Horizon Forbidden West: Language and Representation

 Horizon Forbidden West: Language and Representation blog tasks


Language

Introduction

Read this review of Horizon Forbidden West in the Financial Times (should be non-paywalled but you can read the text of article here if needed). Answer the following questions:

1) Why does Guerrilla Games have 'a serious case of bad timing'? 

-The release of Horizon Forbidden West coincided with Elden Ring, a game that overshadowed it in terms of popularity.

2) What is the narrative for the original game Horizon Zero Dawn? 

-The narrative follows a thousand years after machines have wiped out most of humanity whilst survivors have formed tribal communities who view technology  as objects of suspicion.

3) How is the central character Aloy described? 

-Aloy is portrayed as a resourceful and determined protagonist who takes on the responsibility of saving her world.

4) What does the review say about animation and graphics?

-The graphics are praised as some of the most impressive on the PS5.

5) What do we learn about the gameplay and activities in Horizon Forbidden West? 

-It is very diverse,where players can explore and expand.


Close textual analysis

Watch the trailer for Horizon Forbidden West:


Answer the following questions:

1) How is narrative, character and setting introduced in the trailer?

-The trailer shows Aloy as the main protagonist on a mission to save her world.

2) How is the game's open world / sandbox genre shown in the trailer? 

-Its open world as players can explore the vast setting and travel whatever distant they wan as they are in control of the character.

3) What representations can you find in the trailer? 

-Aloy's character being shown as a strong an independent female.


AQA recommends watching the following gameplay trailer in their CSP booklet:


Watch the gameplay video and answer the following questions:


1) How does the game use the media language to communicate ideas about narrative and genre?

-Media language is used to communicate ideas on narrative and genre.

2) What representations of people, places or groups can you find in the gameplay video?

-The female lead subverts many stereotypes of female protagonists in the video game industry.

3) What audience pleasures are suggested by this gameplay trailer?

-Personal connection and identity through its narrative themes​.


Narrative and genre

Read this excellent Den of Geek article that addresses elements of narrative and genre. You can find the article text here if the link is blocked. Answer the following questions: 

1) Read the opening to the article. How can we apply Steve Neale's genre theory to Horizon Forbidden West?

-Steve Neal explains how genres evolve and function within the media.

2) How many copies did the Horizon Zero Dawn sell and why did this influence the design of the sequel?

-The game sold over 20 million copies, ensuring a large audience and prompting Guerrilla Games to build a more expansive sequel to meet player expectations​.

3) How does the article criticise the story in Horizon Forbidden West? 

-The story is criticised for being overly reliant on dialogue and introducing too many side characters.

4) What do we learn about the gameplay? 

-The gameplay focuses on combat against robotic creatures, exploration, and survival in a richly detailed world.

5) What is the article's overall summary of the game?

-it is considered a step forward in the action-adventure genre​.


Representations

Race representations in Horizon Forbidden West


1) How does Horizon Forbidden West use narrative to create a fully diverse cast of characters?

-It follows civilisation wiped out by a plague, an  AI named GAIA rebuilt life on Earth, with the genetic diversity of humanity.

2) What is orientalism? 

-Orientalism is a Western perspective that eroticises or stereotypes Eastern cultures, portraying them as inferior or needing Western intervention.

3) How does the article suggest orientalism applies to Horizon Forbidden West? 

-Critics argue that Aloy’s role as a saviour reinforces colonialist themes,as she is white.

4) Who is the player encouraged to identify with in the game and how does this influence how representations are constructed?  

-Players are encouraged to identify with Aloy who is seen to be defeating these eastern enemies as they're portrayed to be evil in a sense to stop the players from completing the game and saving the world.


Gender and videogames

Focusing on Aloy and the representation of women in videogames, read this Forbes feature on the topic. Answer the following questions:

1) What is the debate regarding Aloy in Horizon Forbidden West? 

-The debate is about characters like Aloy that are not usually covered up and not sexualised for the male gaze.

2) What examples are provided of other female characters and representations in videogames?

-Characters like Lara Croft and Bayonetta.

3) What are the issues facing the videogame industry in terms of gender?  

-Sexism because the industry shows women for the male gaze.

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