Since its inception in 2017, the Horizon franchise has emerged as one of Sony’s most acclaimed new series. Featuring a stunningly unique setting and the charismatic protagonist Aloy, the series has captivated players and generated immense interest. This enthusiasm paves the way for speculation about the upcoming MMO, which promises to expand on the Horizon universe.
Currently in development by NCSoft, there were early rumors this year about the potential cancellation of the Horizon MMO project. However, recent clarifications indicate that the game is still actively being developed, raising numerous intriguing questions. A significant point of discussion is the game’s setting. With the existing titles primarily exploring the West Coast, the East Coast—exemplified by the famed setting in Fallout 76—could serve as an exciting and fresh backdrop for this new MMO adventure.
Exploring New Horizons: The MMO’s Potential Setting Shift
Fallout 76’s Appalachian Landscape: A Potential Model for Horizon
While Fallout 76 marks Bethesda’s foray into the eastern United States, its Appalachian setting presents a uniquely rich tapestry for exploration. The diverse mountains and scenic landscapes could offer NCSoft an imaginative playground for portraying a futuristic rendition of the region. Regardless of whether Appalachia is selected, any choice to explore the East Coast would help distinguish this MMO from the franchise’s previous narrative arcs.
A West Coast Narrative: Horizon’s Current Landscape
- Horizon: Zero Dawn: set across Colorado, Utah, and Arizona.
- Horizon: Forbidden West: features locations including California, Utah, and Nevada.
Although the vast terrains of the western United States have provided memorable experiences for players, there remains an untapped potential to delve into the East Coast—an area rich in lore yet unexplored within the Horizon universe. The current landscape is coherent but somewhat limited, especially if NCSoft aims to give the MMO a distinctive identity rather than revisiting familiar territories.
One of the franchise’s standout features is its exquisitely designed environments. While revisiting the West Coast could yield breathtaking visuals, welcoming players to previously unseen locations would likely heighten anticipation among devoted fans. Horizon’s intricate lore enthralls players, and unveiling additional realms could further deepen engagement.
It is also worth noting that Guerrilla Games is concurrently working on its standalone multiplayer title, Horizon Online, although specifics about how it will differ from NCSoft’s offering remain undisclosed. The contrasting coastal settings might allow both franchises to thrive independently.
Suggested East Coast Locations for Exploration in the MMO
- New York City
- Florida
- Washington D. C.
- Boston
- Nova Scotia
Horizon’s MMO Spin-Off: A Major Enigma in Gaming
As whispers of the Horizon MMO persist, fans are eagerly anticipating further insights. If development progresses as hoped, valuable information may emerge later in the year, but comprehensive reveals might still be years away. Given Sony’s recent trend of terminating in-progress projects, the survival of this particular game raises curiosity about its potential.
The Horizon franchise has enjoyed substantial success for Sony, with Forbidden West‘s reception, while perhaps not reaching peak expectations, still signaling a strong IP. As the year unfolds, additional clarity regarding NCSoft’s spin-off is expected, especially regarding its setting and gameplay features.
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