October 30th 2024.
The gaming world has been abuzz with news of Sony's latest release, Horizon Zero Dawn - a remaster of their already visually stunning game. Although the trend of remakes and remasters may seem tiresome to some, this one is definitely worth your attention - not only is it affordable, but the improvements are evident.
As the gaming industry continues to churn out remakes and remasters, it's no surprise that publishers see them as a quick and easy way to fill the gaps between major releases. But the real question is whether a game truly needs a remaster - does the original still hold up or is it outdated and obscure enough to benefit from updated graphics and features?
In the case of Sony's recent titles, the answer has often been a resounding no. With remasters like The Last of Us Part 1 and Until Dawn, there seemed to be no real necessity for the upgrade. However, games like Shadows Of The Colossus and Demon's Souls have been well-received. So why did Sony choose to remaster Horizon Zero Dawn, a game that is only seven years old and still looks great on the PlayStation 4?
Perhaps the logic behind this decision is the release of Lego Horizon Adventures this Christmas - a retelling of the same story. It's hard to imagine anyone playing this and then turning their nose up at the original on the PlayStation 4, claiming it's too old and ugly. However, for what it's worth, this remaster does look significantly better than the original.
With rumors of a multiplayer spin-off and a new sequel in the works, it seems that Sony is putting a lot of effort into making Horizon a successful franchise. This is interesting because the series has never quite reached its full potential. While it boasts a fascinating backstory and unique concept, the actual plot falls flat and fails to captivate players.
It will be interesting to see how the Lego game portrays the characters, as they were rather dull and forgettable in the original. Protagonist Aloy lacks energy and the other characters are easily forgotten. This is a shame, as the world of Horizon is intriguing and one would expect a more lively tone.
The game's review of the original PlayStation 4 version still stands, as this remaster offers no changes in terms of gameplay. The game takes place in an open world and follows Aloy's journey as she discovers pre-apocalyptic technology and interacts with the remaining technology. While the gameplay may feel familiar with its open-world quests and basic role-playing elements, the fact that the game is set in a post-apocalyptic world populated by giant mechanical animals adds a unique twist.
Graphically, the remaster is definitely an improvement and it now looks almost as good as its sequel, Forbidden West. The enhanced trees and foliage are particularly noticeable, as smaller bushes and grasses now react to the player's movements. There's also 10 hours of new motion capture data, although it's not clear where or why this was necessary.
As the only Sony game releasing near the launch of the PS5 Pro, it's safe to assume that it will run at 60fps with all the bells and whistles. However, players currently have a choice between 4K at 30fps or a slightly lower resolution at 60fps.
While this remaster may seem unnecessary, it's hard to deny that it's the definitive version of the game. And with an upgrade path for those who already own the original for just £9.99, there's no reason to complain. In fact, it only makes us more curious about the Lego game and excited for a potential third installment - which may have been Sony's intention all along.
In summary, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered offers improved graphics and remains one of the best open-world experiences of the last generation. The game's shallow but entertaining gameplay, with its giant robot animals, makes it stand out. However, the storytelling and side quests are still lacking. Overall, it's a solid 8/10. The game is available on PlayStation 5 and PC for £44.99 from 31st October 2024 and has an age rating of 18.
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