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Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered Review

November 1, 2024 4:48 pm in by

Nixxes and Guerrilla Games has given new life to Aloy’s inaugural adventure with Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, offering PlayStation 5 owners the definitive way to experience this beloved action RPG. This enhanced version brings the game’s visual fidelity in line with its critically acclaimed sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, while introducing numerous improvements that make the journey through the post-apocalyptic world more immersive than ever before

The remastered edition boasts stunning 4K graphics that showcase the game’s diverse landscapes in breathtaking detail. From the snow-capped peaks of frozen mountains to the lush canopies of dense jungles and the sun-baked expanses of arid deserts, every environment has been meticulously enhanced. The upgraded visuals bring a new level of depth and realism to the world, making exploration even more rewarding for both newcomers and returning players.

Linda Burgers, Principal Producer, Nixxes says “The shared vision of Nixxes and Guerrilla was not to just upgrade the existing world of Horizon Zero Dawn, but to overhaul the visuals to match those of Horizon Forbidden West, without losing the original intent and identity of the first game. To achieve this, we were in constant contact with the art direction, animation, and lighting teams at Guerrilla. Since the studios’ offices in Amsterdam and Utrecht are close to each other, we had people from Guerrilla visit on a regular basis to give direction in person and help solve complex problems with various aspects of the production”.

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One of the most significant upgrades in the remaster is the attention given to the game’s characters. Over 10 hours of conversations have been re-recorded, accompanied by new motion capture performances. This effort has dramatically improved the quality of character interactions, bringing them up to current-generation standards in terms of animation, lighting, and textures. The result is a more emotionally engaging narrative experience that allows players to connect with Aloy and the supporting cast on a deeper level.

Traversing the vast open world of Horizon Zero Dawn has never been smoother. The remastered version takes full advantage of the PS5’s capabilities, offering lightning-fast travel between settlements. This improvement significantly reduces downtime and keeps you engaged in the action and story without long-loading screens interrupting the flow of gameplay.

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered isn’t just a visual upgrade; it includes The Frozen Wilds expansion, providing players with even more content to explore. This comprehensive package ensures that both new and returning players have access to the full breadth of Aloy’s initial adventure, complete with all the additional skills, weapons, and machines introduced in the expansion.

For those who have yet to experience Aloy’s origin story or for fans looking to revisit the world of Horizon with fresh eyes, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered offers the best way to immerse yourself in this captivating adventure on PS5.

With its stunning visual enhancements, improved character performances, and quality-of-life upgrades, this remaster sets a new standard for how even the most recent games can be revitalized for modern hardware that is rapidly evolving.

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Whether you’re hunting robotic beasts, unravelling the mysteries of the ancient world, or simply taking in the breathtaking vistas, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is an unforgettable journey through one of gaming’s most unique and compelling universes that has quickly cemented itself into gaming folklore.

If you’ve previously purchased the game and don’t feel like paying for it all over again you’ll be happy to know that existing owners of Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition can upgrade to the digital version of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered for only $15 AUD there are some terms and conditions around this, so check the PSStore for info.

Horizon Zero Dawn is one of the best, most unique and beautiful universes created in gaming for years, to see the original game be remastered for the modern systems shows how far we’ve come in such a small amout of time.

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