With the release of Horizon: Forbidden West for PC, I’ve decided to provide a brief review for those players who are not yet familiar with this saga; today, we’ll talk about the first game, Horizon: Zero Dawn.
One of the best video games of the current generation is Horizon Zero Dawn. This open-world game, created by Guerrilla Games and released by Sony Interactive Entertainment, transports players to a post-apocalyptic future where robots have taken over the planet. In this bleak world, we assume the role of Aloy, a brave hunter who embarks on a heroic quest to uncover the truth about her past and the origins of these mechanized beings.
The game captivates us immediately with its compelling story, fleshed-out characters, and expansively drawn game world. The tribal design surprisingly complements the post-apocalyptic backdrop, producing a distinct and fascinating setting. The main character, Aloy, is a powerful and endearing woman whose tenacity and cunning make her a memorable figure.
Setting
Horizon Zero Dawn is set in a fascinating environment. Guerrilla Games has developed a captivating post-apocalyptic universe that successfully blends the old with the new. The majestic ruins of ancient cities and the enigmatic technical remnants starkly contrast with the vast areas of environment that have been reclaimed by plants and wildlife.
The game takes us to a future where aboriginal tribes have supplanted the ancient human civilization as the dominant force, with the latter reduced to little more than archaeological relics. The level of detail exhibited in the recreation of these tribal settlements is remarkable, from the residents’ unique tattoos and ornate attire to the organic architecture of the villages.
However, the terrifying machines that roam Horizon Zero Dawn are what truly set the stage. These huge biomechanical automatons, coming in a variety of forms, from the fierce Ravagers to the magnificent Tallnecks, give the surrounding area a threatening and imposing presence. Their design is absolutely stunning; it integrates well with the environment by blending modern aspects with organic ones.
The vast open spaces are awe-inspiring to behold. Each area of the game world, from the vast grass-covered plains to the majestic snow-covered mountains, is filled with striking details and a surprising combination of colors. The player is fully immersed in this stunning place thanks to the lighting and realistic weather effects.
Story
The compelling, epic plot of Horizon Zero Dawn is told with a level of narrative skill rarely seen in video games. The twists and turns of the plot, from the enigmatic prologue that introduces us to a young Aloy to the powerful climax of the journey, keep the player captivated.
Aloy, a brave hunter raised by the outcasts of the Nora tribe, is at the center of this journey and is eager to learn the truth about her past. In the process of seeking answers, she unravels the mysteries of the ancient civilization that was once dominant, triggering a series of events that could potentially alter the course of history as currently understood by the aboriginal tribes.
The story is masterfully written, blending flashbacks from the past with the post-apocalyptic present to progressively unveil the dire circumstances that led to humanity’s disappearance. The puzzle is solved seamlessly, keeping the reader interested and in suspense until the end.
The characters accompanying Aloy are highly detailed and have nuanced motivations that transcend conventional stereotypes. Each character, from the enigmatic Sylens to the devout Varl, is crucial to the development of events and adds another complexity to the main plot.
However, it’s the way Horizon Zero Dawn handles existential issues and difficult moral dilemmas that truly elevates the story. Aloy’s epic journey is delicately but strongly intertwined with questions related to the nature of artificial intelligence, human responsibility, and the fate of life on Earth.
Gameplay
Horizon Zero Dawn’s demanding and action-packed gameplay will captivate players for hours with its enticing exploration and action elements. Every element of the game, from the furious battle against powerful robots to the skillful handling of environmental challenges, has been carefully designed to evoke a sense of achievement and satisfaction.
The combat system, which is both visceral and strategic, is at the heart of the experience. Aloy possesses a variety of simple yet powerful weaponry, including explosive traps, spears, and bows. Each battle with the machines is an exciting tactical challenge, requiring a thorough examination of their attack strategies and weak points. Survival requires both careful planning and the use of stealth.
But battle is not the only aspect of Horizon Zero Dawn. Exploring the vast open universe itself is a satisfying experience. Discovering historical sites, hunting terrifying mechanical animals, and climbing imposing cliffs are just some exciting and novel activities that await you on this journey. The equipment crafting and upgrading system adds a layer of complexity, allowing players to tailor their gameplay to their preferences.
The fluidity of Aloy’s movements and the excellent controls further enhance the gameplay. The player is fully immersed in the game world as they experience natural and intuitive movement for each task, from sliding down steep slopes to climbing vertical surfaces.
The way the game rewards exploration and the solving of environmental puzzles is another magnificent feature. Players will often need to overcome cunning obstacles that test their observation and problem-solving skills to unlock new locations or obtain important supplies.
What I Didn’t Like
Although Horizon Zero Dawn has received great praise from critics, there are still certain issues and room for improvement. While overall it’s a fantastic experience, there are some things that make it less than perfect.
The lack of variation in side tasks is one of the main complaints. While the main plot is grand and fascinating, the additional activities often feel superficial and repetitive. Many of them simply require getting rid of a bunch of machines or gathering a certain amount of things.
As for the dialogue system and interactions with non-playable characters, there’s another significant critique. Main characters are well-developed, while tribe members often lack depth, and their dialogue can become boring and predictable. This detracts from the rich realistic environment the game seeks to build.
Enemy AI is another feature that has generated criticism, as sometimes, especially in the later stages of the game, it can seem too simple or predictable. Some machines become predictable in their attack patterns, diminishing the excitement of the initial encounters.
Finally, the lack of customization options for Aloy’s appearance has disappointed some players. Even if her design is recognizable, many who would like more customization might find it problematic, as they cannot alter her clothing or physical attributes.
Is It Worth It?
In summary, Horizon Zero Dawn is a true gem of the current generation of video games, combining a captivating narrative, a unique setting, exciting gameplay, and stunning visual presentation. It’s an experience that no action and adventure game lover should miss.
If you’ve already played Horizon Zero Dawn, I invite you to share your experience; it’s a pleasure to read your opinions.
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Hello, I’m Renny Castro, I’m 20 years old, and I’m studying engineering. As far back as I can remember, video games have been my passion. I love getting lost in worlds like Hollow Knight, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, The Witcher 3. I’m excited to share my experience with you about the numerous games I’ve played.
