Horizon Zero Dawn Review

I started playing Horizon Zero Dawn about a month ago, and Ive just gotten to the second to last main quest. I've invested a lot of time in this game, probably close to 65 hours or so. There is simply so much to do and to explore, and the game play mechanics are incredibly fun. Before going into a more detailed review, here's some background information to give my review a little bit more context.

After spending probably 1000 hours if not more on Skyrim, I finally decided to put the game down after kicking the ebony warrior's ass (as well as Miirak and Karstaag's for good measure). I popped HZD in and was immediately blown away by the graphics.

I mean, playing Skyrim and Skyrim alone for months on end, I had actually begun to think that the game was pretty stunning in terms of visuals, as my memories of Uncharthed 4 and The Witcher 3 faded from my memory. But within the opening moments of HZD, I was reminded of the true potential the PS4 has. In terms of graphics Horizon has pushed that potential to the max. The game holds up to Uncharted 4, and IMO surpasses it in the visuals department (considering HZD is an open-world AARPG whereas Uncharted 4 is more like a glorified, polished version of Super Mario Bros with a compelling storyline and block-buster explosions). Being an artist myself I must say I'm a total sucker for good visuals but that's not all the game has to offer by a stretch.

Moving on to the gameplay, HZD really shines, combat is incredibly addictive, and finding clever ways to destroy giant, murderous, robotic dinosaurs is truly rewarding. Nothing ever feels too easy, but I always get the sense that if I approach a fight the right way, I can come out on top-against even the hardest enemy combatants, so long as I play my cards right. Don't missunderstand me though, HZD is NOT an easy game by any means, its not, but so far nothing has seemed so overwhelmingly impossible that the fun turns into frustration and I throw down my controller and go on to do something actually productive, like draw or play guitar.

As for other aspects of gameplay, HZD's protagonist Aloy feels great to control. Her movements are fluid and agile, but she's also capable of landing a heavy damage spear attack when the situation calls for it. The frame rate never dips for me, which is impressive since I'm often finding myself dodging, running and jumping as I skirmish with my foes.

The one complaint I have (and its not a big one, more of a minor annoyance really) is the way climbing is handled in the game. There are plenty of times when I feel like I should be able to jump up and grasp onto a ledge or mountain side, only to find out that I can't, which then furthers confusion when there are certain structures in the environment that I can climb that are equally logical seeming. Now at certain points there are colored stones or ledges which make it clear, but it seems like this aspect of the game could have been developed more into the fashion that is seen in Uncharted.

Another thing that took some getting used to, for me in the first couple days of playing this game was the crafting and skill points system. This is undoubtedly due to the fact that I'm really new to video games and have only several others that I can compare to, so for more seasoned gamers I doubt they will find this to be anything new.

Crafting was probably my favorite part of Skyrim, (and it should be noted that Skyrim is the first game I really ever invested much time into the function) so I had hoped for something a little more similar.

However, after getting comfortable with HZD I've realized that such a system simply wouldn't make sense within the context of the world HZD takes place in. This isn't a game where you can become an invincible one man 'war machine' that's virtually immortal.

In fact what sets HZD apart and actually makes it fun, is that Aloy is the underdog. Mankind has been reduced to primitive tribal society's with the added insult that the environment is roaming with highly advanced technology from a far distant past that no one understands. This means that your best bet at success in battle is to use strategy and wit, because while gigantic machines are launching bullets and lazers, your weapons are limited and rather primitive and for most of the game you'll be relying on using a bow and arrow to take these things down.

While your secondary weapon is a spear, all out melee combat will not keep you alive in this post apocalyptic dystopia. Every type of machine requires a different approach, which is very different from a game like Skyrim, where after maxing out ones' smithing and enchanting skills the player can pretty much 1-hit kill almost any enemy you come across.

HZD forces the character to plan their battles wisely; stealthily sneaking around enemy grounds and placing an array of different traps is a scenario one will often find themselves in before approaching a tough battle. Watching your strategy play out with success feels like a true accomplishment. Something that can't be said for games of similar ilk where through some grinding, fighting can become so easy that its In conclusion, HZD is a joy to play.

As for story, this IMO is up there with Witcher 3. I don't want to spoil anything but if the story is an important element in a game for you, get HZD.