Horizon Forbidden West is an impressive sequel that takes the franchise forward in many ways. Aloy gains the ability to override flying mounts, and new weapons such as the Shredder Gauntlets ensure that the combat is refreshing even for returning fans. When gamers have had enough of the action-packed battles with the machines, they can visit one of the settlements and play a game of Machine Strike with the locals. It is a fun tabletop game that could be expanded even further in Horizon Forbidden West's upcoming Burning Shores DLC.
Machine Strike's rules are easy to learn but hard to master. Once players get the hang of it, it becomes very easy to lose hours to the game, especially when players go up against some of the best players around. Introducing new pieces or terrain would be a great way to shine the spotlight on the game once again.
Machine Strike in Horizon Forbidden West
Machine Strike is a tabletop game invented by the Tenakth tribe, and Aloy learns it from Salma at Chainscrape. The game is played on a gridded board that has varying terrain and levels of elevation. Each competitor begins with a set of pieces that depict different machines. After setting up the board, players move their pieces and attempt to knock out the opponent's pieces. How the pieces move will depend on what machine it is, and how much damage it deals will depend on a few factors, including what terrain it is on.
Though the game starts simple, it gets complicated very quickly, requiring very strategic thinking to outsmart one's opponent. Playing Machine Strike isn't necessary for the main story's progression, though it is a nice distraction and change of pace. It is also an excuse to hang out with Varl in Horizon Forbidden West, or Aloy's other friends all over the Forbidden West. Hopefully, it isn't the last players have seen of Machine Strike, as there is still plenty that Guerrilla Games can do with it.
How Burning Shores DLC Can Expand On Machine Strike
Like Horizon Forbidden West, The Witcher 3 also has a mini-game in the form of Gwent, a card game. It was such a fan favorite that it spawned a standalone game that was released in 2018. Guerrilla Games would be wise to also show attention to Machine Strike, as it has great potential. The studio doesn't have to emulate CD Projekt Red and release a standalone title, as Machine Strike can be explored further in the upcoming Burning Shores DLC.
The easiest way to spice up Machine Strike is simply to introduce new pieces. This will be easy if the Burning Shores DLC has new machines. Having new pieces means there will be new strategies to consider and defend against. Adding new terrain types such as ice or, as would seemingly be fitting for the DLC, lava, would also force even Machine Strike veterans to rethink everything they know about the game. Although DLC is typically quite short, it doesn't mean there can't be time for Aloy to unwind.
It has not been confirmed whether Machine Strike will make an appearance in the DLC. However, it does seem like Aloy will be facing a Metal Devil, which could be her greatest enemy yet. With looming dangers that are this great, gamers may need something to take the edge off, and Machine Strike is the perfect distraction.
Horizon Forbidden West is available on PS4 and PS5. The Burning Shores DLC will launch on PS5 on April 19.
