The Earth no longer belongs to us.
In a very distant future, humanity has suffered an apocalypse as imagined by James Cameron in Terminator: Rise of the Machines. What remains of humans has returned to the Stone Age, and the survivors are organized into different tribes, while mechanical dinosaurs dominate the natural spaces. Aloy is a young woman who has mastered the use of the bow to track down machines, defend herself against opposing clans, and survive in a universe that is hostile to say the least. In a quest for origins, you will slip into the shoes of Aloy, a formidable warrior raised by an outcast who became a master in handling the bow, in an open world action role-playing game, produced by Guerrilla Games. What are these mechanical beings doing on Earth? How is it that humanity has regressed to the point of surviving only in the form of primitive tribes? Aloy wants to know what happened and she goes in search of answers. Nature has had time, over thousands of years, to reconquer abandoned cities. Based on a scenario written by John Gonzalez (Fallout: New Vegas), the main campaign of Horizon Zero Dawn allows us to discover for around twenty hours what happened to this planet which has become primitive again. To progress, you will often have to use different traps, hunt and accumulate resources (electronic parts, branches, skins, etc.) in order to buy or strengthen your equipment. The accumulated experience allows you to improve the heroine’s abilities, and several armors are at your disposal, themselves customizable by attacking the robotic creatures crisscrossing this vast open world.
The version now offered for PS5 is the Complete Edition, which accompanies the expansion The Frozen Wilds, released at the end of 2017 on PlayStation 4. Although the new region, to the north of the map, is accessible from the start, you must meet certain requirements to avoid making things complicated. In fact, Guerrilla Games itself recommends entering the location only after reaching level 30, which would guarantee you the necessary equipment and level of life to avoid getting angry. Therefore, you will have to complete a specific mission in the game, which will guide you to the location. But to achieve this, a single level is not enough. Like in a metroidvania, you must have the necessary equipment, weapons and skills to survive in this icy region. The new machines offer a greater challenge than the original machines, and you can prepare a few hours to complete this part. However, while you can access the region before completing the main story, we strongly advise against doing so. The story of The Frozen Wilds is nothing spectacular, but it brings out important elements in the end of the game, in addition to serving as a starting point for Horizon: Forbidden West.
A technical and visual leap on PS5.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered’s biggest difference is the graphical leap, which brings the title closer to its sequel, Forbidden West. Nixxes, responsible for the remaster, has made a series of visual updates ranging from new lighting effects to improved environment assets and textures. The lighting system has been completely redone, making the environment more realistic. An example is that in more wooded areas or under snow, the environment gains depth and the lighting amplifies the cinematic tone that highlights the contrast between the natural world and the technological ruins of the past. The vegetation, already rich in the original game, has been reworked to include greater variety and density, which increases the feeling of authenticity of the game world. As a result, the biomes have more visual identity and the vegetation appears better respond to climate change in the environment. This refinement is evident in the frozen areas of The Frozen Wilds, where snow and ice appear more organic, and the effects of snowstorms and intense winds have been enhanced, increasing immersion. We don’t have anything new in the story, apart from new adjustments to dialogue and interactions, such as an update to the facial capture system. A senior Nixxes artist recently said that the title received over ten hours of reshot scenes. In the original game, conversational interactions often felt a little stiffer, but in the remaster they feel very natural. The facial expression of Aloy and other characters has been refined, approaching the level of quality of Forbidden West, and there is now a greater variety of camera angles in scenes. These improvements are subtle, but they make a significant difference throughout the story. On the other hand, I am still missing a visual element that has been missing since the first version, namely blood. It is understood that it may have been removed for age rating reasons, but it could have been something optional included in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, as it is a somewhat recurring complaint of the from fans of the franchise.
The gameplay is also very interesting, offering extremely engaging combat and hunting mechanics. In order to beat the monsters that roam the plains, you will have to observe these creatures to know their weak point. This is accomplished with a gadget that Aloy wears in her ear that allows her to have access to augmented reality. The interface specifies specific points on the creature that will do more damage to it. You can also approach creatures stealthily, track them to learn their habits, or even hack them (either so that they attack in your place, or to use them as a mount). The “mechanical” artificial intelligence does not lack answers, that of the human enemies is unfortunately much less credible because a script limits the distance of their reactions. By moving away from the target, they will have already forgotten you. Many secondary missions are of course included, in particular to shed light on Aloy’s role in this odyssey, enough to increase the lifespan to almost fifty hours. The musical atmosphere, very tribal during the fights, gives an even more dynamic rhythm. The French dubbing is also flawless. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered offers three performance modes: quality, at 30 FPS, a balance mode, which runs at 40 FPS on VRR-compatible displays, and a performance mode, which offers 60 FPS. Each of them allows you to enjoy the game in different ways, with an emphasis on visual details or fluidity of movement.
Other changes to the key?
Another notable feature is the compatibility with the DualSense controller, which, just like in Forbidden West, makes good use of the controller’s resources, giving more immersion to the gameplay. Adaptive triggers and haptic feedback are used to create a more intense tactile sensation during combat, especially when drawing the bow, and the vibration of the controller reacts to the environment in a very subtle way. For example, when walking on different surfaces or feeling the pressure of winds in mountainous scenarios, DualSense increases the feeling of realism. Additionally, the remaster brings audio improvements, with a new sound mix that optimizes the use of 3D audio. During battles and moments of exploration, sound becomes an important tool, allowing you to identify the direction of nearby machines and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of each region of the map. But Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered also inherits gameplay tweaks inherited from Forbidden West offering more flexibility and customization. Additionally, the option to import PS4 saves is a handy addition, allowing veteran players to explore New Game+ mode with their gear and abilities already unlocked. These additions reflect a modern approach that seeks to improve the experience without changing the fundamental structure of the game. It is important to note, however, that the trophies won are not acquired automatically. The remaster also includes technical improvements for future consoles, with support for PlayStation 5 Pro and ultra-wide monitors on compatible computers. This suggests that Nixxes has prepared the title to remain relevant for longer, without the need for frequent updates. However, it is worth pointing out that, for those who already own the original version, the update is paid, but at an affordable price considering the volume of graphics and performance improvements.
VERDICT
Horizon Zero Dawn draws inspiration from the leading figures of the genre to deliver gameplay that is easy to assimilate, but also very deep. After Killzone, Guerrilla Games is moving in a completely new direction, displaying an intriguing universe and a storyline littered with surprises. If you already own the PS4 version, the remastered version upgrade can be purchased for €10, which is an affordable price, especially considering the visual and performance improvements on offer.
The Earth No Longer Belongs to Us: A Witty Dive into Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
Ah, the future! A time when humanity has decided that technology doesn’t need humans to thrive—like a rebellious teenager that just moved out of their parents’ house and didn’t even bother to send a postcard. We find ourselves in a world reminiscent of Terminator: Rise of the Machines, only instead of Arnold Schwarzenegger with a heart of gold, we’ve got mechanical dinosaurs. Seriously, can’t these metal behemoths let us have just one Jurassic Park without a cinematic apocalypse?
Aloy: More Than Just a Bow and Arrow
Enter Aloy, our brave heroine with the finest set of skills since Robin Hood decided to take up arms against the rich. Armed with a bow—no not a fancy gift-wrapping bow, I mean a proper bow—and a burning desire to know why humanity has been reduced to tribal status, Aloy is essentially the high-tech version of the original Cro Magnon meeting the Flintstones. It’s astonishing how she bounces back from a full-scale apocalypse to become one of the best archers you might even ever meet in a post-apocalyptic world.
The Gameplay: Running Around Like a Headless Chicken
Let’s talk about the gameplay, shall we? You might find yourself running about in this open world like a kid in a sweet shop—if that sweet shop had razor-sharp mechanical dinosaurs instead of candy. The mechanics are engaging and sophisticated, akin to a genius sociopath making traps and hunting skills look like child’s play. Aloy can observe her foes closely—yes, like a creepy ex watching their partner’s new boyfriend on social media— to find weaknesses before going full-on Rambo with a bow and arrow. Honestly, if there were a degree in stealth from the School of Aloy, we’d all get a PhD in managing to not be eaten by robotic monsters.
The Alluring Visuals: Pretty as a Picture
Now, can we take a moment to appreciate the graphics? The remastered version makes everything look as stunning as a sunset after a long day of surviving in a snowy wilderness. Nixxes has stepped up their game; the lighting effects are so refined that you might just mistake it for reality and end up throwing your controller at a wall in frustration when you realize it’s not. The snowy regions? You might find yourself shivering irrespective of the actual temperature outside. There’s depth in every brushstroke of snow, and the details will take your breath away—if you’re not too busy dodging a robotic T-Rex.
All Guns Blazing: Combat That Dares You to Fail
The combat mechanics? Magnificent! You’ll be jumping, dodging, and hunting as if you’re in an Olympic event for survival sports. Aloy can hack machines like a wizened tech guru, turning foes into friends. Who knew having a pet dinosaur was an option? Although, fair warning—if you get too cocky, the AI might just remind you it’s still smarter than your average cat with some sassy responses.
DualSense: Bring on the Vibes!
And let’s not forget the DualSense controller—your third arm in the apocalypse. With haptic feedback that reacts as though you’re neck-deep in a snowstorm, the immersive quality of gameplay will make you feel each shot and bump as if you’ve just shared a coffee with Aloy herself. The audio improvements mean you won’t just hear the ominous rumbles of robot footsteps; you’ll feel them deep in your bones—like an unsettling reminder to pay your bills.
The Verdict: A Solid Investment or Your Worst Nightmare?
So what’s the bottom line? If you already own the original game, a mere €10 will snag you all these fabulous updates and a chance to relive one of gaming’s best narratives with shiny new textures—yes, it’s like returning to your childhood home only to find it has been renovated to perfection. But should you just be jumping into the fray now? Absolutely! Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is not just another remaster; it’s the kind of upgrade you didn’t know you needed until you saw it in your local digital store.
The Earth no longer belongs to us.
In a distant and tumultuous future, humanity has endured a calamitous apocalypse reminiscent of James Cameron’s bleak vision in Terminator: Rise of the Machines. What remains of the human race has regressed to a primitive existence akin to the Stone Age, with survivors splintering into disparate tribes, while awe-inspiring mechanical dinosaurs rove over what once were lush natural landscapes. Aloy, a determined young woman, has honed her skills with the bow, enabling her to hunt down these monstrous machines, fend off rival clans, and navigate a world that is as unforgiving as it is unforgiving. Embarking on a journey to uncover her origins, players will step into Aloy’s shoes, embodying a fierce warrior raised by an outcast who became proficient with the bow, all within an expansive open-world action role-playing game developed by Guerrilla Games. What role do these mechanical entities play on Earth? How has humanity devolved into mere tribal communities? Aloy is on a mission for truth, eager to unravel the mystery shrouding humanity’s past. Nature, over the course of millennia, has reclaimed territories once dominated by civilization, with long-abandoned cities now overtaken by wilderness. The main campaign of Horizon Zero Dawn unfolds a narrative crafted by John Gonzalez (Fallout: New Vegas) that lasts around twenty hours, revealing the intricacies of a world that has reverted to its primitive roots. Players will frequently set traps, hunt, and gather essential resources—ranging from electronic components to animal hides—to purchase or enhance their gear. Experience gained from these endeavors allows Aloy to upgrade her abilities, with a variety of customizable armors at her disposal, all while fighting the robotic creatures that traverse this vast and vibrant world.
The edition now available for PS5 is the Complete Edition and includes the exhilarating expansion, The Frozen Wilds, which originally debuted on PlayStation 4 in late 2017. While this new northern region can be accessed right away, players must fulfill certain prerequisites to avoid overwhelming challenges. Guerrilla Games actively advises players to enter this location only after reaching level 30, ensuring they possess the appropriate gear and health required to navigate without extreme frustration. A specific mission within the game will facilitate your path to this location. However, simply reaching level 30 is not sufficient; akin to a metroidvania, players must acquire essential equipment, weaponry, and skills to thrive in this frosty territory. The newly introduced machines provide a heightened level of challenge compared to their predecessors, necessitating thorough preparation before embarking on this extension of the journey. Although players can technically step into this area before completing the main storyline, it is strongly recommended to wait. The narrative of The Frozen Wilds may not be groundbreaking, yet it ties in vital elements from the conclusion of the original game and lays the groundwork for the anticipated Horizon: Forbidden West.
A technical and visual leap on PS5.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered distinguishes itself primarily through its graphical enhancements, bringing the game closer in visual fidelity to its sequel, Forbidden West. Nixxes, the studio tasked with the remaster, has implemented an array of visual upgrades that encompass new lighting effects, revamped environmental assets, and higher-quality textures. The lighting system has undergone a comprehensive overhaul, enriching the realism of the surroundings. In densely forested areas or under layers of snow, the enhanced lighting not only adds depth but also creates a cinematic quality that emphasizes the striking contrast between the untamed natural world and the technological relics left behind. The already lush vegetation has been meticulously redesigned to present a broader variety and increased density, fostering a deeper sense of authenticity throughout the game world. As a result, the biomes exhibit distinct visual identities, and the flora now responds more convincingly to the environmental changes. These refinements are particularly pronounced in the icy realms of The Frozen Wilds, where snow and ice appear more lifelike, and effects from snowstorms and fierce winds have been amplified, significantly enhancing player immersion. While the remaster does not introduce new story content, it does feature updated dialogue and character interactions, including improvements to the facial capture technology. According to a senior artist from Nixxes, over ten hours of new footage has been integrated into the game. Conversations in the original title could feel somewhat rigid, but the remaster presents a more organic flow. Aloy’s facial expressions and those of other characters have been carefully refined, achieving a level of quality that aligns with Forbidden West, and there are now more varied camera angles during interactions. Although these improvements may seem subtle, they significantly elevate the overall narrative experience. However, the absence of a particular visual element—blood—persists from the original version. While this may have been omitted for age rating considerations, it would have been a worthwhile inclusion as an optional feature in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, given its narrative context and the recurring request from franchise fans.
The gameplay remains thoroughly engaging, offering captivating combat and hunting dynamics that demand player strategy and skill. To vanquish the formidable monsters that roam the expansive landscapes, players must keenly observe these creatures to identify their vulnerabilities. Aloy’s augmented reality tool provides insights into specific weak points on these mechanical beasts. Stealth is another viable tactic; players can cautiously stalk creatures to learn their behaviors or even hack them to turn them into allies or mounts. The “mechanical” artificial intelligence displays a range of reactive behaviors; however, the AI governing human adversaries lacks the same level of credibility, often constrained by scripted reactions. Engaging in numerous side quests reveals deeper layers to Aloy’s journey, extending gameplay to approximately fifty hours without losing its engaging essence. The soundtrack, characterized by a tribal rhythm during combat, heightens the overall intensity. Additionally, the French voice acting is commendably executed. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered accommodates three different performance modes: quality mode at 30 FPS, balanced mode running at 40 FPS on VRR-compatible displays, and performance mode achieving up to 60 FPS. Each option presents players with a unique gameplay experience, prioritizing either visual details or fluid motion.
Other changes to the key?
An intriguing new feature includes the DualSense controller compatibility which, akin to Forbidden West, optimally utilizes the controller’s capabilities, greatly enhancing gameplay immersion. With adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, players experience heightened sensations during combat, particularly when drawing the bowstring, while the controller vibrates in response to environmental specifics. For instance, traversing various terrains or experiencing the gusts of wind in mountainous vistas intensifies the realism factor. Alongside visual enhancements, the remaster also brings audio upgrades with a redesigned sound mix that leverages 3D audio technology. In battles and explorative moments, sound becomes crucial, allowing players to discern the direction of lurking machines and fully immerse themselves in each uniquely crafted area. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered integrates gameplay refinements borrowed from Forbidden West, offering players more versatility and customization than ever before. Moreover, the ability to import PS4 saves allows seasoned players to delve into the New Game+ mode with already unlocked gear and expertise. These innovations reflect a contemporary approach aiming to enhance user experience while preserving the game’s core structure. It is essential to mention that trophies attained in the remaster are not automatically transferred. Additionally, the remaster features technical upgrades that ensure compatibility with PlayStation 5 Pro and ultra-wide monitors on select PCs. This forward-thinking initiative guarantees the title’s longevity, minimizing the necessity for frequent updates. It is also worth noting that for those who previously owned the original release, obtaining the update requires a nominal fee, which is reasonable given the extensive improvements in graphics and performance.
VERDICT
Horizon Zero Dawn draws inspiration from genre precedents to deliver an accessible yet profoundly intricate gameplay experience. Following the success of Killzone, Guerrilla Games embarks on a novel direction, showcasing a captivating world and a narrative filled with intrigue and unexpected twists. For those already in possession of the PS4 version, upgrading to the remastered edition is available for just €10, a modest price, particularly considering the visual and performance enhancements on offer.
Nd system that enriches the audio landscape, making every rustle of leaves or distant roar of a mechanized beast resonate with clarity. The sound design complements the stunning visuals, creating an immersive atmosphere that truly captures the essence of the game world.
Combining the remastered visuals with the DualSense controller’s features provides players with an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. The intuitive feedback from the controller allows you to feel every nuance of the gameplay, enhancing your connection to Aloy’s journey and the dangers she faces. Whether you’re sneaking through the underbrush to avoid a patrol of Watchers or unleashing a flurry of arrows at a charging Thunderjaw, the sensations are unparalleled, bringing a fresh layer of excitement to each confrontation.
Conclusion: Worth the Return Trip?
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is more than just a simple upgrade; it’s a comprehensive reimagining of a beloved title that enhances nearly every aspect of the original game. Visual improvements, refined animations, and reworked audio all come together to provide a stunning package that invites both returning players and newcomers to immerse themselves in Aloy’s world. If you haven’t yet experienced the gripping tale of survival and exploration amidst robotic adversaries, now is undoubtedly the perfect time to dive in. For those who previously ventured through this landscape, the remaster serves as a reminder of what made the original special, layered with enhancements that elevate the journey yet again. With a modest price tag for existing players and an engaging experience for newcomers, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is a celebration of its legacy and an invigorating adventure worth embarking on, whether for the first time or the hundredth.
