Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered Review: An In-Depth Look at the Enhanced Experience
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered wasn’t initially on my gaming radar for 2024, yet my experience of revisiting it has been genuinely enjoyable. Like a number of fellow gamers, my initial reaction to PlayStation’s announcement of a remaster for the PS5 was one of skepticism. It felt as if they missed the mark, choosing a title that, in my view, was already thriving on the PS5.
Rather than focusing on games deserving a remaster—such as Gravity Rush, The Last Guardian, Siphon Filter, Infamous, or Bloodborne—PlayStation opted to enhance Horizon Zero Dawn, which by all accounts, performs admirably on the current platform.
However, after investing over 50 hours into the remastered version, I’ve experienced a shift in perspective. While I still believe the remaster prioritizes unnecessary upgrades at the expense of long-awaited titles, I cannot deny the fun factor of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, which exceeded my expectations.
Enhancements in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
It’s crucial to clarify that Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered does not redefine the original gameplay experience from 2017. It essentially packages the base game along with the Frozen Wilds expansion, akin to the Complete Edition. It also offers early unlocks for outfits and weapons for the protagonist, Aloy.
The visual enhancements and various quality-of-life improvements are the standout features of this remaster. Nixxes Software has impressively adapted Horizon Zero Dawn to the latest iteration of the Decima engine, delivering visuals that, while not quite matching Horizon Forbidden West, come remarkably close.
Character models and cutscenes have undergone significant reworking, addressing past critiques about the narrative presentation. The remaster elevates cutscene immersion and character rendering, especially for Aloy. Performance on the PS5 in both quality and performance modes is commendable, particularly when displayed in 4K resolution.
Moreover, the inclusion of accessibility and gameplay options from Horizon Forbidden West enriches the experience. Notably, the auto-loot feature greatly enhances playability, making it a key improvement.
A Glimpse into Horizon Zero Dawn
For those unfamiliar, Horizon Zero Dawn is an open-world action RPG centering on Aloy, a woman ostracized from her tribe, who must avert an impending catastrophe. The game’s most captivating feature is its unique blend of sci-fi and historical elements, coupled with compelling character-driven narratives.
While the game’s characters resemble a prehistoric tribal civilization, they combat ultra-modern threats in the form of mechanical creatures inspired by real-world animals. Players wield bows and various weaponry to take on these foes.
The gameplay combines elements reminiscent of Monster Hunter and Far Cry, featuring a linear progression system with skill trees, crafting, and weapon upgrades. If you’ve engaged with modern action RPGs, you’ll likely find familiarity within Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered.
Although the game is accessible to casual players, it offers depth for those eager to master its combat system. Personally, I appreciate its combat mechanics, which, while not as intricate as Monster Hunter’s, provide an entertaining and rewarding experience, especially at higher difficulties.
Another noteworthy feature is the support for DualSense haptics, which heightens player immersion. Additionally, native support for 3D Audio benefits audiophiles, and the PS5’s SSD means load times are virtually non-existent.
Identifying Shortcomings
Despite the overall high quality of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, it isn’t without its technical issues. Generally, the remaster performs admirably on the PS5, though I encountered some problems with the Frozen Wilds DLC. Fortunately, many of these issues could be alleviated with updates.
The most persistent issue I faced with Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered were unexpected crashes. While I can tolerate technical hiccups on consoles, the frequency of crashes diminished my enjoyment. I completed much of the base game without a hitch, but began to encounter problems as I delved into the Frozen Wilds DLC, which also had quest-related bugs requiring checkpoint reloads.
That said, after overcoming the initial hurdles in the DLC, I experienced a crash-free environment. It was merely the early quests that prompted these interruptions.
Is It Worth Your Investment?
Overall, I believe Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered merits a purchase, but with some reservations. It may not be worth the full price due to its focus on graphical enhancements rather than substantial new content. However, if you own the previous PS4 version, the $10 upgrade for the remaster represents outstanding value.
While I would have appreciated new modes, similar to The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, the significant graphical improvements and quality-of-life enhancements justify the $10 price point. Additionally, save files from the original PS4 version are compatible with the remaster.
This compatibility presents a perfect opportunity for those striving for the Platinum trophy. Although gameplay enhancements are minimal, the remaster’s accessibility features and visual overhaul make it a compelling reason to revisit Horizon Zero Dawn.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while I maintain that a remaster might not have been strictly necessary, my experience with Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered has been thoroughly enjoyable. The visual enhancements and new accessibility options elevate it well above typical remasters of today, showcasing genuine effort rather than presenting as a mere cash grab.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered makes a significant leap from its 2017 predecessor, steering clear of censorship or alterations witnessed in other recent remasters. Technical issues aside, the remaster delivers an exceptional gaming experience on PS5.
Game Details
Reviewed on: PS5 (Review code provided by PlayStation)
Platform(s): PS5 and Windows PC
Developer(s): Nixxes Software
Publisher(s): PlayStation
Release date: October 31, 2024
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