Videogame review: ‘Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores’

Fans of the popular post-apocalyptic “Horizon” franchise can unlock some enticing downloadable content (DLC) with “Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores” (Sony Interactive Entertainment). This extension of the second installment in the series provides a satisfying, but not overwhelming, amount of material to explore.

At the center of the action, once again, is young 31st-century huntress Aloy (voice of Ashly Burch). The narrative here serves as an epilogue to Aloy’s westward journey across what was once the United States, an odyssey that began with 2017’s “Horizon Zero Dawn.” This chapter takes her all the way to the ruins of Los Angeles.

There, so Aloy is informed by a call from her ally Sylens (voice of the late Lance Reddick), a member of the nomadic Banuk tribe – the last of the Zeniths, the race of metahumans Aloy battled in the previous outing — lurks in hiding. The Zeniths left Earth in the 21st century and discovered the key to effective immortality.

In response to Sylens’ alert, Aloy heads to the dangerous and ravaged West Coast — now known as the Burning Shores due to millennia of volcanic and tectonic activity — to investigate.

The DLC is as visually stunning as the base game. Players are treated to picturesque skyscapes and pass colorful scattered islands lying in the midst of the flooded city.

There are new characters to meet and new mechanical animals to fight in the no-longer-Golden State. But battles are not graphic and human foes, when defeated, merely disappear in a puff of red mist. Aloy also gains access to new perks in her skill tree which enhance combat.

Aloy is a steadfast heroine who strives for justice and peace wherever she goes. That’s a tall order given that so many tribes have been isolated or at war over the course of many years. But Aloy carries with her a message of hope for the future of humanity that proves inspiring.

Along with Aloy’s personal uprightness, the story emphasizes the importance of trusting others, teamwork and companionship. Raised an outcast, Aloy is not always quick to let people into her circle of confidants. But the plot finds her making strides in this regard. Additionally, the problematic cloning theme found in 2022’s “Horizon Forbidden West” is kept in the background.

This attractive conclusion to Aloy’s current quest — which also paves the way for the next stand-alone episode — makes this an inviting title for grown-ups and perhaps older adolescents. It’s definitely too turbulent a trek, however, for youngsters.

Playable on PlayStation 5.

The game contains mature themes, mostly stylized combat violence with some blood effects and occasional crass language. The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. The Entertainment Software Rating Board rating is T – teen.

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