A Story as Rich as the 4K Textures: Horizon Zero Dawn Review
- Patrick Bardenett
- Aug 19, 2017
- 3 min read
When Horizon Zero Dawn debuted during E3, it was met with awe. The bar had been raised, and this was the natural next step in video game experiences. What was not exposed at the time was how gripping the tale could be with the strong yet lovable character Aloy taking the lead. Guerilla Games had the vision, and with the help of Sony Interactive, they created a new landmark in gaming. Horizon Zero Dawn makes sure all three categories of an adventure game are carefully interwoven together: Graphics, Gameplay, and Story. Each component is as strong as the last and they rely on each other to enhance the user’s experience in a way that raises the metaphorical bar, especially in regards to open-world games.
Playing on a PlayStation 4 Pro model, enabling boost mode, and running the graphics at full 4K capacity is the way Guerrilla Games intended Horizon to run. Each blade of grass moving independently, each mechanical spark flying in the wind to its own accord. Physics and beauty so impressive in High Dynamic Range, that playing the game feels secondary to experiencing the surrounding world. With such stunning visuals, one would worry that the fast paced action might be too impressive for their machinery to handle. Rest assured, the motion blur technology powered by Decima’s latest and greatest engine keeps the battles moving without delay. That’s not to say the golden rule of video games doesn’t apply: "Great Graphics doesn’t always equal a Great Game."
That’s where Aloy jumps into the fray. Outcast turned badass, Aloy’s determination and free spirit serves as a guide for the player to uncover the truth about the futuristic nightmare the game presents - an Earth littered with the ruins of our civilization, home to a beaten and tribal humanity, and to a swarm of beastial and dangerous machines. As more and more clues are uncovered and abilities are discovered (machine overrides, faster bow stringing, etc.) the player’s fight for the truth becomes more frightening and fascinating by the hour. Ethics are put to the test in the fight to uncover the answer as to what could have possibly sent Earth into this barren state.
The game starts out strong, emotionally speaking. A journey through acceptance and self-worth leaves even the stone-cold gamers with a lump in their throat. One thing that stuck out particularly was facial animations. Voice acting was seamlessly integrated into characterization, creating bonds and memories along the way. While the script can get occasionally dry, if not cheesy (fighting giant robots tends to dabble in the cheesy category), the journey stands strong with polished models and gripping storylines. Without spoiling the story, Horizon Zero Dawn is a cautionary tale that can find relevance to today’s world on even the smallest scale. The natural progression of both the world and its characters feels direct and specific.
Simply put, the gameplay is incredibly satisfying and feels fresh and unique from the first hour to
the twenty first. Controlling Aloy feels rugged, as it should. While climbing mechanics leave a bit to be desired, movement is generally well-structured. Cutting down heavy machinery is not an easy task, let alone doing it with a bow. Preparing for a fight against a Fire Bellowback, or the Tyrannosaurus-like Thunderjaw is the key to surviving the world of the future. Making combat memorable is one of the finer points at every part of the game.The cinematic takedowns have become a staple of any third person action game (Assassin’s Creed, Tomb Raider, Uncharted, etc.), but what sets Horizon Zero Dawn aside is the colossal feeling behind every moment. The tension of stalking prey is a breath-holding moment. The takedown of a humongous mechanical beast is a breathtaking one. The in-between is where the story is allowed to breathe and finds its footing.
Horizon Zero Dawn is a game breaker in the physical sense, but don’t let it distract from all the other types of artistic excellence that is packed in. As the player gets more comfortable and confident in their abilities, so does Aloy. The journey sculpted out by Guerrila Games is a daunting one, but a rewarding one. Its morals, choices, and artistic direction make it a strong contender for Game of the Year.
Patrick Bardenett, Contributor
Patrick is one of Game Chop's first contributors. He covers reviews and news, and keeps his finger on the pulse of the indie game field. He enjoys story-driven games, and loves diving into the more complicated plots of some of the world's best games.
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