Horizon Forbidden West: Language and Representation blog tasks
Horizon Forbidden West: Language and Representation blog tasks
Language
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”?
The developer Guerrilla Games released Horizon Forbidden West just before the highly anticipated game Elden Ring. This meant the game risked being overshadowed by the huge attention given to the other release.
2) What is the narrative for the original game Horizon Zero Dawn?
Horizon Zero Dawn is set in a future where civilisation has collapsed. Humans live in tribal societies while robotic machines roam the Earth. The story follows Aloy. She is a hunter who searches for the truth about her past and the fall of the old technological world.
3) How is the central character Aloy described?
Aloy is described as intelligent, brave and determined. She is a skilled hunter and warrior. She is also an outsider who was raised away from her tribe.
4) What is the narrative and setting for the sequel Horizon Forbidden West?
In Horizon Forbidden West, Aloy travels west to a dangerous region called the Forbidden West. She is trying to stop a mysterious environmental plague. The world includes deserts, jungles, oceans and ruins of old cities.
5) What does the review say about animation and graphics?
The review praises the graphics and animation. The environments are detailed and beautiful. Character models and facial animations are very realistic.
6) What do we learn about the gameplay and activities in Horizon Forbidden West?
The game has a large open world to explore. Players fight robotic creatures using weapons and traps. They can complete missions, side quests and puzzles. Players can also climb, swim and travel across the world.
1) How are narrative, character and setting introduced?
The trailer introduces the story through dialogue about a threat to the world. It focuses on Aloy as the main hero. Wide landscape shots show jungles, deserts and ruined cities.
2) How is the open world / sandbox genre shown?
The trailer shows large environments and different locations. It shows exploration, combat and travelling through the world. These elements highlight the freedom typical of open-world games.
3) What representations appear in the trailer?
The trailer shows a strong female protagonist in Aloy. It also shows diverse tribes and cultures. Different environments and communities are represented.
1) How can Steve Neale’s genre theory be applied?
Steve Neale’s Genre Theory says genres repeat familiar elements but add new ones. Horizon Forbidden West repeats the open-world formula but adds new features and mechanics.
2) How many copies did Horizon Zero Dawn sell and why did this influence the sequel?
Horizon Zero Dawn sold over 20 million copies. Because it was so successful, the developers kept the same basic design for the sequel.
3) How does the article criticise the story in Horizon Forbidden West?
The article says the story sometimes has too much dialogue. Characters often explain things through long conversations. This can make the narrative feel slow.
4) What do we learn about the gameplay?
The gameplay improves combat and exploration. There are new traps and spear abilities. Aloy can glide, swim underwater and eventually fly. Navigation across the world is easier.
5) What is the article’s overall summary of the game?
The article says the game follows the same formula as the first game. However, it improves many gameplay features. It is still a strong and impressive open-world game.
Race representations in Horizon Forbidden West
1) How does the game create a diverse cast of characters?
The game includes characters from many tribes and cultures. These groups have different appearances, customs and identities. Diversity is built into the story world.
2) What is orientalism?
Orientalism is the idea that Western media often represents Eastern cultures as exotic or mysterious. These portrayals can rely on stereotypes.
3) How does the article suggest orientalism applies to the game?
The article suggests some tribes use designs inspired by Asian cultures. These designs may present those cultures as exotic or stylised.
4) Who is the player encouraged to identify with and how does this influence representations?
Players mainly identify with Aloy. The story is shown from her perspective. Other cultures and groups are therefore presented through her viewpoint.
5) What did the writer feel when playing the game?
The writer felt both appreciation and discomfort. They liked the diversity of characters. However, they also noticed elements that felt culturally simplified.
1) What is the debate regarding Aloy?
Some players debated Aloy’s appearance in Horizon Forbidden West. Some criticised her for not fitting traditional beauty standards. Others praised the more realistic portrayal.
2) What other female characters are mentioned in videogames?
Examples include Lara Croft from Tomb Raider and Ellie from The Last of Us Part II. These characters show changing representations of women in games.
3) What issues does the videogame industry face regarding gender?
The industry still struggles with gender equality. Female characters are sometimes sexualised. Women are also underrepresented in game development. Female gamers and creators can experience harassment online.
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