Horizon’s New Game Has a Strange Problem for Fans

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Let’s be clear: Horizon Hunters Gathering is a very unusual game. The way it was announced – a surprise reveal from PlayStation on a typical Thursday – was odd to begin with. The core idea feels different from previous Horizon games, and the new art style has caused a lot of disagreement. In fact, some fans might stop following the game altogether just because of how it looks.

The unusual nature of Horizon Hunters Gathering, and the generally negative reaction it’s received from fans and new players, boils down to a core issue: it doesn’t quite feel like a natural extension of the main Horizon games in terms of its overall style and mood. While I understand the criticism of the game’s art style, I actually think it fits the setting and tone quite well. My concern is that Guerrilla Games didn’t fully realize its potential.

Horizon Hunters Gathering’s Art Style Actually Works

I know this might be a controversial opinion, but I really enjoy the art style of Horizon Hunters Gathering. While some criticize it as a result of the trend towards live service games like Fortnite, and others rightly point out its similarities to Dauntless, I think Guerrilla Games’ new project has a beautiful and consistent art direction. It’s vibrant and expressive, and it really fits the game’s overall look and feel.

Horizon Hunters Gathering is a fast-paced, over-the-top action game, so its visuals are intentionally exaggerated and fantastical. Trying to make it look realistic, like Horizon Forbidden West, would be like turning the animated Spider-Verse movies into live-action – you’d lose the unique energy and smooth movement that make the game fun. While the action in Horizon Zero Dawn and Forbidden West is fluid, it aims for a different kind of experience than the more dynamic and expressive Hunters Gathering.

Since Horizon Hunters Gathering is a separate game, it makes sense that it has its own unique look. While spin-offs often need to stay true to the original game, they also allow developers to try new things. By making Hunters Gathering visually distinct, Guerrilla Games can move beyond the established art style of Horizon and create something fresh that still feels connected to the original. I think this approach works well, particularly for this type of game, but I also understand why some people aren’t thrilled with the change.

Horizon Hunters Gathering Shouldn’t Have Strayed From The Original Style

The first two Horizon games weren’t flawless, but they successfully created a consistent, melancholic atmosphere. This atmosphere was characterized by themes of sadness, loss, and loneliness, with occasional moments of levity. Because of this, the games weren’t overly flashy or stylized. While you can tell a story about these themes with a more stylized look, that style would need to match the story’s dark and depressing mood. Horizon Hunters Gathering’s bright, anime-inspired art style – with its exaggerated character designs and vibrant colors – simply doesn’t fit the somber themes of the original games.

Since Horizon Hunters Gathering is a spin-off, changing the dark and serious mood of the original games isn’t necessarily a mistake. However, such a big change is bound to upset some fans, especially since it affects both the story and the way the game looks. This goes further than the visual changes in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which also adopted a more cartoonish style despite the earlier games having a realistic fantasy feel. Ultimately, it’s a major reimagining of a well-known universe that clashes with what fans have come to expect.

I definitely support shaking things up and making big changes when needed, even completely reimagining a series. I wouldn’t want Guerrilla Games to stick with the same old formula just because I’m afraid of change. However, I understand that so much change so early on can feel sudden and disruptive, especially when a series is still new. That’s why I think Horizon Hunters Gathering would have been better off launching with a completely new name, separate from the Horizon brand.

Horizon Hunters Gathering Would Work Better As A New IP

While the game shares some surface-level features with the Horizon series, like recognizing IP and having a similar look, Horizon Hunters Gathering didn’t really need to be set in that universe. In fact, it might have been more successful if it hadn’t been. The game itself – a fast-paced, stylish co-op adventure where unique characters use fun abilities to fight giant robots – sounds genuinely exciting and has potential. But attaching the Horizon name actually creates a disconnect, making the game feel out of place and inconsistent with what players expect.

If Horizon Hunters Gathering had a simpler title, like just Hunters Gathering, it might have gained more traction. PlayStation really needs a fresh new game series, especially since many fans are disappointed with their recent sequels and the company’s focus on a limited number of story-driven games. While PlayStation has attempted to create new IPs before without success, Hunters Gathering benefits from being developed by a well-known studio with an existing fanbase – something the developers of Concord lacked.

It’s a shame that Horizon Hunters Gathering seems to be facing the same challenges as Concord, and risks falling short of expectations. While the game’s single-player story is a refreshing addition to the live service genre, it feels like even PlayStation isn’t entirely confident in its success, perhaps anticipating negative reactions. It’s disappointing to see the work of skilled creators criticized simply because of its connection to a previous, unsuccessful game. Hopefully, PlayStation will learn from this experience.

What are your thoughts on the artwork in Horizon Hunters Gathering? Share your opinion in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-10 20:12