Why is it Called Horizon?
Hello fellow gamers! This is Terry from 33rdsquare here to explore the meaning behind the evocative title of Guerrilla Games‘ hit series. As we journey beyond the horizon together, I‘ll share some of my tech and data insights into this post-apocalyptic open world adventure.
The Origins of "Horizon"
Let‘s start by nerding out over etymology! The word "horizon" derives from the ancient Greek "horizōn kyklos", meaning "separating circle". It refers to the circular line or boundary between earth and sky from the viewpoint of an observer.
This table shows the word‘s evolution from its Greek roots:
| Greek | Meaning |
|---|---|
| horizōn | from the verb horízō, meaning "to divide, separate" |
| kyklos | meaning "circle" |
| horizōn kyklos | "separating circle" |
Already we can see how this applies to the Horizon series, which is all about exploration and discovery across boundaries.
Linking to Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn depicts a new horizon for humanity – a new beginning after civilization has fallen. As players, we embark on a journey into the unknown to solve mysteries of the old world. The game‘s title neatly captures this idea of a new frontier.
Looking at the data shows what a groundbreaking new IP this was for Guerrilla Games:
- Released: 2017
- Units sold: Over 10 million
- Metacritic score: 89/100
As an innovator in creating open world adventures, Horizon carved out an exciting new horizon for the studio.
Expanding Horizons in Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West continues Aloy‘s journey into the unknown western lands beyond her homeland. The name "Forbidden West" summons images of an undiscovered country, shrouded in myth and mystery.
According to Guerrilla, this uncharted territory was sealed off long ago by the Sun King to stop further expansion. But for Aloy, the temptation to push horizons remains strong. She heads into the frontier lands to halt a deadly blight.
Based on critical and fan reception so far, Horizon Forbidden West has expanded the franchise‘s horizons even further:
- Released: 2022
- Expected units sold: 18-20 million
- Metacritic score: 88/100
A Philosophical Perspective
Horizon beautifully encapsulates the idea of horizons as both limitations and invitations. There are always new horizons to expand, new challenges to undertake. It ties into a philosophic perspective on knowledge.
As German philosopher Hans-Georg Gadamer described:
“Having a horizon means not being able to see very far. It means abiding within oneself and one’s present world view, within the limitations of what seems self-evident. To “have a horizon” means not being limited to what is nearby, but being able to see beyond it."
Just as Aloy‘s knowledge expands throughout her journey, broadening her horizons, so too can players find their horizons expanded through open world exploration. There is always something new over the next hill.
Horizon as a Gameplay Experience
On a gameplay level, the horizon takes on literal significance in Horizon‘s open world environments. As players survey the landscape, the horizon is where the eye meets the sky. It draws us onwards to discover what lies beyond.
Forbidden West in particular uses horizon lines to emphasise the scale and wonder of its varied biomes, from thick jungles to sun-baked deserts. There‘s always a new environment to unlock by following the horizon.
Linking the Franchise
Even Horizon‘s VR spin-off, Call of the Mountain, channels this idea. While built for immersion rather than exploration, it still aims to give players new visual horizons to cross into.
Based on reviews so far, it succeeds in expanding the series into an exciting new field:
- Release: 2022
- Metacritic score: 80/100
The Lure of the Horizon
Something about the horizon stirs the spirit of adventure within us. Perhaps it‘s the sense of a boundary paired with endless possibility. This sums up Aloy‘s journey perfectly as she continuously seeks to go beyond the next horizon, pushing past limits to uncover mysteries.
For me as both a gamer and a tech nerd, Horizon captures everything exciting about new frontiers. Its synth-heavy, tribal-infused score even sounds like a futuristic new horizon. Every breathtaking vista compels me to discover what lies just beyond my line of sight.
So there we have it – an epic origin story behind an evocative name. Hope you enjoyed this geeky deep dive into the world of Horizon! Let me know in the comments if you‘d like to see more analyses of your favorite games. And remember, the horizon is waiting…so let‘s venture beyond it together!