Title: Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores
Type of Game: Action RPG
Developer: Guerrilla Games
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Released: April 19, 2023
Platforms Available: PlayStation 5, PC Game
Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 5
Level of Maturity: Teen (T)
Reading Time: 7 minutes
Exclusive Shores Await
I finally got a chance to play this great DLC Burning Shores and immerse myself again in this beautiful, vibrant, and original world. Let’s mention right from the start that Burning Shores came to the digital market with one critical condition. The developers this time, and somewhat surprisingly to me, completely ignored owners of the PS4 version of the game which is also why I played the main game on my old PS4 six months after release, but the DLC only two years later. So Burning Shores will only be played by PS5 owners. And that’s if they’ve already played Horizon Forbidden West. Only then will the opportunity to visit a new and once again attractive world, set in the former Los Angeles area, become available.
A Ruined City’s New Life
Apart from the iconic Hollywood sign on a raised hill, the city blends in with the post-apocalyptic vision of the game’s previous locations. This is not to say that a trip to this destination isn’t interesting enough. The environments are varied, and while island elements predominate, surrounded by shallow lagoons with sandy bottoms or deep sea trenches, there’s also a dense jungle growing through the local ruins. Burning Shores is then reminiscent of the occasional lava areas, where the local Caudron is aptly placed, allowing you to unlock control of one of the two newly introduced common machines.
Audiovisual Splendor
The excellent audiovisual design may be one of the draws of this expansion, which, depending on personal preference, can take you around 7-8 hours to complete. Now, I’m referring to the decision of whether to stick strictly to the main storyline or to enliven your gameplay with some of the additional activities offered by the developers. True, there aren’t many of them. But there’s still a fairly large gameplay area to explore, where even through traditional collecting efforts you can learn more about the universe’s past, which doubles the total time to finish the game!
Seyka and the Story’s Depth
Important note. Once again, you are not alone in your problems. Aloy is joined right from the start by Seyka, a member of the Quen Tribe, around whom almost everything revolves. The story is very well told. I appreciate the unraveling of the main antagonist’s actions and his characterization, which was again of a high standard.
Closely related to this is the incredibly spectacular finale and again the incredible music, which here (especially at the end) took the experience to another level and you could feel from the soundtrack that Aloy is fighting a desperate war for survival of the people she cares about and for planet Earth as a whole. It was indeed, thanks to the epic and touching musical accomplishment, it was exactly what I experienced in the previous games, but then it went even further. It was simply touching. In addition to the touching music, however, comes the awareness that alongside the machines, you’ll also be fighting against somewhat unexpected enemies of the human race. Therefore, brand new, not only confrontational ideas.
Now to the gameplay. Each skill tree expands with several abilities to learn. A new feature, for example, is the ability to trigger a berserk state in the limited action radio of the present machines, in which they start fighting each other. Among the options, for example, various spear attachments can be seen, adding selected elemental states to melee attacks. Naturally, you’ll get a taste of the next batch of legendary weapons and armor, or “coils” to upgrade them. The developers have even slightly improved the use of the heavy stationary crossbow.
And a special feature may finally be a fast boat for moving on water. While it’s probably true that you’ll make the most use of the Sunwing you control for initial map exploration, from whose birdlike back you can then spectacularly jump to your desired location, its close relative is patiently waiting for you in Burning Shores. The Waterwing also allows you to travel nimbly underwater, and although this particular motif is only lightly sketched, it is essential. However, Sunwing is still at the forefront and you’ll need him even when exploring certain ruins where his cooperation is necessary for success.
Tomb Raiding and Combat Upgrades
The ruins where you search for various valuables again present such a mix of activities. First, it’s a tomb raider style of climbing, jumping, and climbing as you find the right path to your goal. Occasionally, you’ll come across some simple puzzles, such as crate maneuvers or other feats within the interactive environment. Naturally, there are regular clashes with machines, where you can use the very rugged terrain and varied combat strategies to your advantage. One of the best-ever gameplay aids in the second installment, the smoke bomb, has received a partial upgrade in the expansion and is still an invaluable tool in almost any predicament.
Companions and Challenges
Speaking of helpers. The previously mentioned Seyka as an NPC is actively involved in all key missions. The collaboration with Aloy is devised convincingly and their regular dialogues enliven the story. I also consider the participation of some other NPCs in the events of the optional missions a plus, if only because Aloy doesn’t have to do all the work herself. It’s worth noting at this point that the ultimate Ultra difficulty is sealed here as well, hardcore players will have to reach Burning Shores via New Game+.
Technical Triumphs and Troubles
The fantastic graphical backdrop also offers some new effects involving powerful streams of escaping hot steam that accelerate the shield and allow Aloy to overcome otherwise insurmountable elevations. Once again, there are plenty of beautiful locations in the game where it’s worth slowing down for a moment to take in the truly impressive scenery. However, I must briefly point out some technical imperfections, which include object bouncing and texture rendering, especially when flying the Sunwing.
Still, apart from a few moments, it’s nothing I can’t wave my hand at. As far as map layout goes, Burning Shores may be on a separate part of the map, but you can still use fast travel to return to Forbiden West at any time. Not to mention the fact that you can fly there with the Waterwing quite easily and then enjoy the vast sea at Landfall. The reason why I started to like the machine. The second exclusive in this field – Bilegut, evoking a huge frog, is also absolutely amazing! Including the unique feature of laying, or rather sowing, special eggs, creating a completely new form of a dangerous environment. It’s just that fighting it is no fun at all, and it’s one of the most dangerous enemies you can meet in the game.
Arena Antics and Future Foreshadowing
An environment where you’ll meet most of the machines from the past, like my “favorite” stalkers. With the giant Slaughterspin, for example, you’ll have a suitably dramatic encounter in an enclosed arena. Speaking of the arena, and now I’m talking about the training area at Memorial Grove in Forbidden West, here’s where you can expect some unexpected bonuses after finishing Burning Shores. Included in the bonus category is a very special firearm that you’ll get your hands on during the adventure. You’ll also get a final chat with Sylens, foreshadowing the strategy before the third installment arrives.
Conclusion
The Burning Shores expansion showcases some excellent design work, with some very nice tweaks and ideas. As a result, you get a stronger and more coherent story and more confrontational options, so the whole combat system keeps getting more interesting and varied. If you like this world and its heroes, you definitely shouldn’t miss Burning Shores. You will get many hours of really good entertainment, which is not completely flawless, but it doesn’t change the fact that the people from Guerrilla Games are simply very good at their profession.
Where to Buy Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores
Steam (PC): Available for $59.99 You can purchase Complete Edition directly from Steam.
PlayStation Store (PS5): Available for $19.99 You can purchase it directly from the PlayStation Store.
Epic Games Store (PC): Available for $59.99. Purchase Complete Edition from the Epic Games Store.
Official Page: Visit the official Horizon page for more information.
Subreddit: Join the discussion on the Horizon Forbidden West Subreddit.
