Guerrilla Games’ upcoming Horizon: Zero Dawn looks to be one of the most exciting upcoming games- the world just looks to be one that begs to be explored, full of mysteries and secrets, intertwined inextricably with the very premise of the game itself. And according to Guerrilla Games Managing Director Hermen Hulst, that was what Guerrilla were aiming for with the game.
Speaking at a panel at the PlayStation Experience, Hulst discussed how Guerrilla went with Horizon as their next game after Shadow Fall because of how alluring its central concept was. The team decided early on that the world would be full of tantalizing mysteries that bespeak of an ancient past, but which also provided a foundation for the world’s future- something that the tribes in the game would be able to build on. This sense of mystery permeates not just the story (where the mystery will be general and about the world and the narrative, but also personal, relating to Aloy and her past and her fate), but also the gameplay mechanics and world design- for instance, there will be many dungeons in the game, which will further shed light on the world’s mysteries.
This mystery will also tie into the game’s name, with Hulst confirming that the title Zero Dawn will make complete sense once the game has been completed by players. That apart, Hulst admitted that he was walking on eggshells here, since the team were trying very hard not to share much- they don’t want to give the mystery away.
I can appreciate that- the allure of the game’s world’s mystery is one of the biggest reasons that I am so excited for it. Horizon: Zero Dawn launches on the PS4 in February 2017.