Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered – Review – A glorious and visually stunning return to Aloy’s world

There are games that, even after a few years, continue to have a lasting impact, and Horizon Zero Dawn is undoubtedly one of them. When the game launched in 2017, it introduced us to a unique post-apocalyptic world, full of mystery, technology and a captivating protagonist, Aloy, who sought answers about her past and the nature of the machines that dominate the planet. Now, with the arrival of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered for PS5 and PC, Guerrilla Games and Nixxes offer us the opportunity to revisit this masterpiece with a new look and improvements that truly do justice to the power of the PS5.

I confess that when I heard about this remaster, I was skeptical. After all, the original was already visually impressive. However, it only took a few minutes of playing for me to realize the magnitude of the work done. I will share, in detail, every aspect of this visual, audio and gameplay experience that makes returning to the world of Horizon Zero Dawn something more fascinating than I could have imagined. Let’s go by topics, then!

Mechanics and Gameplay

Horizon Zero Dawn has always been an open-world action game, with gameplay that required strategy, precision, and a good dose of creativity. As Aloy, our skilled and full-of-personality protagonist, the player faces machines that, at first, seem unstoppable. The strategic approach to each combat and the variety of weapons are elements that made me immerse myself in the game again.

In this remastered version, the core gameplay of the original remains untouched, meaning that there are no mechanics introduced that were seen in the sequel, Horizon Forbidden West . There are no gliders, no aerial mounts, and no diving mechanics – and while I missed those additions, the core gameplay of Zero Dawn is solid enough to hold its own. The variety of weapons, from bows with different types of arrows to trap guns and slingshots, gives you a range of possibilities to defeat the different mechanical creatures that roam the world.

Each confrontation with these machines requires attention to detail, a good analysis of the enemies’ weaknesses and the intelligent use of Focus , a device that Aloy uses to scan and track the machines’ weak points. This tool continues to be essential, as it helps us develop a precise strategy for each type of enemy. Although I feel that some updates were missing to make melee combat more fluid, the game maintains the long-range combat style as its greatest virtue.

Horizon Zero Dawn ‘s open world is packed with content, side quests, and challenges that guarantee dozens of hours of exploration. Every combat, every new environment, and every interaction makes us feel part of this universe. The gameplay, even without the new features of the sequel, remains incredibly engaging and is one of the reasons that led me to explore every corner of this vast world.

Graphics

Without a doubt, what stands out most about Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is the visual quality. Guerrilla Games and Nixxes have raised the bar by bringing graphics that, at times, are so impressive that it feels like we’re playing something completely new. From the moment Aloy appears on screen, the difference is visible: the quality of the textures, the improved lighting and the level of detail in the environment and characters are breathtaking.

Each environment feels more alive and dynamic. Vegetation is more abundant and interacts better with Aloy, swaying gently as she walks. This creates an incredibly immersive feeling. Textures on rocks, sand, and snow have been improved, and light particles and reflections bring a realism that makes each area of ​​the map feel richer and more detailed. The redesigned lighting system is also worth mentioning; it not only makes scenes feel more natural, but it also helps to create an immersive atmosphere. As I walked through dense forests, deep canyons, and ancient ruins, I felt the world was more immersive than ever.

The absolute highlight, however, is the character models. Aloy and the NPCs have been recreated with an astonishing level of realism. The updated motion capture and facial expressions make conversations more engaging. The textures of each character’s skin and outfits are impressive, and this is amplified when using photo mode, which reveals just how well-detailed the world and its inhabitants are. While there are some occasional clipping issues , especially in the hair of characters with long hair, this does not detract from the game’s visual grandeur.

Sound

The sound of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered has also received special treatment. The soundtrack is the same as the original game, which is a plus for me, as it remains one of the most captivating and atmospheric soundtracks in recent years. The music manages to convey the grandeur and mystery of Horizon ‘s world , as well as heightening the drama of the battles and the suspense of Aloy’s discoveries.

Sound effects have also been improved to take advantage of the power of the PS5. Thanks to Tempest 3D AudioTech , you can hear the sounds of your surroundings in a more immersive way. It’s fascinating to hear the sound of distant machinery, the rustling of leaves, and even small ambient noises like wind and running water. In combat, dynamic and directional audio helps create a more realistic sense of danger, as you can identify the direction of the heavy footsteps of approaching machinery.

DualSense support adds even more immersion, with haptic feedback that responds to Aloy’s gunfire and the impact of machine attacks. Adaptive triggers provide resistance to the use of bows and other weapons, adding an extra layer of realism. All of this makes the sound in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered a complete experience, with every effect and music piece reinforcing the weight and emotion of Aloy’s journey.

Fun

The universe of Horizon Zero Dawn continues to be one of the most fun and captivating I’ve ever experienced. Revisiting this post-apocalyptic world full of dinosaur robots and full of mysteries about humanity’s past is an experience that easily captivates the player for hours and hours. The feeling of discovery is constant, and with each new mission or area, there are a series of secrets, resources and challenges to explore.

Aloy’s narrative is complex and engaging. The central plot, which revolves around Aloy’s search for answers about her origins and the world, is full of twists and turns and emotionally charged moments. The side quests, while not as deep as the main campaign, still manage to enrich the universe and bring interesting stories about the inhabitants of this world.

Combat with the machines is one of the highlights of the game. It’s fascinating to understand each machine’s weaknesses and plan a strategy, especially when facing the most powerful enemies. By mixing stealth, tactics, and direct attacks, the player has the freedom to choose how to approach each situation, which increases the pleasure of discovery and the sense of progression. For those who love to explore, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is a true adventure.

Performance and Optimization

For a remaster, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered stands out for its robust performance on PS5. In addition to bringing beautiful graphics, the game offers different viewing modes to suit each player’s taste. In Quality Mode, the game displays higher resolutions and impressive visual details, ideal for those looking for a maximum visual experience, even at 30 FPS. For those who want greater fluidity, Performance Mode provides a stable experience at 60 FPS, and Balanced Mode is perfect for those with 120 Hz TVs, ensuring the best combination of quality and performance.

The transition between scenes and loading times are practically instantaneous, something that only the PS5 can provide with its ultra-fast SSD. The open world is vast and full of life, and I didn’t experience any significant FPS drops, not even in densely populated areas or during the most intense combats. One point that could be improved is the occasional clipping issues , which mainly occur with Aloy’s hair and some NPCs, but nothing that drastically detracts from the experience.

Conclusion

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is a game that, while technically a remaster, breathes new life into the original game. The graphical enhancements and performance upgrades make this one of the most visually impressive experiences on the PS5. It’s a game that’s worth picking up for both new players and veterans of the franchise. While it doesn’t bring all the gameplay improvements seen in its sequel, Forbidden West , this version manages to capture the best of the original and expand upon it with next-gen visual fidelity.

If you’ve never played Horizon Zero Dawn , this is the definitive version to start with. For those who have explored Aloy’s journey before, the affordable upgrade price is a great opportunity to rediscover this incredible world. All in all, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is an easy recommendation for any fan of action-adventure games, and while the remaster may seem “unnecessary” to some, it offers a rich and improved experience that deserves a place in every PS5 player’s library.

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Positive Points

• Visually stunning graphics with improved textures, lighting and vegetation.
• Detailed character modeling and new motion captures that enrich the dialogues.
• Sound immersion with 3D audio and full DualSense support.
• Wide variety of graphics modes for performance optimization.
• Captivating narrative and universe, with a memorable protagonist.

Negative Points

• Lack of improvements in melee combat mechanics.
• Some clipping issues on characters with long hair.
• Could have included more new features from Forbidden West to improve gameplay.

Rating:
Graphics: 9.5
Fun: 9.0
Gameplay: 8.5
Sound: 9.5
Performance and Optimization: 9.0
FINAL GRADE: 9.1 / 10.0