Horizon 3’s Tallnecks Get a Zelda Makeover!

by

In the upcoming Horizon game, it might be beneficial to draw inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom regarding innovative uses for the Tallneck mechanic, which was first introduced in Horizon Zero Dawn and played a significant role by enabling players to acquire maps and gain a comprehensive view of the game environment. Notably, the Tallnecks were particularly distinctive due to their impressive size, unique design, and passive nature compared to other machines. Although their appearance in Horizon Forbidden West was expected, Guerrilla Games aimed to create fresh Tallneck challenges for the sequel.

As a dedicated Horizon gamer, I can’t help but feel that the tantalizing ending of Forbidden West has all but sealed the deal for a third Horizon game. With the return of Tallnecks looking as likely as the game itself, Guerrilla Games might want to take inspiration from games that have found themselves in similar situations, like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. In this instance, a key mechanic, such as map acquisition, was revamped to keep things fresh for players. By employing similar strategies and expanding upon the existing mechanics of Horizon, Horizon 3 could deliver an exhilarating new take on its third generation of Tallnecks, ensuring that gameplay remains engaging and exciting.

Horizon Forbidden West Upped The Ante With Its Tallnecks

As a fan, it was the “Frozen Wilds” DLC for “Horizon Zero Dawn” that first intrigued me with its innovative approach to unveiling new map regions. In this expansion, players initially had to repair the Frostfigure’s Tallneck before taking control of it. Given that the sequel, “Forbidden West,” is expected to replicate this feature, I believe the ideas and puzzles introduced in “Frozen Wilds” might have influenced the creation of new Tallneck challenges for players, such as anchoring the Stillsands’ Tallneck or using flying mounts to reach The Shining Wasteland’s Tallneck. Even more fascinating was gaining knowledge about how Tallnecks were made through “Forbidden West’s” IOTA Cauldron, a crucial part of its Salt Bite region reveal.

In the development of Horizon 3, they should strive to surpass the Tallneck concept established in Forbidden West, rather than repeating the same mechanics as seen in Zero Dawn or its DLCs. To achieve this, looking at games like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which successfully addressed a similar challenge, could provide valuable insights for innovation.

Horizon 3 Should Take Inspiration From Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s Skyview Towers

In the sequel to Zelda: Breath of the Wild, called Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Skyview Towers were introduced instead of Sheikah Towers. These towers serve a similar purpose in unlocking maps, but they have some unique twists. Apart from launching players into the sky, players must explore and interact with new features like the Ultrahand tool and enemy camps before reaching these towers. In the potential third installment of Horizon, akin to its updated Tallnecks, it could utilize its new tools and abilities to discover tranquil Tallnecks and take control of them to unveil in-game areas.

Horizon 3 Has The Potential To Take Tallnecks Even Further

In considering how Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom innovates and the possibility that Horizon 3 will refine or introduce fresh mechanics, elements from Zero Dawn and Forbidden West could serve as valuable foundations for future Tallneck challenges in Horizon 3. For instance, if underwater exploration is featured again in Horizon 3, the Tallneck at Landfall from Forbidden West might inspire a new underwater puzzle. Alternatively, the enigma surrounding Salt Bite’s Tallneck could be reimagined to accommodate the absence of another Tallneck on the map in Horizon 3. By building upon existing settings and features, Horizon 3 has the potential to offer a revitalizing update for its Tallnecks.

  • A sunken Tallneck located deep underwater.
  • A decapitated Tallneck with its missing head hidden elsewhere in-game.
  • A Rebel Camp or Outpost built around a Tallneck’s path.
  • A one-off aggressive Tallneck that players must fight before overriding.

Read More

2025-04-06 15:06