Horizon Forbidden West, along with its remastered predecessor Horizon Zero Dawn, has set a new standard for visual excellence in console gaming, particularly on the new PS5 Pro. This comes as no surprise given that the game's developer, Guerrilla Games, is renowned for its cutting-edge technology and artistry. The latest upgrades to Horizon Forbidden West have pushed the boundaries of what the PS5 Pro can achieve in terms of graphics and performance.
Recently, in a video by Digital Foundry, tech analyst John Linneman shared his thoughts on the graphical improvements made in the PS5 Pro version of the game. He expressed immense admiration for the game's visuals, describing them as some of the best he has ever seen on a console. The level of detail in the game's environment, from the intricate grasslands to the rugged rocks, enhances the immersive experience, making it feel comparable to playing on a high-end PC.
Originally, when Horizon Forbidden West launched on the base PS5, it struggled with maintaining smooth visuals at 60 frames per second, with noticeable artefacts and shimmering due to the high density of visual details. However, Guerrilla Games addressed these issues with a subsequent patch, significantly improving the visual performance and reducing distractions that took away from the stunning game world.
On the PS5 Pro, these problems are nearly nonexistent. Horizon Forbidden West looks exceptional, with improvements in texture detail, lighting, and overall stability. What makes this achievement even more impressive is that Guerrilla Games opted not to use Sony's AI-based upscaling technology, PSSR, but instead developed their own in-house solution tailored to maximize the potential of their Decima Engine. This bespoke solution has clearly paid off, allowing them to enhance the game's aesthetics beyond the original capabilities.
John Linneman pointed out the visual "busyness" that now feels purposeful and refined on the PS5 Pro. The game's environments are full of life and detail that draw players deeper into its world. Each blade of grass, pebble on the path, and breeze through the trees contribute to a cohesive and engaging world that is both a joy to explore and a testament to the skills of its creators.
With these enhancements, Horizon Forbidden West on the PS5 Pro is not just about graphical improvements but also about elevating the overall gaming experience. The remastered game provides a smoother and more engaging experience that rivals some of the best PC games, which is a significant achievement for a console game.
Moreover, it seems likely that Guerrilla Games will share its successful technology and techniques with Sony, potentially paving the way for similar enhancements in other games developed under the PlayStation umbrella. This could mark a new era of graphical excellence in console gaming, driven by the innovations introduced in Horizon Forbidden West.
For those who haven’t yet experienced Horizon Forbidden West or are considering revisiting the world in its remastered glory, the PS5 Pro offers the definitive version. The enhancements are not just cosmetic but transformative, providing a richer, more detailed, and immersive experience that sets a new benchmark for what can be expected from console games in terms of visual fidelity and performance.
Gamers and tech enthusiasts alike may find themselves drawn to the PS5 Pro as the platform of choice for experiencing the most visually stunning versions of their favorite games, with Horizon Forbidden West leading the charge.
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