Introduction
When Horizon Zero Dawn first came out, it was one of the most breathtaking open-world games I’d ever played. Naturally, when I heard about the remaster, I was curious but skeptical. Was this just a graphical facelift, or would it add enough new features to justify a return? Having spent time revisiting Aloy’s journey in this remastered version, I have mixed feelings. While the enhanced visuals and performance are undeniable highlights, certain elements of the game haven’t aged as gracefully as I’d hoped.
Graphics and Performance
The graphical improvements in Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster are jaw-dropping, especially on the PS5. Running at 60 FPS with 4K resolution, the environments feel alive, from the sunlit grasslands to the snowy expanses of the Frozen Wilds DLC. The lighting and shadows add incredible depth, and I spent countless moments pausing just to admire the view. The machines look more menacing than ever, with finer details that make battles feel even more intense.
That said, while the visuals are stunning, they sometimes highlight the stiffness of the game’s older animations, especially during dialogue scenes. Compared to more modern open-world games, some NPC interactions feel dated, and this pulls you out of the immersion
Gameplay
Jumping back into Aloy’s world felt like meeting an old friend. The bow mechanics and crafting system remain solid, and the thrill of taking down a Thunderjaw never gets old. However, after the initial excitement, the gameplay loop started to feel repetitive for me, especially in the middle of the game. Once you’ve mastered a few core strategies, the combat can lose some of its edge. For newer players, the experience might remain fresh longer, but as someone who played the original, I found myself coasting through familiar territory
The remaster didn’t introduce significant gameplay changes, so certain mechanics like limited climbing routes feel restrictive by today’s standards. After playing Horizon Forbidden West, I couldn’t help but wish for more freedom and dynamic tools in this remaster.
Story and Pacing
The story of Aloy’s quest to uncover her origins and the mysteries of the ancient world is as captivating as ever. I appreciated the improved visuals during cutscenes, which made the emotional beats land better. However, pacing became an issue for me during my playthrough. While the first half is engaging, the game can start to feel like a grind after you’ve unlocked most weapons and skills. Side quests, while plentiful, don’t always add much depth and occasionally feel like filler
Personal Experience
I have to admit, the nostalgia factor carried me through parts of this remaster. Revisiting Meridian, battling Stalkers in the jungle, and watching Aloy’s character arc again were moments I genuinely enjoyed. However, as the game wore on, I started to feel the lack of new content or surprises. By the time I reached the final act, I was more focused on wrapping up than savoring the experience.
For those who haven’t played the original, this remaster is a fantastic way to experience the world of Horizon Zero Dawn. But for returning players, the improvements might not feel substantial enough to justify a second playthrough unless you’re a die-hard fan
Verdict
Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster is a visual feast that offers a great entry point for newcomers. For veterans, the enhancements are noticeable but don’t transform the experience enough to make it feel fresh. It’s still a fantastic game, but the repetitiveness and lack of modern updates hold it back.
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