As an experienced game journalist at Hyped4, I am eager to offer my in-depth review of the highly anticipated PlayStation 5 title, Horizon: Call of the Mountain. This game has generated considerable buzz, and it’s time for me to lend my expertise to provide a comprehensive and professional analysis of this phenomenal experience.
Story and Narrative
Horizon: Call of the Mountain takes place in a rich, post-apocalyptic world where the remnants of humanity coexist with robotic creatures known as machines. The game continues the story of Aloy, a skilled hunter and archer, as she embarks on a new journey filled with mystery, danger, and personal growth.
The narrative is presented through a combination of cutscenes, environmental storytelling, and optional collectibles. The game’s main story is split into multiple chapters, each focusing on a unique aspect of the game world and Aloy’s development as a character. Side quests and optional content add depth to the world, providing insights into the lives of the various tribes and characters that inhabit the world.
Horizon: Call of the Mountain builds upon the story established in Horizon Zero Dawn, expanding on the lore and introducing new mysteries to unravel. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping players on the edge of their seats as they progress through the game. The writers have meticulously crafted a tale that is both emotionally engaging and thought-provoking, exploring themes such as self-discovery, the impact of technology on society, and the importance of preserving the natural world.
Characters and Voice Acting
Horizon: Call of the Mountain features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations and backstories. Aloy’s character development is front and center, as she learns more about her past and the world around her. Her personal journey is one of the game’s strongest aspects, as players form a deep connection with her character through her trials and tribulations.
The supporting cast includes members of various tribes, each with their own unique culture and way of life. These characters are integral to the game’s narrative, as their interactions with Aloy shape the story and provide insight into the game world’s history and politics. The game also introduces new factions and tribes, each with their own distinct visual designs and gameplay mechanics.
Voice acting is an essential aspect of Horizon: Call of the Mountain, as it brings the characters to life and adds emotional depth to the story. The game boasts an impressive cast of talented voice actors, delivering captivating performances that draw players into the narrative. The English voice acting is particularly noteworthy, with each actor providing a nuanced and emotional performance that enhances the overall experience.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Horizon: Call of the Mountain builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, offering an improved and refined gameplay experience. The game is an open-world action RPG, allowing players to explore a vast, sprawling world filled with diverse environments, hidden secrets, and challenging foes.
The combat system has been expanded and refined, with new weapons, tools, and abilities at Aloy’s disposal. Players can choose from a wide array of ranged and melee weapons, including bows, slingshots, and spears. Each weapon can be customized with modifications, allowing for a high degree of personalization and strategic depth. Aloy’s arsenal also includes various tools such as traps, ropes, and a grappling hook, which can be used to outmaneuver enemies and traverse the environment.
The game’s skill tree is more extensive than before, providing players with a wealth of options for customizing their playstyle. Skills are divided into several categories, such as stealth, combat, and exploration, enabling players to focus on their preferred approach to the game. Additionally, the skill tree is designed to encourage experimentation, as players can mix and match abilities to create unique combinations tailored to their preferences.
Horizon: Call of the Mountain also features a robust crafting system, allowing players to create new weapons, ammunition, and equipment using resources gathered from the environment and defeated machines. This system adds another layer of strategic depth to the gameplay, as players must manage their resources carefully and plan their upgrades to ensure they are well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
A diverse array of machines inhabits the world, each with its own unique behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses. The game introduces new machines to the roster, while also bringing back fan-favorite creatures from the previous title. These machines constantly challenge players, as they must adapt their tactics and strategies to overcome each encounter. The game also features several boss battles, which test the player’s mastery of the game’s mechanics and provide thrilling, high-stakes showdowns.
Traversal is another critical aspect of Horizon: Call of the Mountain, as players explore the vast open world filled with towering mountains, dense forests, and sprawling deserts. Aloy’s new abilities, such as the grappling hook and glider, open up new possibilities for exploration and navigation. This sense of freedom and discovery is one of the game’s most rewarding elements, as players uncover hidden secrets, stunning vistas, and unexpected encounters throughout their journey.
Visuals, Sound Design, and Atmosphere
Horizon: Call of the Mountain is a visual tour de force, showcasing the power of the PlayStation 5 and the artistic talent of the development team. The game features lush, vibrant environments that are teeming with life, creating an immersive and believable world for players to explore. The attention to detail is staggering, with each biome boasting a distinct aesthetic and atmosphere.
The game’s dynamic weather system and day-night cycle further enhance the sense of immersion, as players witness stunning sunrises, powerful storms, and starry night skies throughout their journey. These environmental changes also impact gameplay, as certain machines and events are tied to specific weather conditions or times of day.
The sound design is equally impressive, featuring an atmospheric and evocative score that complements the game’s visuals and enhances the narrative’s emotional impact. The soundtrack perfectly captures the mood of each scene, whether it’s a quiet moment of reflection or an intense, adrenaline-pumping battle. The game also boasts excellent sound effects, with each weapon, machine, and environmental element producing a distinct and satisfying audio signature.
Final Thoughts
Horizon: Call of the Mountain is a must-play title for anyone with a PlayStation 5. It offers a stunning and immersive world to explore, a captivating story filled with memorable characters, and polished gameplay mechanics that provide a consistently engaging experience. The game is a worthy successor to Horizon Zero Dawn, showcasing the passion and skill of the development team. Whether you’re a fan of the original game or new to the series, Horizon: Call of the Mountain is an adventure you won’t want to miss.
“We prepared this review with a digital review key of title provided by Sony.”
