#ANIMATION OF FORBIDDEN GAME WINDOWS#
We play around with the timing of those movements to not only create windows of opportunities for the player to strike, block, or run, but also to show some personality traits in the animations themselves.’ We rely on readable silhouettes and behaviors that the player can recognize, so you can anticipate or react to an enemy move. Each human class or machine is designed around a clear gameplay function, which the animation team communicates to the player through actions, posture, and motion.
‘First, we wanted to create clarity for players. ‘There are lots of differences between animating a human or a machine, however the core pillars for what we wanted to achieve with both were very similar.’ “We extensively research to understand the anatomy and locomotion of a character,” explains Richard. From an animation perspective, increased possibilities for Aloy and her enemies presented some unique challenges for the team. Amphibious enemies can also use jumps to get in and out of the water, so if you are unlucky they will combine this with an attack.”Īs detailed in a previous blog, the skill tree has been overhauled and restructured, featuring many new abilities that promote and enhance different playstyles or combinations of those. ‘Another example is that more machines are now capable of swimming and have the ability to dive and chase Aloy underwater. As you are playing the game, the AI will be searching for opportunities to take shortcuts, where it previously was a cumbersome detour.’ The AI in Horizon Zero Dawn already supported some dynamic terrain changes, but we wanted to take this further by adding jumping and climbing as a systemic part of their behavior. Lead AI Programmer Arjen Beij: “We wanted enemies to feel more authentic by improving the fluidity and continuity of motion, like making enemies (and companions) more capable of traversing rugged terrain. The AI team has played a big role in improving the combat system, especially when it comes to increasing the challenge level. The grapple mechanic is a good example of this: she is more agile and resourceful, but at the same time we show the physical struggle when she’s being pulled up on bigger inclines.” Our aim was to show that Aloy is more comfortable traversing her environment – without losing sight of the fact that she’s human, of course, so things don’t always go perfectly for her. “She gained a lot of experience and that needed to show in her animations. “It was important to us that players feel like Aloy has grown in her skills and confidence coming from her adventures in Horizon Zero Dawn and the Frozen Wilds,” says Richard Oud, Gameplay Animation Director at Guerrilla. A whole new set of machines as well as advanced human enemies will keep players on their toes throughout the game!” Finally, we wanted to design challenging enemies that encourage players to use all their abilities and skills. Through new weapons and outfits, which can be upgraded at a workbench, players can adapt their tactics. Second, we wanted to cater to a variety of playstyles and really focus on freedom of choice. Players who spend some time perfecting their combat skills will find some efficient and stylish ways to dispose of their enemies. First, we wanted to add additional depth to gameplay and increase the skill cap for players, through skills like melee combos and Valor Surges. ‘Our changes to combat design stayed true to Aloy’s identity. “In Horizon Forbidden West, the tools at her disposal generate a wide array of tactics that allow her to engage with physically stronger opponents - from fully armored humans to very large machines.’ “Aloy is a smart and agile combatant,” says Charles Perain, Combat Designer. Spoiler Alert: Please note this article may contain some spoilers for Horizon Zero Dawn and its storyline.įor the team at Guerrilla, one of the goals for Horizon Forbidden West was to significantly evolve the combat design from Horizon Zero Dawn, and to continue to build on the principles of player freedom and choice during encounters in the open world. Whether she comes across a convoy of cargo machines and their guardians, a squad of rebel warriors looking for a fight, or a pack of Stalkers cloaked in the forest, the heat of combat will bring new challenges… but also opportunities to turn the tables. Aloy’s enemies, both human and machine, have multiplied since the end of Horizon Zero Dawn. The epic landscapes and ruins of the Forbidden West may be breathtaking, but danger lurks around every turn.
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