Sony has announced that the delayed Horizon: Forbidden West will launch with distinctive PS4 and PS5 versions.

What does that mean exactly? Long story short, if you have a PS5, you can play the cheaper PS4 version, but it will lack the visual punch and performance from the more powerful PS5 hardware.

According to the game’s FAQ page, under the question “Can I upgrade my Horizon Forbidden West PS4 version to the PS5 version?” the response:

“To access both the PS4 and PS5 versions of Horizon Forbidden West, you need to purchase the Digital Deluxe, Collector’s, or Regalla Editions. Dual entitlement does not apply to the Standard and Special Editions.“

Of course, the Digital Deluxe Edition comes at a premium price.

Unlike the recently released Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut, Sony offered a less expensive paid upgrade, but this is not in the cards for Horizon: Forbidden West, for now.

Perhaps Sony’s plan is to utilize the hotly anticipated title to get people to upgrade to the new hotness? I can’t fault them for that, but PS5s are still hard to find. What about folks who can’t find a PS5, but are looking and want to play Horizon: Forbidden West now? Those folks are going to have to buy the Deluxe Version apparently. Personally, a paid upgrade would be more fair during this point and time.

I’m getting the game regardless on PS5, because I’m a baller, but this is a lame ass move by Sony. This feels like scummy corporate shit that is anti consumer.

It is no secret that I like how Microsoft has been approaching things since Phil Spencer has taken over. In particular, Smart Delivery, that ensures the costumer gets the best version of the game regardless of generation is tremendous. Sony really needs to replicate Smart Delivery, because as of right now, their entire approach to cross generational games sucks and is confusing.

Whatever the case may be, Horizon: Forbidden West launches February 18, 2022.

[Source: Sony]