Guerilla Games assured fans that Guerilla Games claimed it’s as immersive on PS4 as the PS5, saying that Horizon Forbidden West is optimized for both consoles, some fans were still worried that those playing on the previous console generation would be playing a lesser game.
The original fear sparked from Sony’s decision to charge for the PS5 upgrade of Horizon Forbidden West for those who originally purchased the game on PS4. This contradicted Sony’s previous actions with first-party games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, in which gamers were able to the enhanced PS5 version for free. After pre-orders for the game went live, players noticed that a jump between PS4 and PS5 editions of the game would cost money, with the cheapest cross-gen option costing around $80 USD. Sony felt quick backlash from its decision and eventually offered Horizon Forbidden West’s PS5 upgrades for free. Despite the free upgrade, some players believe they’ll be left out when playing the PS4 version, especially since Guerilla Games’ Horizon Zero Dawn sequel makes a leap in graphics and technology.
According to a Twitter post from Guerrilla Games, while Horizon Forbidden West will look stunning on a PS5, the game is also good on PS4. The developer claimed that “the game also looks – and plays – stunning on the PlayStation 4,” attaching screenshots captured on Sony’s previous console generation. The Twitter post included four Horizon Forbidden West screenshots captured on PS4, and some fans claimed the game looks as good on the older console.
The PS5 offers a significant jump in graphical quality and reduced load times compared to the PS4, as well as quieter noise levels and a more powerful GPU. With those upgrades, PS5-optimized games can deliver a better overall experience as compared to the PS4. That being said, many people either can't afford a PS5 or struggle to obtain one due to supply shortages. Thankfully, many current-gen titles are being released on both consoles, though this does pose problems for developers and consumers. Like with Horizon Forbidden West, some players are hesitant to purchase the PS4 version of the game if a free PS5 upgrade is not included. Beyond that, permanent PS4 players are afraid PS5-optimized games will be far inferior on the PS4.
The screenshots attached to Guerilla Games’ Twitter post do demonstrate impressive graphical quality, especially for the PS4. Visually, the game holds up on the older console. However, some are still worried that these visuals will come at a price. Some worry that Horizon Forbidden West looking good on PS4 means the developers held back from pushing boundaries with the PS5, or that the PS4 console will struggle to stay cool under the pressure.
Horizon Forbidden West comes to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on February 18, 2022.
Source: Guerilla Games/Twitter
