Horizon Forbidden West's latest expansion, Burning Shores,
takes players on a captivating journey through the iconic city of Los Angeles.
Serving as an epilogue to the main title, this DLC introduces new challenges
for our beloved protagonist, Aloy, to overcome.
Exploring the Vibrant World of Burning Shores
The Burning Shores DLC seamlessly integrates with the base
game's vast open world, providing players with a fresh experience in the lush
environments of Los Angeles. From the iconic Hollywood sign to a captivating
theme park, Aloy's adventure takes her through notable locations that add depth
and excitement to the overall narrative.
Unveiling the Story of Burning Shores
While not as extravagant as the base game, the story of
Burning Shores offers the perfect length for players seeking additional
content. Aloy embarks on a mission to unravel the mysteries surrounding Walter
Londra, a prominent figure in the old civilization turned entrepreneur in L.A.,
now known as Burning Shores. As Aloy dives into the world of space exploration,
players will accompany her on a roller coaster ride, teaming up with the new
character Seyka in search of her missing sister. Their investigation uncovers
Londra's hasty departure from the planet, leaving them questioning the reasons
behind his sudden exit.
The narrative showcases Aloy's character development as she
forms a new friendship with Seyka and establishes a connection with an outcast
who shares her struggles. The story culminates in a challenging boss fight,
leaving players with a memorable and satisfying experience. Indeed, Horizon
Forbidden West: Burning Shores delivers a "short & sweet"
storyline.
Thrilling Gameplay in Burning Shores
The gameplay mechanics in Burning Shores closely mirror those
of Horizon Forbidden West, allowing players to climb hills, battle formidable
robotic dinosaurs, and collect valuable artifacts for PlayStation trophies.
However, Aloy gains access to new armor and weapons that enhance her combat
prowess, including the powerful homing missile capable of taking down even the
toughest adversaries.
Additionally, Aloy discovers a new method of traversing the
world using geysers, leveraging her shield to ascend to higher viewpoints
swiftly. This traversal mechanic proves invaluable when searching for elusive
collectibles or executing a swift retreat during intense battles. Moreover,
Burning Shores offers players the opportunity to learn three new skills,
expanding Aloy's already impressive arsenal of abilities acquired in the base
game.
Immersive Graphics & Performance
As a PlayStation 5 exclusive, the Burning Shores DLC naturally
boasts impressive visuals. Los Angeles, transformed by the post-apocalyptic
setting, showcases a captivating blend of flooded streets and overgrown flora
reclaiming famous landmarks like the Hollywood sign. The graphical fidelity
truly shines, capturing the allure of a city overrun by nature's reclamation.
The DLC offers players three modes to tailor their experience:
resolution, performance (60 fps), and balanced. The balanced mode strikes a
perfect balance between stunning visuals and optimal frame rates, delivering a
smooth gameplay experience at around 40 fps in most scenarios. However, it's
important to note that this mode requires an HDMI 2.1 input and supports a
120Hz refresh rate.
For players who prioritize visual fidelity and are willing to
sacrifice frames, the resolution mode offers a breathtaking experience with its
2160p resolution, albeit capped at 30 fps.
Verdict: A Captivating Addition to Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West's Burning Shores DLC may not be as
expansive as some recent additions, but it provides a fulfilling and engaging
experience for fans of the franchise. With its new skills, weapons, enemy
types, and a compelling storyline, players can dive into approximately 7-8
hours of captivating gameplay. The stunning graphics and smooth performance on
the PlayStation 5 further enhance the immersive experience. While the
exclusivity to PlayStation 5 may disappoint some, the overall package of
Burning Shores makes it a worthwhile investment for fans of the base game.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Adds new skills, weapons, and enemies
- Beautiful graphics and impressive performance on PS5
- New traversal method saves time and enhances gameplay experience
- Short and sweet story that ties in nicely with the base game
Cons:
- DLC is exclusive to PS5, limiting accessibility for some players
- Story is not as extravagant as the base game
- Some may find the new homing missile weapon overpowered
- Limited gameplay variety compared to other recent DLCs.
