Developer: Guerrilla Games, Nixxes
Platforms: PS5 (Reviwed), PC
Gene(s): RPG, Action
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered – an upgrade to use the capabilities of the PS5
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is the improved and updated version of Horizon Zero Dawn, which initially came out on the PS4. The remastered version on the PS5 has the benefits of a new console and hardware to take advantage of. It is now much closer aligned to Horizon Forbidden West regarding graphical fidelity.
The graphics of all characters are improved and are much more vibrant on the PS5 version compared to the PS4. The cutscenes and in-game character animations look even better than the original outing on the PS4. The landscapes and cities are more alive, and the terrain has more detail. The world seems and feels more alive. We are getting Forbidden West-quality graphics in this updated version, which makes the game more vibrant.
The game supports three graphical modes:
Quality Mode 4K@ 30 FPS – retain 4K by maintaining a lower FPS
Performance Mode 4K@60 FPS – will aim for 60FPS and reduce video quality
Balanced Mode 4K@ 40 FPS – the best of both worlds above.
Apart from the graphical updates, the load times are much quicker, and you can get back into the game much quicker from a loaded instance. There has been an emphasis on using the PS5 controller’s haptic feedback, which is integrated better and more akin to other PS5 games.
If you have the original game (PS4, PC) and/or Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition (PS4, PS5, PC), it’s a $10 update. Otherwise, check your local store for the comparable price in your currency.
The game is an open-world action RPG that follows Alloy as you travel this beautiful world and try to make sense of this wild world you live in. It is primarily played in the third person with a mixture of cutscenes to help drive this narrative-heavy and fantastic game.
The game does a fantastic job leading the player through the vast amounts of game mechanics and this complex world. Piece by piece, character by character and mission by mission, you begin to unravel this unique story, which is complimented by some of the most fantastic action scenes and enemies you will ever face in a game.
The RPG elements are present; you will encounter many characters throughout your journey, and the voice acting is superb. There is a range of NPCs with their agendas, and you will befriend and become enemies to others. The gameplay and action elements are unique, and you become one with Alloy as you play through the game. There is a rich upgrade mechanic, and you can upgrade Alloy and combat gear (weapons, carry cases and armour); you can hunt, fish and gather, too. Each element in the game helps you unlock upgrades and new skills; It’s rich and superb.
The cinematics are fantastic; Horizon has always managed to negotiate the fine line of being a great game that feels like a movie that has the right balance of story to the game. A lush, open world that extends endlessly makes the game seem never-ending. The array of characters, side missions, errands, jobs, and various other missions also give the sense of a living and breathing world. Aloy is planted in this world to determine all the nuances and what is happening. Every part of the world has something to do. This can vary from ancient ruins, new machines, hidden cities, and hidden loot to rare weapons or armour. Despite having a huge map, the world is segmented into further subdivided regions to make the game seem more manageable and manageable. The scale of the game is massive.
The range of enemies, humans, and creatures is vast, each requiring you to use your wits to understand how to kill them. The bosses are epic, and every challenge completed is a worthy achievement. The combat is epic, superb, and fun. This is a unique, challenging game.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is the best way to play Horizon Zero Dawn; the characters, the lighting, and the areas in the game have been improved to take the extra power of the PS5 to improve the game. The game is a masterpiece and one of my favourite games of all time, and this has made it better; the improvement and the game fidelity are two of the most noticeable improvements in the remaster. If you haven’t played or played the game, getting the remaster is well worth it, and it is even more impressive.
Overall: 9.5/10
Enjoys more than the odd game, long time gamer, somewhat a technologist and everything else in between.
Also enjoys a good solid game of FIFA online. Currently PS4, XBOX 360 and STEAM.
