But they try really hard to make each side quest and everything not feel arbitrary, which brings the games writing above that of other open world games. A lot of the quests are directly connected to the main storyline and it’s effective.
What’s your bar for open world storytelling then? I think it’s fair to assess horizon by comparing it to other traditional open worlds just like it’s fair to compare ER to other souls like games. In the lane of open world, there’s nothing better than horizon
Because it’s a massive step above any other open world story in terms of making every quest purposeful and charming… let me guess your bar for open world storytelling is Geraldino Witcher man Vibeo game and you’re butthurt that you can’t fuck every character you see on a unicorn.
It’s an evolution of the first game, so yeah some of it is dated and some of it seems traditional, but overall it’s a massive improvement of the formula they started with, especially with how creative some of the “dated” shit is to try and spice it up. and yeah I love the writing especially how in depth every tiny quest is. Parts are cheesy but it’s a fucking video game where you kill robo triceratops in the future! The character interactions are super cute and no other open world game has the level of detail and care put into each little piece. Just my opinion though comrade, some people prefer reading scrolls or talking to scantily clad lolis to get their stories. I prefer decently acted well thought out storytelling.
Recreated an account just to say Horizon: FW is leagues above “the dark souls of open world souls-like games” or whatever the journos have labeled Elden Ring. Especially in terms of the writing, world, and story and ESPECIALLY for us as lefties. I’ve been having the best time ever sinking my teeth into it, as traditional as some of its systems are I’ve never played a better synergy of writing, gameplay, and graphics. The combat is difficult af if you don’t do research or play the first game though so beware that. Accessibility options are available in it too! Don’t trust the reviewers and the angry gamers, it’s spectacular. I might need to make a post ranting about how it’s the best AAA title since TLOUII.
Ppl are sick of open world games but if it’s a good game it’s a good game lol. A good example of a game within a genre is good even if you don’t personally like the genre. It’s like when a non 4x player reviews a paradox game and just doesn’t get it. I’m not even a huge fan of open world games but I’m still able to point out when a game is exceptional. Esp in comparison w the universally praised game the OP is about that appears to be just as dated and fucked up just in ways souls players have come to accept as part of the genre.