Horizon Forbidden West PS5: Reviews, Horizon Zero Dawn game on PS4 and PS5, Special Edition details and what to expect

We can finally can return to the world of Aloy and her terrifying machine companions.

The sequel to the hugely popular Horizon Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West, was released on Friday (February 18) as a PlayStation exclusive.

The open world RPG, by Sony Interactive Entertainment and Guerrilla Games, is available on PS4 and PS5 consoles only from £59.99.

Our favourite post-apocalypse red head is back to explore an enormous new world, discover more mysteries about the Ancient Ones, and have showdowns with awesome new machine enemies.

We’re not in Nora territory anymore.

What are the reviews like for Horizon Forbidden West?

The reviews are in for Horizon Forbidden West.

It’s a game which had a lot to live up to. The original Horizon Zero Dawn was hailed as a masterpiece for its beautiful design, immersive world, and engaging original protagonist in Aloy.

But it seems Guerrilla Games has pulled it off with Horizon Forbidden West, with most reviews heaping praise on it for both living up to the original and expanding on its brilliance.

IGN reporter Jonathan Dornbush said: “Combat is more complex, exploration is more free, and the world is teeming with more intriguing life (both robotic and human) and meaningful things to do.”

While The Guardian gave the game four stars and called it a “stunning example of just how good video games can look in 2022".

Empire said Horizon Forbidden West “doesn't just meet expectations – it shatters them like a Stalker-obliterating spear” and gave it five stars.

Gamesradar said the game is “nothing short of phenomenal” and Techradar hailed it as a “triumphant return for Aloy that finds a heart and soul among all the technology”.

However, Digital Spy was less complementary, writing: “If you wanted more of the same, you've got that. In spades. But if you were looking for a huge upgrade and some big changes, you'll be left a bit disappointed.”

How to get Horizon Forbidden West and game deals – including Regalla Edition

You can currently order Horizon Forbidden West from the PlayStation store.

The standard edition costs £59.99 on the PS4, but this is also playable on the PS5 – saving you £10.

Meanwhile, the PS4 and PS5 standard addition costs £69.99.

And for serious fans, the Digital Deluxe Edition costs £79.99.

This includes a digital soundtrack and artbook, digital comic book, two Carja Behemoth Elite items, two Nora Thunder Elite items, a Machine Strike piece, in-game resources pack, and extras in Photo Mode.

Alternatively, you can order Horizon Forbidden West on PS4 at Argos for £59.99, Amazon for £51.95, and at Game for £59.99.

Game is also offering the PS5 version for £69.99, and exclusive PS4 and PS5 special editions for £69.99 and £79.99 respectively.

A Collector’s Edition of Horizon Forbidden West can be purchased at Game for £169.99 – including a steelbook display case, mini artbook, and Tremortusk and Aloy statues.

And a Regalla Edition is also available to pre-order exclusively at Game for £229.99. This includes the collector’s edition extras as well as a replica Focus with stand, two art cards, a Clawstrider Machine Strike piece, and Sunwing Machine Strike piece.

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What new machines are in Horizon Forbidden West?

There are dozens of new machines for Aloy to fight or override in Horizon Forbidden West.

Perhaps the most intimidating new machine we’ve glimpsed so far is the Tremortusk, a colossal elephant-like machine.

Then there is the Slitherfang, a huge cobra, Rollerback, resembling a rolling pangolin, and Sunwings, which look like pterosaurs with solar panel wings.

There are also dinosaur-like machines seen swimming in the depths of the ocean. And it looks like, with her new diving kit, Aloy is set encounter them as she explores these sunken worlds.

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