Editing Machines (Horizon) (section)

=== Visuals and audio ===
The machines have been praised by critics for their highly detailed visual design and complex animation.<ref name="GIMachines" /><ref name="IGNHZDReview" /><ref name="IGNHFWReview" /> Reviewers highlighted the creative blend of natural, animalistic anatomy with functional industrial components, noting that the mechanized fauna felt like a believable part of the [[Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|post-apocalyptic]] ecosystem.<ref name="GRAnimals" /><ref name="GSpotHZDReview" /> For ''Forbidden West'', critics praised the massive upgrades to the animation systems, noting how dynamically the machines moved, reacted to their environment, and displayed realistic battle-wear on their armour plating.<ref name="IGNHFWReview" /><ref name="EurogamerHFWReview" /><ref name="IGNHFWDetails" /><ref name="GIHFWMachines" />

The mechanical ecosystem's sound design was lauded for heightening the franchise's immersion.<ref name="GIHZDReview" /><ref name="DenOfGeekHZDPCRev" /> Critics praised the dynamic mix of synthetic, electronic creaks with real-world animal vocalisations, noting that the heavy metallic footsteps, screeching metal, and animal-like roars gave the machines a tangible sense of weight.<ref name="GIMachines" /><ref name="GIHZDReview" /><ref name="IGNFWReview" /> This auditory immersion was further expanded in ''Forbidden West'', with critics highlighting how the soundtrack brilliantly wove heavy electronic synthesisers into traditional acoustic instruments.<ref name="GRHFWReview" /><ref name="RPGFanHFWSoundtrack" /><ref name="GIHFWReview" /> With the release of newer hardware, reviewers also praised the integration of 3D audio and [[DualSense]] controller haptics, noting how the controllers physically mirror the movements of the machines, allowing the player to feel the heavy, rumbling footsteps vibrating through their hands.<ref name="IGNHFWDetails" /><ref name="TRHZDRemasterReview" />