Aloy’s Fate in Horizon 3 Could Be a One-Two Punch That PlayStation Has Avoided Like the Faro Plague

Major spoilers ahead for the Horizon franchise, God of War Ragnarok, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and The Last of Us Part 2

The Horizon franchise is one of the biggest series in PlayStation’s modern lineup, and anticipation continues to grow for its third installment. Horizon introduced the world to Aloy, a strong and driven protagonist that has been the franchise’s focal point, but she may not need to be the lead forever.

Right now, the third Horizon game is shrouded in mystery as developer Guerrilla Games is in the early stages of development. Between the upcoming multiplayer Horizon spin-off and Horizon 3, fans of the franchise are in for a future filled with content. However, when it comes to Aloy’s time with the series, Horizon 3 may need to be her swan song. Aloy’s death would be shocking, but it would also allow PlayStation the opportunity to take a risk that hasn’t happened since The Last of Us Part 2.

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If Horizon Forbidden West’s Sequel Ends the Series, It Should Go All-Out on One Feature

Should Horizon 3 turn out to be Aloy’s final game, Guerrilla Games could expand upon one improved feature from Horizon Forbidden West.

PlayStation Can’t Be Afraid to Let its Core Heroes Die

A Full Circle Moment for the Horizon Franchise

One of the biggest reveals in Horizon Zero Dawn is that Aloy isn’t part of the Nora tribe at all and is actually a clone of Dr. Elisabet Sobeck, the brilliant roboticist who was responsible for designing the titular Zero Dawn project. The reveal of Aloy’s identity is a major turning point in the series, and it could also be planting the seeds for a tragic, but meaningful, send-off. In Forbidden West, it’s revealed that Aloy isn’t the only one of her kind. Beta, another Elisabet clone, boasts her intellect and problem-solving skills, while Aloy serves as the more physically capable counterpart. They are two sides of the same coin, and while Beta has her own useful strengths, Aloy’s bravery might set the stage for a sacrificial death.

Elisabet sacrificed herself for the greater good. After a malfunction in GAIA’s port seals, she had to act fast, sealing it manually from the outside, which would permanently lock her out. This act of bravery allowed the rest of the Alphas to continue to live on, which would be the decision that ultimately saved humanity from extinction. If Aloy’s story ends, a scenario where she is forced to make a quick sacrificial decision to protect humanity’s future would be a bold way to bring everything full circle.

After TLOU2’s Controversial Death, More Risk-Taking With Characters Should Continue

Joel’s death early on in TLOU2 is still the subject of debate, but that divisiveness further proves what a powerful decision it was, even for players who didn’t like the direction the story took. It was a gutsy move, and many franchises in PlayStation’s current lineup are missing that level of shock.

Kratos’ end felt inevitable leading up to God of War Ragnarok, and while his story arc was beautifully done, it still feels like he’s running on borrowed time after surviving. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 made it seem like Peter Parker would be retired, but according to the character’s actor, Yuri Lowenthal, Peter may return to Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 in full swing.

Saying goodbye to a story’s main protagonists is hard, but it can ultimately bring more depth to the narrative. Aloy sacrificing herself would not only make sense for her character, but her genetic makeup. Elisabet Sobeck is a fundamental part of Aloy’s personality, and the two sharing deaths that mirror one another might be the emotional gut punch that the series needs.

Horizon Forbidden West

Systems

9/10

Released

February 18, 2022

ESRB

T for Teen: Blood, Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence

Engine

Decima