Following the successful launch ofHorizon Forbidden Westearlier this year, there’s an expectation among fans that a third installment will follow in the future. Beyond the franchise’s growing significance to Sony’s multimedia plans, Guerrilla Games’ PS4 and PS5 sequel ended on a major cliffhanger. Whilethe wait for Aloy’s next adventureis likely going to be a lengthy one, it’s already possible to predict the direction the studio could take the threequel.
Mechanical, visual, and performance enhancements were all features ofHorizon Forbidden West, so it stands to reason that a third game will push each of these even further. Taking a step back and reintroducing some ofZero Dawn’s forgotten elements is another direction the studio could go down, though. The iconic Deathbringers from that game are one enemy type in particular that deserves a comeback for several reasons.
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Horizon Zero Dawn’s Deathbringers
As the Deathbringer moniker suggests, the machine type’s introduction inHorizon Zero Dawnwas a scary point in that game’s story. Having hunted robots based on realistic animals for several hours, Aloy’s first encounter with such a large and alien-looking machine was shocking. The fact thatthe Shadow Carja were effectively worshipinga group of Deathbringers as a cult further underlined how terrifying the machines could be.
Over the course ofHorizon Zero Dawn, Aloy gradually uncovered clues to the origins of the Deathbringers. Like most of the post-apocalyptic wasteland’s secrets, the machine type’s early days go back thousands of years to Faro Automated Solutions. In an attempt to solve the 21st century’s problems, the company created several classes of self-replicating robots. After gaining independence, the Deathbringers,codenamed the Khopesh line, eventually embarked on a quest to exterminate all organic life instead.
Despite their significance to both eras of the first game’s story, the Deathbringers didn’t play an active role inHorizon Forbidden West.Following the defeat of HADES, the machines and their ancient cousins all became inactive husks. While they were still a looming part of the sequel’s world, their status as landmarks ensured they were never a physical threat to Aloy or the player. The fact that their presence was still felt, though, suggests they could become a factor again in the future.
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The Deathbringers and Nemesis
The historical significance the Deathbringers haveto theHorizonuniverseisn’t the only reason that Guerrilla Games should bring them back. Based on where Aloy’s story is seemingly going, it’s easy to imagine the studio making them a key part of its future from a narrative perspective too. After all, as the likely climactic end to the franchise’s first saga, the story is crying out for scary callbacks and increased stakes.
At the end ofHorizon ForbiddenWest, Guerrilla Games started to lay the groundwork for that kind of scenario by revealing the Nemesis AI is currently heading to Earth. The entity’s mission is apparently to eradicate all life on the planet for a second time, following its abandonment byits creators the Far Zenith. Considering the Deathbringers played a big part in making the last mass extinction event happen, they seem like obvious targets for Nemesis to try to ally itself with.
Nemesis is more or less an amalgamation of several Far Zenith scientists, so it stands to reason that the AI is aware of how powerful the Deathbringers are. Convincing the likes of HEPHAESTUS to help it reactivate and acquire the services of the ancient machines doesn’t seem like much of a stretch either. Based on how Aloy has set off to unitethe tribes of theHorizonuniverse, it only seems fair that a coalition of adversaries also comes together to make that showdown more exciting.
Beyond their potential status as allies for Nemesis, the reintroduction of the Deathbringers would draw several neat lines betweenHorizon Zero Dawnand the third game in the trilogy. Although Aloy has managed to stop the Deathbringers once, they still remain a potential threat to the universe. Similarly, during their first rampage, Dr. Elisabet Sobeck only temporarily stopped themduring Operation: Enduring Victory. Having her genetic clone finish them off for good would give that story a fitting resolution while allowing Aloy to fully step out from her shadow.
Deathbringers and Their Gameplay Potential
Although theHorizonseries has been celebrated because of its deep lore and connected world, Guerrilla Games has gone to great lengths to make each entry an enjoyable RPG as well. Gameplay advancements and revisions arelikely inevitable forHorizon 3because of this. Having played an important role in making the first game’s mechanics memorable, the Deathbringers deserve to come back due to the positive impacts they could have on this front too.
While there’s no denying thatHorizon Forbidden West’s animal-inspired machineswere impressive, the third game could benefit from an expanded roster. When it comes to variety, most of the sequel’s enemies fit into a handful of categories. From a design perspective, it’s also clear that each has been created by GAIA and her subroutines. The Deathbringers, as well as their ancient cousins solve these potential issues instantly. Beyond looking alien to the rest of the universe’s present day, the Deathbringers offer unique gameplay opportunities.
Unlike most ofthe machines that Aloy has faced, the Deathbringers are bulky reinforced tanks. Although they lack speed, their sheer power and versatility make up for that shortcoming. Similarly, beyond an overheating issue and weakness to fire, they’re almost invulnerable for added measure. From a gameplay perspective, Guerrilla Games didn’t introduce a new enemy type inForbidden Westto replace the intimidating threat they once presented.
That means the door is wide open for them toreturn in the theoreticalHorizon 3. While they were already scary to begin with inZero Dawn, there’s scope for Guerrilla Games to ratchet things up further to really drive that point home. Nemesis-backed upgrades that take away their overheating issues seem like an obvious starting point. Since they went into hibernation, it’s worth keeping in mind that Aloy has received upgrades herself. Their size also seems like a great opportunity for her grappling abilities to flourish in combat, for example.
Horizon Forbidden Westis available now on PS4 and PS5.
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