Since Horizon Zero Dawn launched in 2017, Guerrilla Games' franchise has expanded to other platforms, including comic books and soon television as well. The latest experiment from the franchise has come in the form of Horizon Call of the Mountain which is the first VR offering. The project has been a resounding success, proving that Horizon's fast-paced gameplay can be translated into the world of VR. The developers at Santa Monica should be paying attention to Horizon Call of the Mountain, as it illustrates how God of War could explore VR after Ragnarok.
Like Horizon, God of War is a franchise that features a lot of climbing and environmental exploration. With the right story, God of War could also provide a virtual reality journey that manages to integrate combat in a way that makes sense. The title could make use of an existing character or, like Call of the Mountain, it could even introduce a new character.
Horizon Call of the Mountain and the VR Experience
The Horizon franchise follows Aloy and the rest of the human race as it attempts to re-establish itself following colossal apocalyptic events. This is far from easy when terrifying and aggressive machines roam the land, killing anything that moves. Gameplay consists primarily of exploring the gorgeous open-world, scavenging for resources, and battling with hostile humans and massive machines. The experience has been engaging enough to turn Horizon into one of PlayStation's flagship franchises, and Guerrilla Games has demonstrated that it translates well to VR as well.
In Horizon Call of the Mountain, players take control of Ryas, a Shadow Carja warrior who has to make use of his climbing skills to gain a pardon and atone for his past. Conquering seemingly impossible heights and leaping across yawning chasms are heart-stopping experiences that shine in VR. Call of the Mountain does not forget about combat, and although it is a little on-rails, players still have the fun of using a bow and arrow to knock components off foes. Guerrilla Games has daringly taken the first steps into a new medium, and other Sony studios like Santa Monica now have the opportunity to follow suit.
What God of War Can Learn From Horizon Call of the Mountain
Although Horizon and God of War are very different franchises, they do contain gameplay with similar elements. In God of War, players also find themselves engaging in tons of traversal, whether it be climbing mountains or rowing across lakes. Environmental exploration also plays a huge role, and solving environmental puzzles can lead to great treasures. Of course, no God of War game is complete without combat, and God of War Ragnarok takes things further than ever by switching between Atreus and Kratos' perspectives.
Though it may seem like it would be tricky to translate God of War's often complex gameplay to the world of VR, Call of the Mountain has shown that it is possible. Exploration can be provided while still giving players breathtaking views and a sense of scale. With a few tweaks, it is also possible to incorporate engaging and fast-paced combat that doesn't feel like it has been too diluted. Furthermore, exploring VR would give Santa Monica the chance to veer away from Kratos and Atreus and perhaps feature a different character as a protagonist, such as Angrboda the giant.
After God of War Ragnarok's ending, the franchise could go in many directions. A VR title could be the best way to introduce the next saga, regardless of what mythology God of War explores next. However, even without such a title, the PS VR2's library of games is vast enough to satisfy a wide range of tastes.
Horizon Call of the Mountain is available on the PS VR2.
