Genre: Action Role-Playing | Developer: Guerrilla Games | Release Date: 2017
Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment and released for the PlayStation 4, Horizon Zero Dawn follows a young hunter named Aloy who embarks on a journey to learn about her past while navigating a world overrun by machines.
Campaign
Horizon Zero Dawn follows Aloy, a young hunter in a world where civilization has collapsed, and mechanical creatures roam the land. As she seeks to uncover the mystery of her origins, she unravels the lost history of the Old Ones and the cataclysmic events that led to humanity’s downfall. The story is layered with intrigue, blending science fiction with a post-apocalyptic setting, making for an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. The mystery surrounding the world’s past is what makes the plot so compelling, rewarding players with revelations that feel well-earned.
Aloy herself is a standout protagonist—intelligent, resourceful, and determined. Her journey from an outcast to a leader is one of the best character arcs in gaming. She’s supported by a cast of characters who, while not as deeply written as those from The Walking Dead, still add richness to the world. Some characters help her, while others stand in her way, making for a diverse and believable world. The various tribes Aloy encounters, each with distinct cultures and ideologies, further deepen the lore. The overarching theme of survival, adaptation, and technological reliance versus nature is masterfully explored. Horizon Zero Dawn tells a fantastic story filled with adventure, mystery, and emotional weight.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Gameplay
The gameplay in Horizon Zero Dawn is a blend of action RPG and open-world exploration. Movement and combat feel fluid, allowing players to run, jump, dodge, swim, and climb with ease. Standard RPG elements, such as leveling up through experience points and unlocking new abilities, are present. However, what sets the game apart is its deep and rewarding combat system.
The crafting system is a core component, requiring players to gather resources from fallen machines and the environment to craft ammo, traps, and healing items. Weapons have modification slots that enhance their abilities, offering a variety of strategic options. Aloy’s arsenal includes a bow, spear, tripcaster, blast sling, ropecaster, and rattler, each with distinct playstyles. While some weapons may feel less necessary than others, they are all well-balanced. The ropecaster, for instance, is especially useful against stronger enemies, allowing players to pin them down for easier targeting.
Enemy AI is impressive, with machines exhibiting different behaviors. Some move in herds, others in flocks, and some hunt alone. The variety in enemy types keeps combat fresh and challenging. Hacking machines to fight alongside you is a standout feature, though its limitations—such as not being able to use them for traversal—make it feel underutilized. Despite this, combat is rewarding and engaging.
Replay value is high, with various side activities like hunting challenges, corrupted machine battles, and bandit camp raids. The Frozen Wilds expansion further enhances the game with new weapons, enemies, and story content. If you’re a completionist, the vast world is filled with hidden collectibles and lore-expanding recordings. Horizon Zero Dawn offers one of the best open-world experiences of its generation.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Production
Guerrilla Games delivered a visually breathtaking world with Horizon Zero Dawn. The environments are richly detailed, featuring diverse biomes such as forests, snowy mountains, deserts, and ruins of old cities. The game’s day-night cycle and weather effects add to the immersion, making the world feel alive. The level of detail in character models, especially facial expressions, is among the best in the industry.
The mechanical creatures are intricately designed, with animations that make them feel like living, breathing entities. Watching a Thunderjaw or Stormbird in motion is as awe-inspiring as seeing Optimus Prime transform for the first time. Cutscenes are cinematic in quality, seamlessly blending into gameplay and elevating the storytelling.
Audio design is exceptional. While no specific track stands out as iconic, the soundtrack enhances every moment—whether Aloy is exploring, engaging in battle, or uncovering secrets. The mechanical sounds of the machines, from their heavy footsteps to their eerie screeches, add to their intimidating presence. Even smaller details, like the crunch of snow under Aloy’s boots or the metallic clang of an arrow striking a machine, contribute to the immersive experience.
Voice acting is top-tier, with Ashly Burch delivering a phenomenal performance as Aloy. She brings depth and emotional nuance to the character, making her one of the most memorable protagonists in gaming. The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, adding weight to the story. Horizon Zero Dawn sets a high bar for production values.
Rating: 5 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Horizon Zero Dawn is a must-play masterpiece. Its gripping story, deep gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and stellar voice performances make it one of the best games of its generation. Whether you’re here for the story, combat, or exploration, there’s something for everyone. An instant classic and a defining title for the PS4. Horizon Zero Dawn gets 5 out of 5.
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