Horizon’s Online Game Has to Overcome One Big Challenge

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Guerrilla Games’ Horizon series is known for providing some of the most visually captivating solo gaming adventures. Featuring Aloy as the main character, games like Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West initially gained popularity on the PlayStation system. The PC version of these games has further expanded accessibility, enabling more gamers to delve into the rich post-apocalyptic setting.

In simpler terms, the Horizon series, known for its storytelling and open-world setting, was also highly appreciated for its strategic combat style. Now, as a cooperative online game is being created, the Horizon franchise is embarking on uncharted waters – a journey that presents a significant challenge that the single-player games never encountered before.

Guerrilla Games Will Have To Find A Balance Between Solo And Co-op Battle Experiences

Exploring uncharted territories using a fresh cooperative game could potentially be more challenging than it sounds. In a solo game, finding equilibrium is straightforward because developers are aware of the exact amount of damage the character (Aloy) can inflict, how long it takes her to take down a Thunderjaw from the Forbidden West based on the weapons she possesses, and how much healing she can access. Each interaction within the game is tailored to one player’s skills.

In a cooperative game environment where multiple players are involved, things can get a bit more intricate. For instance, the online game Horizon is said to introduce a fresh lineup of characters for players to select, each potentially coming with unique equipment, roles, and strategic dynamics. As such, it’s essential that the game remains balanced and enjoyable whether played alone or by teams of two, three, or four, working together to take down colossal machines (if that’s indeed the central premise).

If multiple characters can mob a machine simultaneously, it might dilute the intense atmosphere that games have been known for, creating a less challenging experience. On the other hand, if machines are made excessively large or robust to counteract cooperative firepower, single players may feel the game is unfairly difficult or impossible to play.

The task at hand is to create systems and interactions that can adapt wisely as they grow. It appears that Guerrilla Games is making the right moves, considering their recent hiring of a Senior Combat Designer towards the end of 2024, which didn’t escape notice.

Guerrilla Games Can Take Inspiration From Games With A Similar Premise

In Horizon Forbidden West, the difficulty system is a strong base for the developers to expand upon. As I crank up the challenge to Very Hard and Ultra Hard, the gameplay mechanics and enemy behavior shift dramatically. Instead of just soaking up damage, enemies morph into cunning adversaries with twice the detection range and an unseen health meter. Smoke bombs, my go-to against Horizon’s colossal machines, lose their edge in this mode, compelling me to rethink my combat strategies. The battlefield becomes a riskier place, ratcheting up the tension as I grapple with these new challenges.

In my gaming world, it’s clear that Guerrilla Games has a knack for adjusting AI enemy behavior seamlessly – something that could be a game-changer when tackling the single-player/co-op dilemma in their upcoming project. To take things to the next level, they might want to explore successful instances of cooperative play scaling, like what we see in Elden Ring, and use it as a blueprint for their own masterpiece.

It’s well-known that the standout title from FromSoftware is celebrated for its exceptionally tough boss battles and wide array of playstyle adjustments. Consequently, certain gamers choose to engage in these boss fights collectively by inviting skilled friends or fellow players into their duels to boost their chances of emerging victorious.

In Elden Ring, the health of bosses is increased with each summon, as a way to even things out when players have an advantage due to having more companions.

Guerrilla Games might design its next game so that the strength of the machines increases with the size of your party, making it harder to find and exploit their weak spots. Additionally, certain traps and tools could lose effectiveness, similar to smoke bombs in Horizon Forbidden West, to maintain a balance in the gameplay dynamics when more players are involved.

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2025-06-02 03:34