Videogames: Horizon Forbidden West - Language & Representations

Language

Introduction

Read this review of Horizon Forbidden West in the Financial Times (should be non-paywalled but you can read the text of article here if needed). Answer the following questions:

1) Why does Guerrilla Games have 'a serious case of bad timing'?

Guerrilla Games is deemed to have 'a serious case of bad timing' as it released its 2017 game Horizon Zero Dawn just before the launch of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which overshadowed Guerrilla's game. Similarly, with the release of Horizon Forbidden West, it faces competition from another phenomenon, Elden Ring, creating a pattern of unfortunate timing for the studio.

2) What is the narrative for the original game Horizon Zero Dawn?

Horizon Zero Dawn is set in a post-apocalyptic world, a thousand years after machines wiped out most of humanity. The survivors have formed tribal communities with varying views on technology relics, and the game follows the flame-haired heroine Aloy. Aloy's journey involves unravelling the mysteries of her identity alongside narrating the tales of warring clans and the downfall of the world due to rampaging machines.

3) How is the central character Aloy described?

Aloy is described as a flame-haired heroine who possesses a balance of grit and tenderness. She is acknowledged as one of her console generation's most memorable new characters. Aloy's character is well-received for her nuanced portrayal and contributes to the unexpectedly compelling narrative of Horizon Zero Dawn.

4) What is the narrative and setting for sequel Horizon Forbidden West?

Horison Forbidden West occurs in Nevada and California, diverging from the previous game's setting in Colorado. The narrative revolves around a new threat to humanity that players, as the protagonist, must address. While the first game focused on unravelling the mysteries of Aloy's identity, the sequel explores themes of climate catastrophe and the consequences of big tech with a more diffuse yet nuanced script.

5) What does the review say about animation and graphics?

The review praises Horizon Forbidden West as the first truly eye-popping display of the PS5's capabilities. The graphics are described as beautiful, with the reviewer often pausing the adventure to admire the landscape. The character models, especially Aloy's complex hairstyle, and facial expressions are highlighted for achieving unprecedented realism, with the game character effectively conveying subtext through subtle gestures.

6) What do we learn about the gameplay and activities in Horizon Forbidden West?

Horizon Forbidden West's gameplay offers robust and satisfying combat complemented by stunning visuals. Aloy's movements are described as ultra-fluid, with the addition of new tools like a grappling hook and paraglider. The combat requires players to think strategically, analysing opponents' behaviours and utilising traps and elemental attacks. The game introduces improvements from the previous instalment, allowing better use of stealth and melee weapons. Additionally, the sequel expands on the original with more content, including underwater caves, salvage contracts, towering robots, and even a board game, ensuring a massive and engaging experience. The review emphasises that while the game is extensive, it is not bloated, and most activities feel consequential due to Guerrilla's smart design and writing.

Close textual analysis

Watch the trailer for Horizon Forbidden West:

Answer the following questions:

1) How is narrative, character and setting introduced in the trailer?

Narrative:

The narrative follows a woman who explores a post-apocalyptic abandoned America. She fights monsters, climbs mountains, and dives underwater in order to save the world

Character:

Aloy is presented as a strong, independent character who is able to fight monsters

Setting:

The setting is a post-apocalyptic abandoned America. The area is near the ocean

2) How is the game's open world / sandbox genre shown in the trailer?

The trailer shows a wide variety of settings, some stretching out for many miles

3) What representations can you find in the trailer? 

Strong representation of a female protagonist

AQA recommends watching the following gameplay trailer in their CSP booklet:

Watch the gameplay video and answer the following questions:

1) How does the game use media language to communicate ideas about narrative and genre?

Lush tropical environment suggests that this is a game about adventure and exploration

Abandoned landscape with mechanical monsters conveys the idea of a post-apocalyptic world

2) What representations of people, places or groups can you find in the gameplay video?

The female protagonist helps a man recover from his injuries, which subverts the "damsel-in-distress" stereotype

However, it also reinforces the stereotype that women are "caring"

3) What audience pleasures are suggested by this gameplay trailer?

Escapism/Diversion

Narrative and genre

Read this excellent Den of Geek article that addresses elements of narrative and genre. You can find the article text here if the link is blocked. Answer the following questions: 

1) Read the opening to the article. How can we apply Steve Neale's genre theory to Horizon Forbidden West?

In the context of Steve Neale's genre theory, Horizon Forbidden West can be seen as adhering to the conventions and expectations of the open-world action-adventure genre. The article suggests that the game follows a familiar formula, maintaining certain elements and design choices from its predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn. This adherence to a known formula is characteristic of how genres operate, providing a framework that helps audiences understand and engage with the content. The article also highlights the tension between the desire for innovation and the comfort derived from familiarity, a dynamic often present in genre theory discussions.

2) How many copies did the Horizon Zero Dawn sell, and why did this influence the design of the sequel?

Horizon Zero Dawn reportedly sold over 20 million copies. The article suggests that the success of the original game influenced the design of the sequel, Horizon Forbidden West. With such a substantial player base, the developers likely felt a business imperative to maintain certain elements that contributed to the success of the first game. Additionally, factors like the shortage of next-gen consoles and the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic may have influenced the decision to stick closely to the established formula, ensuring a wider audience appeal and addressing practical development constraints.

3) How does the article criticize the story in Horizon Forbidden West?

The article criticises the story in Horizon Forbidden West for its reliance on extended dialogues and exposition delivered by a multitude of side characters. While acknowledging the strengths of the game's world and mythology, the critique suggests that the narrative experience is hindered by an excessive amount of exposition. The article contends that the game's occasional struggles to expand its best qualities across a larger world lead to moments of weariness, questioning whether a different approach to storytelling could have enhanced the overall experience.

4) What do we learn about the gameplay?

The article highlights several improvements in Horizon Forbidden West's gameplay compared to its predecessor. The hunting combat system, already compelling in Horizon Zero Dawn, is said to be better in the sequel. New features such as an expanded stash system, improved spear skills, and enhanced navigation mechanics contribute to a more enjoyable and dynamic gameplay experience. Despite some flaws, including cumbersome inventory management and certain platforming issues, the article emphasises that the game succeeds in refining its moment-to-moment gameplay, making it a better overall experience.

5) What is the article's overall summary of the game?

The article's overall summary of Horizon Forbidden West is positive, acknowledging its improvements in gameplay and appreciating the developer's efforts to enhance what worked well in Horizon Zero Dawn. It recognises the game's ambitious world-building, engaging battles against mechanical monsters, and a mythos that combines old-world customs with sci-fi concepts. While acknowledging the familiarity of the open-world genre, the article suggests that Forbidden West, along with titles like Ghost of Tsushima, represents a new breed of open-world games that use genre conventions to support ambitious artistic ideas, making them fresh and impressive experiences. The article encourages readers to look beyond the perceived formula and appreciate the unique qualities that set the game apart.

Representations

Read this fascinating Polygon feature on why Horizon Forbidden West isn't post-racial and answer the following questions: 

1) How does Horizon Forbidden West use narrative to create a fully diverse cast of characters?

Horizon Forbidden West creates a fully diverse cast of characters through its narrative by establishing a post-racial world in the 31st century. Following the eradication of human civilisation by machines, the terraforming AI GAIA rebuilds life on Earth without the historical and societal structures that fuelled racism in the 21st century. This narrative move allows the game developers to include characters of all skin colours, presenting a world with genetic diversity but without the racial tensions of the past.

2) What is orientalism?

Orientalism is a form of racism in which the West, typically Europe and North America, projects perceptions of savagery and beauty onto the East, known as the Orient. It involves seeing Eastern cultures and people as both alluring and threatening to Western civilisation. Orientalism can manifest in literal imperial exploitation, leading to wars and conflicts based on the belief of Western cultural and democratic superiority, as well as aesthetic exploitation, where Eastern styles and imagery are appropriated and fetishised to rejuvenate Western taste.

3) How does the article suggest orientalism applies to Horizon Forbidden West?

The article suggests that orientalism is embedded in the core narrative of Horizon Forbidden West, particularly in its exploration of exotic lands. Protagonist Aloy's journey in the Forbidden West, representing the present-day southwestern U.S. and California, involves encountering foreign tribes, religions, and customs, portraying her as both an explorer and a white saviour. The article highlights instances of Orientalist imagery, such as the Golden Pagoda mission in Las Vegas and the symbolic use of the war elephant (Tremortusk), perpetuating stereotypes and tropes associated with Eastern cultures.

4) Who is the player encouraged to identify with in the game, and how does this influence how representations are constructed?

The player is encouraged to identify with the protagonist, Aloy, in Horison Forbidden West. Aloy, portrayed as a white saviour and explorer, is presented as the character who understands the world's stakes and must navigate the politics of various tribes to convince them of the severity of the challenges. This identification with Aloy influences how representations are constructed, as the player is immersed in her perspective and mission. However, the article argues that this identification also involves role-playing cultural violence, including Orientalism, as the narrative perpetuates stereotypes and tropes associated with Asian cultures.

5) Finally, what did the writer of the article (an Asian American) feel when playing the game?

The writer, an Asian American, expresses disappointment and discomfort while playing Horizon Forbidden West. Despite the game's setting in a supposedly post-racial world, the writer argues that the developers unintentionally repeat Orientalist tropes in their design choices. The choices in aesthetics and narrative, such as the representation of Asian cultures as perpetually foreign, mysterious, and threatening, lead the writer to feel that they are role-playing cultural violence, contributing to the racism experienced as an Asian American. The writer emphasises that even though the game's world is post-racial, it still reflects and perpetuates racialised underpinnings from the real world.

Focusing on Aloy and the representation of women in videogames, read this Forbes feature on the topic. Answer the following questions:

1) What is the debate regarding Aloy in Horizon Forbidden West?

The debate regarding Aloy in Horizon Forbidden West revolves around her representation as a female protagonist. Aloy has been lauded by some as a positive form of female representation in games, particularly for not conforming to traditional beauty standards and for being a more "normal" heroine. However, the debate has sparked due to some gamers criticising her appearance, with claims that she was made "too ugly." This debate has led to discussions about the expectations and standards imposed on female characters in video games.

2) What examples are provided of other female characters and representations in video games?

The article provides examples of various female characters and representations in video games. These include:

Bayonetta: Mentioned as a character that sparked a debate about whether her unapologetic sexuality was empowering or degrading.

Lara Croft (Tomb Raider): Acknowledged as a character who has been a poster child for discussions about sexualisation in gaming history. The article recognises that while her original design was sexualised, she is also considered a great female protagonist and an icon for many women in gaming.

Lady Dimitrescu: Referenced as another example of a female character in video games.

Chun-Li: Mentioned as part of the diverse range of female characters in video games.

Kassandra, Ellie, and Abby from The Last of Us: Representing the variety of female characters in present-day video games.

The article emphasises that there is room for all types of female characters in games, including those with different aesthetics, styles, and levels of sexualisation.

3) What are the issues facing the video game industry in terms of gender?

The article highlights the massive problems in the video game industry concerning gender, particularly with regard to the treatment of women employees. It notes the challenges of retaining women employees and ensuring their fair treatment within the gaming development sector. The article also mentions ongoing gender discrimination claims against PlayStation, pointing to the real issues the industry faces in terms of gender inequality. While acknowledging the existence of female characters created within a male gaze, the article argues that debates about the attractiveness of characters should not overshadow the industry's broader problems related to gender discrimination and mistreatment of women.