Horizon: Zero Dawn (and Forbidden West)

If you’re looking for another RPG to sink some time into, I heartily recommend the PlayStation-exclusive Horizon series (the first, Zero Dawn, is also available on PC). Horizon and FFXVI have their clear differences: Horizon features an open world and dino-robots, but that expanse of space and distinct enemy type might offer a satisfying change of pace from FFXVI’s more traditional medieval fantasy RPG experience.

Like FFXVI, there are mysteries at the heart of Horizon, which you’ll slowly uncover. It’s a science fiction story through and through, but given that it’s set far into the future after an apocalypse, the people of Horizon’s world live lives not too dissimilar from the denizens of Valisthea. And just as Clive begins to learn truths about the world hidden from most normal folk, so too will Horizon’s protagonist Aloy come to carry the burden of understanding why the world is the way that it is, and the true nature of the crisis it faces.

Horizon’s melee combat is simpler than what’s in FFXVI, but it makes up for that with bows that feel great and a dynamic action-based fighting style that encourages you to shoot off specific parts of your robo-dino foes, making use of specific elemental weaknesses when appropriate, and relying on traps to get tactical in your struggle against the metal beasties.

Horizon is also a visual treat in a way that Final Fantasy XVI rarely is, making use of its open world to give you a nice variety of gorgeous locales that’ll make you feel justified in an expensive console and TV combo purchase.

Buy Horizon: Zero Dawn: Amazon | GameStop 

Buy Horizon: Forbidden West: Amazon | Best Buy | GameStop | Target

That wraps our assortment of great games to pick up after Final Fantasy XVI. Which ones have you played? Are there any standouts or other games you’d recommend?