The third mainline Horizon game has reportedly entered internal testing, and insiders describe its gameplay as extremely well executed. However, testers claim the sequel essentially offers more of the same as the first two games, without any major innovations.

Guerrilla Games’ Horizon titles have ranked among Sony’s finest cinematic productions over the years, winning several awards and helping define next-generation visuals. Anticipation for the third mainline entry is therefore particularly strong, especially since four years have already passed since the release of Horizon Forbidden West. A new report now claims that the sequel has entered internal testing and that several people have already gained access to the game.

The leaked details may sound encouraging or concerning depending on what players expect from the trilogy’s finale. The new Horizon is reportedly a highly polished experience that matches the standards of Sony’s best cinematic games, but its fundamental mechanics are said to be essentially identical to those of the first two entries. This could disappoint players hoping for major changes or more ambitious gameplay innovations.

During the latest episode of the Last Stand Media podcast, gaming journalist Colin Moriarty claimed that he had spoken with several testers who had already played the upcoming title. “I have talked to people that have played it. […] A lot of people say, like, it’s good. We’ll see what happens,” Moriarty said. The internal sources therefore appear positive about the overall experience, although its gameplay is reportedly little more than “more of the same,” without radical innovations or significant changes to the established mechanics.

God of War franchise creator David Jaffe also discussed the game while arguing that Sony has failed to innovate across its most important franchises. “You know what they are doing with Horizon Next? […] It’s incredibly well executed, but it’s very ‘been there, done that,’” Jaffe explained. Players who have already experienced the previous Horizon games may therefore find very little to surprise them from a gameplay perspective.

The Next Mainline Horizon Game Will Conclude the Trilogy

The absence of major gameplay changes makes sense if Sony wants to avoid unnecessary risks with Horizon 3. A safer approach may improve the game’s chances of recovering its enormous AAA development budget while delivering a suitable conclusion to the trilogy.

NCSoft is currently working on a Horizon MMORPG, while Guerrilla Games is also developing its own multiplayer title within the franchise. The third mainline installment has not yet been officially announced, but the reports about internal testing suggest that additional information could emerge in the near future.

Source: Tech4Gamers