This was understandable since PS5s are still not readily available for all, but this compromise should be adequately balanced with a PC port that can truly get the best out of the game's visuals. The graphical fidelity of Horizon Forbidden West was a surprise, not just because of its unwavering landscape beauty and gorgeous art style, but also because it was committed to a PlayStation 4 release and had to run consistently on hardware that is fast approaching a decade old. Taking the story to the Pacific and the sunny pastures of what was California was a stroke of genius, as it granted players new areas to explore and enemies to overcome. It released at a time when there were plenty of other options for gamers, but regardless of outside competition it garnered strong commercial sales and near-universal critical acclaim. Horizon Forbidden West was Sony's first and perhaps most substantial offering in 2022, showing the exploits of protagonist Aloy after the conclusion of the first game.