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'? 

As soon as it released they were really unfortunate as a game that carried a huge fanbase was released called Zelda: Breath of the wild. It was ultimately overshadowed which was released a week after Horizon Forbidden West. Another giant of a game came out called Elden Ring also released.

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

The games take place a thousand years after rampaging machines have wiped out most of humanity. Survivors have clustered into tribal communities who view relics of technology as objects of either suspicion or religious reverence. The dramas of warring clans are narrated alongside the tale of how our world came to ruin.

3) How is the central character Aloy described? 

Heroine Aloy, who balances grit and tenderness as one of the most memorable new characters of its console generation. A courageous tenacious warrior who fights her way through unexplored new biomes and climates. Not afraid or will shy away from a task.

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

Horizon Forbidden West continues the story of Aloy half a year after the events of the Zero Dawn, a young huntress of the Nora tribe sent on a quest to a mysterious frontier spanning Utah to the Pacific coast to find the source of a mysterious plague that kills all it infects.

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

The review says that "Forbidden West is the first truly eye-popping flex of the PS5’s muscles, with graphics so beautiful that I have often found myself halting the adventure just to gawp at the landscape". It stunned them.

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

Forbidden West’s gameplay offers robust, satisfying combat beneath its good looks. Aloy’s movement feels ultra-fluid as she deftly transitions between sliding, climbing and making use of new tools such as a grappling hook and paraglider.

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

They introduce the heroin and her exploring the world. Then the disequilibrium the climate and the world slowing deteriorating filled with these robot monsters. Humans as the antagonists controlling the robot monsters

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

Limitless. You see wide and expanded terrains and different and unique biomes to explore and endeavour in. It is a beautiful world.

3) What representations can you find in the trailer? 

 

 A variety of tribes and their culture was shown although there was controversy that struck with the representation them that they were violent and uncontrollable which angered many audiences.

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

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

Tribes, Golden gate bridge and the antagonist organization which Aloy fights throughout the story.

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

Entertainment the gameplay is refreshing unique. The graphics further emphasises this point. Escaping reality and exploring this post apocalyptic world 1000 years into the future.

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?

It repeats similar genre conventions from the previous game Horizon Zero dawn but with a much larger more explorable world and much more complex game mechanics.

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

It sold over 20 million copies a large amount. This of course incentives Guerilla games to expand on this story and develop it further which can bring a larger audience.

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

The introduction of many side characters and backgrounds is a little too much to dive into it needed the right amount but they over relied on this factor which lead to a disruption in the narrative

4) What do we learn about the gameplay? 

You fight against massive robotic monsters/dinosours, while exploring and discovering many key historic landmarks.

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

The game is celebrated for its artistic ambition, detailed open-world design, and solid continuation of the series. While not without flaws, it is considered a step forward in the action-adventure genre​.

Representations

Race representations in Horizon Forbidden West

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?

The narrative incorporates diverse genetic and cultural traits as part of its post-apocalyptic world, where humanity’s reconstruction includes varied ethnicities and cultural practices​.

2) What is orientalism? 

Orientalism is a Western perspective that eroticises or stereotypes Eastern cultures, portraying them as inferior or needing Western intervention.

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

Critics argue that Aloy’s role as a saviour reinforces colonialist themes, with indigenous tribes portrayed in stereotypical ways. This reflects subtle orientalism in the game’s world-building​.

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

Players are encouraged to identify with Aloy, whose perspective as a white protagonist can shape how tribal and diverse cultures are viewed within the narrative​.

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

The writer felt uneasy about the orientalist themes, noting a disconnect between the game’s representation of diverse cultures and its underlying narrative choices​.

Gender and videogames

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?

Some debates focus on her perceived attractiveness, challenging traditional portrayals of female protagonists in games. 

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

Characters like Lara Croft and Bayonetta are cited for their sexualised designs, contrasting with Aloy’s more realistic representation.

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

The industry struggles with sexism, both in its portrayal of women and workplace dynamics. Female characters often cater to the male gaze, and gender discrimination persists in studios like PlayStation​.