Video games don’t exist in a vacuum, so it’s inevitable that they will draw inspiration from one another, particularly when previous titles are successful or manage to revolutionize a genre. Players will already be familiar with the multitude of FromSoftware-inspired Soulslikes which have flooded the market, orMetroidvaniasthat are modeled in part after theMetroidandCastlevaniaseries. There are plenty of examples that fall into these categories, but none so far that could really be called aHorizon-like after Guerrilla Games' action RPG and its sequel. None, that is, untilBlacktail.
The Parasight and Focus Entertainment’s bewitching new titleBlacktailwas revealed atGamescom’s Opening Night Live show, with a reveal trailer that showed off its twisted fairytale world and dark story. While some of the newly announced game’s features will differ from the action-packed sci-fi series, there are also a handful of similarities that may lead players to believe thatBlacktailwas inspired by theHorizongames in more ways than one.
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A Female-led Adventure
Even though things might be slowly shifting, the majority of major titles – especially action games – still focus on male protagonists. Rockstar’s fan-favoriteGrand Theft Autoseries is only now including a playable female protagonist in its upcoming entry for the very first time and the fact that this is comment-worthy shows how far video games still need to come. But other games likeHorizon Zero Dawnintroducedthe skilled hunter Aloy, who immediately had a major impact on gaming as a strong female character.
Players may not know much about 16-year-old Yaga who they will be playing as inBlacktail, but considering that the game pitches itself as an origin story for the infamous witch of Slavic folklore, Baba Yaga, the young girl will undoubtedly be an interesting character. Justlike Aloy, Yaga lives as an outcastand was expelled from her settlement after she was accused of witchcraft. Their position as exiles means both Aloy and Yaga must learn to fend for themselves, and this creates an intriguing tie between the pair in addition to a compelling plot.
Bow-based Combat
Gamers have only been given a brief glimpse ofBlacktailin action so far, but thebow-based combat also has strongHorizonvibesas Yaga uses both her weapon and her witchcraft to navigate the dangerous environments. Like Aloy, she’ll have additional moves in her arsenal to deal with the variety of threats, but whileHorizon Zero Dawnand its sequel feature technological weaponry and abilities,Blacktailwill have more of a magical focus. Yaga will be able to hunt down spirits across the fantastical wilderness and take on enemies with her bow, as well as craft arrows and potions, track animals, and gather resources to help with her survival.
A Vast Map To Explore
Similar toHorizon Zero DawnandHorizon Forbidden West, Yaga will traverse different wild landscapes filled with foes and boss fights. The scenery inBlacktailseems more comparable to the firstHorizongame, with its wooded regions and mountainous terrain visible in the distance.Blacktail’s fairy tale world is a gorgeous blend of lush forests and dark fantasy elements, and players will need to explore its most hidden depths to uncover secrets and treasures to learn about the setting and its history.
AlongsideBlacktail’s intense bow combat, gamers will be able to choose the fate of the witchy protagonist – whether she will become the benevolent guardian of the forest, or the cautionary tale used to scare children and haunt their nightmares.Blacktail’s morality system – similar togames likeFable– will show how players' decisions are not only affecting the world around them, but Yaga’s temperament as well.
Blacktaillaunches December 15 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
