Major spoilers ahead for the Horizon franchise, God of War Ragnarok, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, and The Last of Us Part 2
The Horizon franchise is one of the biggest series in PlayStation's modern lineup, and anticipation continues to grow for its third installment. Horizon introduced the world to Aloy, a strong and driven protagonist that has been the franchise's focal point, but she may not need to be the lead forever.
Right now, the third Horizon game is shrouded in mystery as developer Guerrilla Games is in the early stages of development. Between the upcoming multiplayer Horizon spin-off and Horizon 3, fans of the franchise are in for a future filled with content. However, when it comes to Aloy's time with the series, Horizon 3 may need to be her swan song. Aloy's death would be shocking, but it would also allow PlayStation the opportunity to take a risk that hasn't happened since The Last of Us Part 2.
If Horizon Forbidden West's Sequel Ends the Series, It Should Go All-Out on One Feature
Should Horizon 3 turn out to be Aloy's final game, Guerrilla Games could expand upon one improved feature from Horizon Forbidden West.
PlayStation Can't Be Afraid to Let its Core Heroes Die
A Full Circle Moment for the Horizon Franchise
One of the biggest reveals in Horizon Zero Dawn is that Aloy isn't part of the Nora tribe at all and is actually a clone of Dr. Elisabet Sobeck, the brilliant roboticist who was responsible for designing the titular Zero Dawn project. The reveal of Aloy's identity is a major turning point in the series, and it could also be planting the seeds for a tragic, but meaningful, send-off. In Forbidden West, it's revealed that Aloy isn't the only one of her kind. Beta, another Elisabet clone, boasts her intellect and problem-solving skills, while Aloy serves as the more physically capable counterpart. They are two sides of the same coin, and while Beta has her own useful strengths, Aloy's bravery might set the stage for a sacrificial death.
Elisabet sacrificed herself for the greater good. After a malfunction in GAIA's port seals, she had to act fast, sealing it manually from the outside, which would permanently lock her out. This act of bravery allowed the rest of the Alphas to continue to live on, which would be the decision that ultimately saved humanity from extinction. If Aloy's story ends, a scenario where she is forced to make a quick sacrificial decision to protect humanity's future would be a bold way to bring everything full circle.
Horizon 3 doesn't have a release date yet, but 2027 or 2028 may be the most likely targets, based on the time between Zero Dawn and Forbidden West.
The reveal of Aloy's identity is a major turning point in the series, and it could also be planting the seeds for a tragic, but meaningful, send-off.
After TLOU2's Controversial Death, More Risk-Taking With Characters Should Continue
Joel's death early on in TLOU2 is still the subject of debate, but that divisiveness further proves what a powerful decision it was, even for players who didn't like the direction the story took. It was a gutsy move, and many franchises in PlayStation's current lineup are missing that level of shock.
Kratos' end felt inevitable leading up to God of War Ragnarok, and while his story arc was beautifully done, it still feels like he's running on borrowed time after surviving. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 made it seem like Peter Parker would be retired, but according to the character's actor, Yuri Lowenthal, Peter may return to Marvel's Spider-Man 3 in full swing.
Saying goodbye to a story's main protagonists is hard, but it can ultimately bring more depth to the narrative. Aloy sacrificing herself would not only make sense for her character, but her genetic makeup. Elisabet Sobeck is a fundamental part of Aloy's personality, and the two sharing deaths that mirror one another might be the emotional gut punch that the series needs.
Horizon Forbidden West
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 88 /100 Critics Rec: 96%
- Released
- February 18, 2022
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Guerrilla Games
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Engine
- Decima
- Franchise
- Horizon
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unsupported
WHERE TO PLAY
Join Aloy as she braves a majestic but dangerous new frontier that holds mysterious new threats. This Complete Edition allows you to enjoy the critically acclaimed Horizon Forbidden West on PC in its entirety with bonus content, including the Burning Shores story expansion that picks up after the main game.
Explore distant lands, fight bigger and more awe-inspiring machines, and encounter astonishing new tribes as you return to the far-future, post-apocalyptic world of Horizon.
The land is dying. Vicious storms and an unstoppable blight ravage the scattered remnants of humanity while fearsome new machines prowl their borders, and life on Earth is hurtling toward another extinction.
It's up to Aloy to uncover the secrets behind these threats and restore order and balance to the world. Along the way, she must reunite with old friends, forge alliances with warring new factions and unravel the legacy of the ancient past.
