As the gaming industry continues to evolve, one of the most anticipated events of the year is the announcement of the Game of the Year 2023 (GOTY) winner. In 2023, the competition was fierce, with a number of highly anticipated games released throughout the year. After much anticipation, the winner of the coveted GOTY award was finally announced, and it was none other than “Horizon Forbidden West.” In this article, we will take a closer look at the game that won GOTY 2023, exploring its gameplay mechanics, storyline, and the reasons behind its success. We will also examine the other games that were in contention for the award, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses
Gameplay Mechanics
“Horizon Forbidden West” is a third-person action role-playing game that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world. The gameplay mechanics are similar to its predecessor, “Horizon Zero Dawn,” with players controlling the main protagonist, Aloy, as she navigates the dangerous world filled with robotic creatures.
One of the most impressive aspects of the gameplay mechanics is the variety of weapons and combat options available to players. Aloy can use a wide range of weapons, including bows, slingshots, and spear-like weapons, each with their own unique abilities and upgrade paths. Additionally, players can use traps, potions, and other items to help them in combat.
Another notable feature of the gameplay mechanics is the variety of environments players can explore. The game takes place in a fictional version of the Western United States, and players can traverse through deserts, forests, and snowy mountain regions. Each environment has its own unique challenges and enemies, providing players with a diverse range of experiences.
Storyline
The storyline of “Horizon Forbidden West” picks up where its predecessor left off. Aloy, the main protagonist, is on a mission to uncover the secrets of a mysterious plague that is infecting the world’s wildlife. Along the way, she must also confront a new threat, a group known as the Tenakth.
The storyline is engaging and well-written, with plenty of plot twists and surprises. The game’s developers, Guerrilla Games, have done an excellent job of building upon the existing lore and world-building from the first game, while also introducing new elements and characters.One of the strengths of the storyline is the way it explores complex themes such as environmentalism and the consequences of advanced technology. These themes are explored through the game’s setting, which takes place in a world where humans have long been extinct, and machines now roam the land.
Reasons for Success
There are several reasons why “Horizon Forbidden West” was able to win the GOTY award in 2023. One of the primary reasons is the game’s impressive graphics and visual design. The game features stunningly realistic environments and character models, which make the game feel incredibly immersive.
Another reason for the game’s success is the way it builds upon the mechanics and world-building of the first game. “Horizon Forbidden West” feels like a natural evolution of the series, rather than a simple rehash of the same formula.
The game’s storyline and themes are also strong factors in its success. The game tackles complex and thought-provoking ideas, making it stand out from other games in the genre.
Contenders for the Award:
While “Horizon Forbidden West” ultimately took home the GOTY award in 2023, there were several other games that were strong contenders for the prize. Here are a few of the other games that were in the running:
1. Elden Ring
Elden Ring is an upcoming action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The game is being created by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creator of the Dark Souls series, and George R.R. Martin, the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series. Elden Ring is set in a vast and fantastical world, filled with magic, mythical creatures, and ancient ruins. The game is expected to be a challenging and immersive experience, with players exploring the world, fighting enemies, and uncovering secrets.
2. Starfield
Starfield is an upcoming role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game is set in space, with players taking on the role of a space explorer in the future. The game promises to be a vast and immersive experience, with players able to explore different planets, encounter alien species, and engage in space combat. Starfield is expected to be a visually stunning game, with cutting-edge graphics and realistic physics.
3. God of War Ragnarok
God of War: Ragnarok is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is a sequel to the 2018 game God of War, which won numerous awards, including Game of the Year. God of War: Ragnarok continues the story of Kratos and his son Atreus as they travel through Norse mythology. The game promises to be a visually stunning experience, with realistic graphics and an immersive storyline.
4. Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West is an upcoming action role-playing game developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game is a sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, which was released in 2017 and received critical acclaim. Horizon Forbidden West takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, where players take on the role of Aloy, a skilled hunter and archer. The game promises to be a visually stunning experience, with players exploring a vast and beautiful world filled with dangerous creatures and ancient ruins
Conclusion
The year 2023 was a very tough competition for the Game of the Year award and all things considered Elden Ring and God of War Ragnarok deserve a whole lot of respect each as well. However, Horizon Forbidden West definitely deserved to win the award. Which game do you think should have won the award? Let us know in the comments. Also check out our article on the leaks and rumors for the sequel to last year’s game of the year award winner, The Last of Us Part 3.
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