.