For many, the idea of a remaster of Horizon Zero Dawn seemed unnecessary given the time elapsed since its release. However, it has become one of Sony’s most successful IPs, garnering great acceptance among players and critics, culminating in a sequel that took advantage of the PS5 era.
Discussing its necessity is no longer relevant, as it is a reality. The new version brings improvements that, far from being dispensable, are quite significant. Although the remastered Horizon Zero Dawn mainly updates graphical and performance aspects, the game looks spectacular in the new console generation. A notable achievement, despite the original already standing out visually on PS4. This raises the question of whether the remastered version will manage to recapture the interest of players.
It is undeniable the excellent work done by Nixxes, the studio behind the remastered version. The game, already outstanding in its original launch, offered a limited margin for improvements, so the good work of the studio in implementing certain adjustments deserves even more recognition. Although some of these adjustments, especially in lighting, may be subtle for the less observant, in areas where the original game pushed the PS4, the results are now more natural and impressive.
Horizon stands out for its differentiation of zones based on the environment, which greatly benefit from the graphical improvements; from the initial forests to vast deserts and jungles, without forgetting the snow-capped mountains. This variety of biomes feels alive, thanks to the machines, numerous settlements, and fauna. Without a doubt, the scenarios form one of the most outstanding aspects of Horizon, being some of the most impressive and beautiful seen in a video game. Post-apocalyptic but full of life and color, with particle effects in combat that, while already spectacular, look even better on a PS5 or a competent PC.
As for gameplay, little can be added to what was commented on in our original review. Horizon Zero Dawn was not only one of the best games on PS4 at the time, but it also remains a reference within the open-world genre. All the good of the original game remains intact, as well as its few improvable aspects.
The essence of the original game remains intact, without radical changes, which provides an updated experience that impresses and, for those who did not play it at the time, will be a pleasant surprise to discover it on PS5. What already surprised in its launch for its narrative coherence, now, with the graphical improvements, is even more immersive, making many of its scenarios feel more real.
Deciding whether it’s worth reviving Aloy’s adventure depends on how much you enjoyed the original game. The investment to acquire the remastered version, if you already own the original, is minimal, ten euros for a deep renovation, although it does not significantly alter the gaming experience. For new players, this is the ideal opportunity.
Not only is it one of the best games of the PS5 generation, but it’s also one of the most outstanding graphically of Sony’s titles, a game that you should experience even if you don’t have a PS5. First, because it’s one of the best open-world games of the last decade; and second, because the remasterization also reaches PC simultaneously with the consoles, opening the doors to a vast number of players and equating the experiences between console and PC users, although the complete version has been available on PC since 2020. For both groups of players, this launch is, without a doubt, one of the most notable events of this season.
credits of the images of this post: Hipertextual.com
