Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition Review – A Masterpiece Revisited
Game Name: Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition
Developer: Guerrilla
Initial Release Date: August 7, 2020
Genre: Action / Role-Playing Game
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC
Introduction
Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition takes us on an epic journey in a post-apocalyptic world, where nature has reclaimed the ruins of a forgotten civilization and awe-inspiring, mechanical creatures dominate the land. Developed by Guerrilla and published by PlayStation Studios, this award-winning action RPG has been praised for its breathtaking open-world experience and deep storytelling.
Gameplay Overview
At the heart of Horizon Zero Dawn is Aloy, an outcast from her tribe, who embarks on a quest to uncover her past and save the future from a mysterious threat. The game blends traditional RPG elements with innovative mechanics, allowing players to engage in tactical combat against a variety of Machines and rival tribes. The open world is a blend of natural beauty and technological wonder, teeming with wildlife and fraught with danger.
Unique Elements of the Game
One of the game’s most distinctive features is its setting: a lush, beautifully rendered world where nature and technology collide. The world of Horizon Zero Dawn is filled with sprawling forests, snowy mountain ranges, and desolate ruins, all rendered in stunning detail. The design and behavior of the Machines, inspired by real-world animals and dinosaurs, add to the game’s uniqueness, providing challenging and exhilarating combat encounters.
The Complete Edition: What’s New?
The Complete Edition of Horizon Zero Dawn includes the massive expansion, The Frozen Wilds, which adds new lands, skills, weapons, and Machines. This expansion deepens the game’s lore and offers new challenges, making it a must-play for both newcomers and those who have already experienced Aloy’s journey.
Performance and Experience
On PC, Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition shines with improved visuals and performance. The game’s transition from console to PC has been lauded for enhancing its already impressive graphics, making it more enjoyable to play with the right hardware. However, the game remains a stellar experience on the PS4, proving its versatility across platforms.
Narrative and World Building
A key strength of Horizon Zero Dawn is its storytelling. Aloy’s journey is more than just a quest to save the world; it’s a deeply personal story of discovery and identity. The game’s world-building is rich and immersive, weaving together tribal lore, futuristic technology, and a mystery that keeps players engaged from start to finish.
Verdict
Rating: 8.5/10
I rate Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition an 8.5 out of 10. This rating reflects the game’s compelling narrative, stunning open-world design, and innovative combat mechanics. While the game does sometimes adhere to familiar open-world tropes, its unique setting, story, and engaging gameplay elevate it above many of its peers.
The deduction from a perfect score is due to some elements of gameplay feeling formulaic and the occasional lack of focus compared to its initial release. However, the overall experience remains outstanding, particularly with the addition of The Frozen Wilds expansion and the enhancements on the PC version.