Horizon Zero Dawn (PS4)

Status:

• Complete in Box
• Play Tested

Horizon Zero Dawn (PS4) Review

Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Guerrilla Games
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release Date: February 28, 2017

Overview:
Horizon Zero Dawn is an open-world action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by robotic creatures. The game follows Aloy, a skilled hunter and archer, as she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her mysterious origins and the fate of the world. Developed by Guerrilla Games, Horizon Zero Dawn combines lush, detailed environments, fast-paced combat, and a compelling narrative, offering one of the most immersive experiences available on the PS4.

Pros

1. Stunning Visuals and World Design:

   • Horizon Zero Dawn is a visual masterpiece. The game takes full advantage of the PS4s hardware, offering breathtaking landscapes, from lush forests and towering mountains to desolate wastelands.
   • The attention to detail in the environment is remarkable, with dynamic weather systems, day-night cycles, and intricate ruins, all of which help to bring the post-apocalyptic world to life.
   • The animations are fluid, and the robotic creatures are beautifully designed, with each machine having its own distinct characteristics and movements.

2. Engaging Combat and Mechanics:

   • The combat in Horizon Zero Dawn is fast, dynamic, and highly satisfying. Aloy can take down robotic foes using a variety of weapons, including bows, slingshots, and traps.
   • Players can target specific parts of the machines, using tactics like removing weapons or disabling key systems to gain an advantage. The combat is both strategic and action-packed, rewarding precise targeting and clever use of the environment.
   • The introduction of elemental and specialized arrows, as well as stealth mechanics, adds a tactical layer to combat, allowing players to approach encounters in different ways.

3. Deep Story and World-Building:

   • The narrative of Horizon Zero Dawn is compelling, blending mystery, science fiction, and exploration. The games story focuses on Aloys quest to discover her origins and understand the fall of human civilization, all while uncovering a larger conspiracy tied to the rise of the robotic creatures.
   • The world-building is exceptional, with a rich lore about the old world and its technological advancements. The games history is gradually revealed through exploration, audio logs, and conversations, which keeps the player engaged and curious.
   • Aloy is a well-written protagonist, strong yet vulnerable, and her interactions with other characters add emotional depth to the story.

4. Open-World Exploration:

   • The game world is vast and filled with things to do. From side quests and collectibles to hidden secrets, theres always something to discover. The world is densely packed with rich ecosystems, each inhabited by different types of robotic enemies and diverse wildlife.
   • Exploration is highly rewarding, with the freedom to tackle objectives in any order. The game offers a balance between structured quests and the freedom to explore the wilderness at your own pace.

5. Great RPG Elements:

   • Horizon Zero Dawn features RPG elements such as skill trees, leveling up, and crafting, which help personalize Aloys abilities and playstyle.
   • The crafting system allows players to gather materials and create potions, traps, and ammo, adding depth to the gameplay and encouraging exploration for resources.
   • The game offers a good balance of combat, exploration, and character progression, making each part of the experience feel meaningful.

6. Sound Design and Music:

   • The sound design in Horizon Zero Dawn is fantastic, with environmental sounds like wind rustling through trees and the distant roars of robotic creatures creating an immersive atmosphere.
   • The musical score is epic, enhancing the emotional weight of key moments and adding grandeur to the games world. The soundtrack complements the vastness of the environment and the intensity of combat.

Cons

1. Occasional Pacing Issues:

   • While the story is engaging, some players may feel that the pacing slows down in the middle of the game. Certain sections involve a lot of backtracking or lengthy quests that could feel drawn-out.
   • The quest structure can sometimes feel formulaic, with many quests involving fetching items or hunting specific machines, which may feel repetitive after a while.

2. Combat Can Become Repetitive:

   • While combat is generally exciting, some players may find that battling the same types of machines over and over again starts to feel repetitive.
   • The enemy variety is decent, but some of the larger machine fights can feel similar in execution, leading to occasional monotony in encounters.

3. Limited Character Customization:

   • While the RPG mechanics are solid, Horizon Zero Dawn doesnt offer a great deal of character customization beyond skill trees and equipment. There is no extensive character customization for Aloys appearance, which may disappoint players who enjoy more personalized character designs.
   • While the gear system allows for some customization of weapons and armor, its more about improving stats rather than truly altering Aloys visual style.

4. Occasional AI and Pathfinding Issues:

   • The AI in the game can occasionally feel clunky, particularly during combat when enemies might struggle to react to the players movements.
   • There are occasional pathfinding issues, such as Aloy getting stuck on terrain or failing to jump across small ledges when the player expects her to do so.

Verdict

Horizon Zero Dawn is a captivating and visually stunning action RPG that blends engaging combat, a deep story, and a vast open world into a cohesive and unforgettable experience. The game excels in its world-building, character development, and tactical combat, offering an enriching journey that will keep players coming back for more. While some repetitive elements and pacing issues may detract from the experience for a few, the overall package is a must-play for anyone who enjoys a deep, narrative-driven adventure.

Score:

• Action RPG Fans: 9.5/10
• Exploration Lovers: 9/10
• Casual Players: 8.5/10

Horizon Zero Dawn is a standout title that offers a rich, immersive world, innovative combat, and an emotional narrative. Its a great showcase of the power of the PS4, and a must-play for fans of action RPGs.