Faisal Ghaffar 
There is one goal that Horizon Call of the Mountain has to achieve; riding the popularity of Horizon Forbidden West and leading the PlayStation VR2 into the world of virtual reality gaming. Therefore, you will see that the focus is more on spectacle rather than the expansive story of Forbidden West. You will find the technical showcase to be quite impressive and it offers you considerable excitement, particularly in terms of combat. The pace may come off as a bit slow at times, but this helps you enjoy the beauty of the world they have created and have some fun.
The opening
Just like a Disneyland ride borrows things from the movie it is based on, Call of the Mountain leverages the Horizon experience to offer you something smaller, while maintaining the flavor. You will see this in the opening that will remind you of Pirates of the Caribbean, where a Tallneckdino-bot and a soaring Stormbirdrudely interrupt a peaceful river cruise.
Developer Firespritehas managed to translate the original art design from Guerrilla into something that a TV screen is unlikely to accomplish. This includes both the trademark machines and the stunning vistas that make up the world. It is truly a sight worth seeing when the creatures first make an appearance, not just because of their size, but also due to the haptic feedback that helps you feel their presence.
Gameplay
Other than the blockbuster opening, Call of the Mountain is a six hour campaign that uses the gameplay that Horizon offers and boils it down to a set of tools that are a lot more manageable in VR. There are puzzles you have to solve, hostile machines that have to be taken down and rocky landscapes that you can explore.
You may find the experience a bit linear as compared to the open world that Forbidden West offers, but there are fun side activities that every inquisitive mind will enjoy. As a matter of fact, the narrow approach is actually a good one where VR is concerned.
The system
The game offers you two movement options, which include a ‘gesture’ based system that requires you to move around while holding two buttons, or you can opt for the traditional analog stick-based system. You can test both and decide which one you prefer. The latter is easier to use when you are engaged in combat, as the gladiatorial battles involve a lot of dodge mechanics.
You will have the bow and arrow, a signature weapon of Horizon and there are a set of combat options that you can explore. You will come across new ammo types because stronger enemies show up and you need more firepower to deal with them. You will come across different puzzles here and there and they are a welcome change at times.
The Verdict
The Call of the Mountain is undoubtedly an exciting addition in the PS VR2 library that boasts an awesome spectacle, intuitive design and gripping combat that keeps you interested throughout the campaign.
