Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores DLC: PS5 Review

Developed by Guerrilla Games
Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platform: PS5

The Horizon Forbidden West series continues with this short, but nonetheless sweet, expansion of Aloy's story.

Building on what story foundations were laid during Horizon Forbidden West, the Burning Shores expansion adds more depth to Aloy, while bringing a new character to the fore and a first for the series as such - a companion for Aloy.

In pursuit of a lead from Lance Reddick's Sylens, Aloy heads further along America's West Coast to discover more about the Quen tribe and to tackle new monsters. But she also finds a new friend - and perhaps something more - in fellow seeker Seyka...

It's not dismissive to say Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores continues to do what the Horizon series does best - big set pieces in properly visualised backgrounds that work well to their final needs. Along with new robot monsters to take on, this is a game that continues to do its basics and do them well. 

Visually, the biomes of the Burning Shores feel different yet familiar enough to those who've battled through Horizon Forbidden West. It can't harm that every once and a while you simply find yourself staring at what's around and appreciating it before moving on.

New skills have been added in along with some new weaponry and armour, all of which will add greatly to Aloy's journey - but after all the noise and bluster of the game, it's in the emotions and the interactions that Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores continues to thrive.

With an antagonist that picks up from Horizon Forbidden West, Londra, and a companion that feels organic in Seyka, the game adds welcome depth through its expansion. It  may be lacking in side quests, and feel a little too short for fans' full enjoyment, but these faults are just testament as to how much the world of Horizon and Aloy has become so ingrained into our gaming world.

With hints of more to come, there will be a return surely, and it will be a welcome one.