#my dad's critique was that they wouldn't live around kelp forests

[kudravi-nesit]

Zero Dawn always lacked fauna variations. We knew why because of all the data Aloy finds throughout the game emphasizing the lack of time to collect DNA and the massive extinction which prevented the team from collecting all the genomes they needed to successfully recreate the animals. Atop all of that were all the functions, Gaia and the subordinate programs, that never managed to properly fulfill their tasks.

Ok, sure. It's obvious. But I am still bummed out we never got to see more animals in Horizon. There's maybe two dozen terrestrial animals you can hunt, which is ridiculous since the water habitats are just SO diverse in comparison.

And while I did take my chance now to complain a little about the animal diversity, I am mesmerized by the water environment. The coral reefs growing on old, run down buildings, a variety of plants scattered in freshwater streams and lakes, and so many fish, so many schools of different fish species. The diving and swimming experience, on its own, is breathtaking, but when you add to that completely developed ecosystems under the water, it is truly a sight to behold. I have nearly 90 hours on Forbidden West and I still notice new details in the environment that make the whole game such a masterpiece.

This post was entirely inspired by this school of powder blue tangs. My dad has one in our saltwater aquarium (his name is Hector), so I was incredibly excited when I saw these guys swimming around me. I've spent a good ten minutes hanging around with them before continuing with my mission. Can't wait to find some more cool fishies while I'm diving!