Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered on PlayStation 5 captures the essence of Aloy’s first journey through a reimagined world that feels as impressive as it did during its original release, this time powered by PS5 hardware that elevates its vast landscapes and intense combat encounters. Returning to Aloy’s world, players step into a narrative that’s compelling and thought-provoking, as she battles against powerful machines while uncovering mysteries about her origins. The Remastered edition pulls players back into a storyline that blends tribal traditions with futuristic elements in a way few games attempt, and it still succeeds in creating an impactful adventure. Yet, while the remaster has its triumphs, certain additions feel more incremental than transformative, leaving long-time fans wondering if this revisit was truly necessary.
As you’d expect, one of the most noticeable upgrades in this Remastered version is the visual fidelity, which benefits from the PS5’s capabilities to bring even more detail to Aloy’s surroundings. Textures, lighting, and the overall environment have received considerable polish, and these enhancements make Horizon’s world feel more alive and immersive than ever. From lush forests to snowy peaks, the landscape is rendered with richer colors and finer detail, which enhances exploration and brings depth to Aloy’s interaction with the environment. Still, while the graphical improvements are undoubtedly impressive, they may not be quite as groundbreaking as some might hope, especially for those who recently played the sequel. After all, Zero Dawn remains one of the most visually impressive PS4 titles, and the boost isn’t massive.
Gameplay remains at the heart of Horizon’s appeal, where players rely on Aloy’s agility and strategic weaponry to take down massive mechanical beasts. Combat feels as fluid and satisfying as before, and new subtle tweaks make aiming and tactical decisions smoother on the PS5, thanks to the DualSense’s feedback features. These small changes enhance the immersion and create a slightly more refined experience, but they may feel less impactful to those already familiar with the game’s mechanics. For newcomers, however, the Remastered version serves as an ideal entry point, where the combination of careful planning and intense battles provides a genuinely thrilling gameplay experience. The inclusion of the Frozen Wilds expansion adds more content for those seeking further challenges and exploration, delivering new areas and machines that complement the original storyline seamlessly.
Audio design also contributes heavily to the immersive quality of Horizon, with a soundtrack that resonates deeply within the game’s atmospheric world. The audio experience, now enhanced for PS5’s hardware, emphasizes environmental sounds and mechanical threats, making each encounter feel palpable and intense. These improvements are especially evident when surrounded by the game’s beautifully crafted soundscapes, although players familiar with the original may not find drastic differences, as the remaster’s audio touches primarily refine rather than redefine what was already strong audio work.
Ultimately, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered on PS5 is a visually impressive return to Aloy’s story that remains compelling and relevant, yet may not provide enough substantial upgrades to be essential for those who have experienced the original and its post-release enhancements on other platforms. The enhancements for the Remaster are well-implemented, but they feel more like a careful polish than a full transformation. For those new to the game, this remastered edition offers the definitive Horizon experience with improved visuals and refined controls, making it a must-play entry into Aloy’s world. For returning players, however, it is an admirable effort that may not necessarily justify a second dive unless they are keen to relive the story in its finest form yet.
Score: 8.4/10
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