The gaming industry is known for its continuous innovation and drawing inspiration from various sources, pushing the limits of what is achievable and creating captivating gameplay experiences. The leaked feature of Far Cry 7 has grabbed the attention of many gamers and could be an excellent addition to another game, Horizon Forbidden West. Despite the contrasting storylines of Forbidden West, where Aloy fights against mechanical and alien enemies to protect humanity, and Far Cry, which revolves around cult villains, the proposed countdown timer in Far Cry 7 has the potential to benefit both franchises.
Horizon Forbidden West, released in 2022, was highly anticipated and showcased exceptional performances and gameplay mechanics. Guerrilla Games further enhanced Aloy's legacy with the Burning Shores DLC. However, the DLC received negative reviews shortly after its release, prompting the developers to seek improvements for Forbidden West, which is still in development. The news of the Far Cry 7 countdown timer presents an exciting opportunity for Horizon to amplify its thrill factor. It would serve as a constant reminder of Nemesis' impending arrival, perfectly complementing the ongoing dangers within the game.
A Race Against the Clock Lines Up Perfectly With Forbidden West
Leaks are a common occurrence in the gaming industry, and Far Cry 7 is the latest victim of its curious fan base. The upcoming installment of Far Cry revolves around a race against time, with a constant countdown timer in the background. According to the leaks, players will have 72 hours to free captives from the Sons of Truth cult, although the timer will pause when players enter safe houses. This news has received mixed reactions from fans, as the timer takes away from the freedom of exploring the game world. However, it also adds a new level of focus, requiring quick decision-making and effective strategizing from players.
In the context of Horizon, the timer aligns perfectly with the theme of impending doom. Since the start of the series, Aloy has rarely experienced peace, and the main antagonist, Far Zenith, hints at an even greater threat lurking. Even though the death of Londra in the Burning Shores DLC seemed to conclude the Far Zenith storyline, players are preparing to face Nemesis, a particularly vengeful enemy, in the final battle of the trilogy. As a gameplay mechanic, the countdown timer could limit the amount of powerful gear players can acquire, increasing the difficulty to match the epic boss battle in the Horizon universe.
In terms of storytelling, the timer has several implications that will add excitement to the plot of Forbidden West. Few things are as adrenaline-inducing as facing a difficult battle against the odds. With the knowledge of Nemesis' capabilities, each tick of the clock adds urgency and adrenaline to players' decision-making within the game. Humanity has already overcome one catastrophic event through innovation and sheer luck, and the tribes of Earth have successfully defended against threats like HADES and the Far Zenith. However, Nemesis presents a unique challenge, and the countdown timer creates a haunting sense of impending doom. Whether through an additional DLC in Forbidden West, where Nemesis' silhouette starts to appear in the Earth's atmosphere, or in the conclusion of the third installment, the timer has the potential to take Horizon's story to new heights. Its inclusion would compel gamers to swiftly complete objectives, constantly mindful of the impending showdown with Nemesis.
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition is available now on PS5, with a PC port currently in development.