The gaming industry is no stranger to innovation and inspiration drawn from various sources, as evolution continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, creating immersive worlds and engaging gameplay experiences. In the case of the upcomingFar Cry 7, a leaked feature has piqued the interest of many gamers, and the mechanic could be a perfect addition to a different title,Horizon Forbidden West. AlthoughForbidden Westand aFar Cryinstallment couldn’t be more different story-wise, with Aloy fighting to preserve humanity in the face of mechanical and alien enemies in contrast toFar Cry’s cult villains,Far Cry 7’s proposed countdown timer has the potential to serve both franchises well.
Horizon Forbidden Westwas one of the most exciting games of 2022, featuring standout performances and gameplay mechanics, and Guerrilla Games took things a step further with the Burning Shores DLC to advance Aloy’s legacy. However,Burning Shores got review bombedin short order, and the developer could be on the hunt for improvements toForbidden Westwhile theHorizonthreequel is still some ways out. News of theFar Cry 7countdown timer is a unique opportunity for Horizon to heighten its thrill factor, serving as a constant reminder of Nemesis' imminent arrival and a perfect complement to the unending dangers of the title.
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A Race Against the Clock Lines Up Perfectly With Forbidden West
Leaks are commonplace in the gaming industry, andFar Cry 7is one of the latest high-profile victims to the prying noses of its inquisitive fan base. The upcomingFar Cryinstallment is allegedly built on the premise of a race against time, with the countdown timer constantly ticking in the background. According to theleaks,Far Cry 7features a time limit of 72 hours to complete the objectives of freeing captives from the Sons of Truth cult, although the timer reportedly pauses when players enter one of their safe houses. The news has been greeted with mixed reactions by fans, as a timer would take away from the free rein of world exploration. That said, it also introduces increased focus, forcing gamers to make quick decisions and strategize effectively.
In the context ofHorizon, the timer fits right into the theme of impending doom. Aloy has rarely ever known a time of peace since the series' events began, and the Far Zenith’s role asForbidden West’s main antagonist set the stage for an even bigger threat waiting in the wings. DespiteLondra’s death in the Burning Shores DLCseemingly closing the Far Zenith chapter, players are gearing up to battle with Nemesis, a particularly vengeful enemy, to close out the threequel. As a gameplay mechanic, the countdown timer could limit how much powerful gear gamers can garner for the showdown, increasing the difficulty to befit that of the biggest boss battle in theHorizonuniverse.
In terms of storytelling, the timer has a few ramifications that should further spice upForbidden West’s plot. Few things get the blood pumping like an uphill fight against the odds, and given the tales of the things Nemesis is capable of, each tick of the clock adds a layer of urgency and adrenaline to players' in-game decision-making. Humanity has already lived through one extinction-level event—by the skin of its teeth and through exceptional innovation—and the tribes of Earth have already fended off threats in HADES and the Far Zenith. However, Nemesis is a different kettle of fish, and the countdown timer gives the eerie impression of Doomsday.
Whether through another DLC inForbidden Westwhere Nemesis' silhouette starts to appear in Earth’s atmosphere or the threequel’s conclusion, a timer could elevateHorizon’s story to another level. Its inclusion would force gamers to breeze quickly past objectives due to the impending showdown with Nemesis constantly bearing on their minds.
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Editionis available now on PS5, with a PC port currently in development.
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