Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered | Review Thread

[John Elden Ring]

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Game Information

Game Title: Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered

Platforms:

• PlayStation 5 (Oct 31, 2024)
• PC (Oct 31, 2024)

Trailer:

• Exclusive: Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered - PS5 DF Tech Review - Is The Upgrade Worthwhile?
• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered | Original VS Remaster | Graphics Comparison Trailer
• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered - Announce Trailer | PS5 & PC Games

Developers: Guerrilla Games, Nixxes Software

Publisher: PlayStation Publishing LLC

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 84 average - 100% recommended

Metacritic - 86 average based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic Reviews


4News.it - Riccardo Amalfitano - Italian - 9 / 10

The Nixxes team did a practically excellent job of making sure that Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered was markedly more consistent in terms of detail with the sequel, 2022's Forbidden West, and went on to offer a level experience in all respects. The asking price for the upgrade (€9.99) is really paltry compared to the amount of effort put into giving the first installment of the series “a new life” on PS5 and PC consoles. So whether you have already played Horizon Zero Dawn, or if, on the other hand, you have never tried Guerrilla Games' first action-RPG, this remastered is absolutely worth it.

CGMagazine - David Walters - 9 / 10

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is a gorgeous update to a powerhouse title that brings it visually on par with its successor

Checkpoint Gaming - Tom Quirk - 8 / 10

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is a welcome tune-up of a modern classic. If you have never played Guerrilla Games' 2017 original, this is the definitive way to experience it. While many of the visual enhancements may be rather subtle, they are widespread, and do a lot to bring the game up to the standards of its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West. The new DualSense controller features and accessibility options are also excellent additions that serve to make Horizon Zero Dawn far more immersive and approachable. That said, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered doesn't deliver much more than that, and players wanting more improvements on the gameplay side of things may be left wanting.

ComingSoon.net - Tyler Treese - 9 / 10

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is a remaster done right. Aloy’s original adventure looks gorgeous and matches all of the features of its sequel.

Echo Boomer - David Fialho - Portuguese - Recommended

Before venturing with Aloy in LEGO, we revisited her first journey in "Ultra HD" in a remaster that, while seemingly unnecessary, surprises with the quality of its upgrade.

Enternity.gr - Giannis Archontidis - Greek - 9 / 10

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered constantly made us wonder why it's not called "Remake"

Evilgamerz - Jeroen Janssen - Dutch - 9.3 / 10

A remaster can elevate a game over a game that was released later. That is certainly the case here because Horizon Zero Dawn looks like a freshly launched, new PlayStation 5 game that was fully developed on the newer console. Everything looks so great and sometimes you even find yourself standing on a mountain enjoying the view that awaits you again. The beautiful weather effects in the game's large map are all a feast for the eyes but also make the game more varied in terms of experience. The addition of more liveliness in the cities, the better NPC motion capture and the improved textures make the game razor sharp. Add to that the already great gameplay and the evolutionary mission structure that manages to offer constant variation and you simply have a perfect game. There are a few small details here and there that could have been polished up a bit more, but all in all this is a must-buy if you have never played the game before, whether or not you want to play it again, but then on the next-gen console or PC via an upgrade.

GAMES.CH - Benjamin Braun - German - 90%

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GameBlast - Alexandre Galvão - Portuguese - 9 / 10

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered brings a visually enhanced and technically refined version of a game that marked the PlayStation 4 generation, now adapted to make the most of the capabilities of the PlayStation 5 and PC. With detailed graphics, an even more realistic environment and performance improvements, the remaster caters to both new players and fans who want to relive Aloy's journey with the best of current technologies. The remastered version stands out as a tribute to the work of Guerrilla Games, while reinforcing the potential of its legacy for future generations of players.

Gameblog - French - 8 / 10

In itself, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered fulfills its mission: fully exploit the power of the PS5 and PC to make the original game more beautiful than ever and on the same level as the magnificent Forbidden West. However, with the exception of the full support of the DualSense controller, we can regret the absence of new features and improvements to the gameplay. The upgrade from PS4 to PS5 with three convincing graphic modes at 10 euros may be worth the cost, but the same cannot really be said about buying the Remaster full price or on a PC version graphically extremely solid, even to this day.

GamingTrend - Henry Viola - 90 / 100

Nixxes and Guerilla Games have made an already beautiful game even better. If you haven't yet experienced the origin of Aloy's story, then do yourself a favor and play Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered!

Nexus Hub - Ryan Pretorius - 8.5 / 10

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered goes well beyond expectations for a simple remaster, providing a technically marvelous and now quintessential way to experience Aloy's first adventure on PS5.

PSX Brasil - Portuguese - 80 / 100

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Pizza Fria - Lucas de Azevedo Soares - Portuguese - 9.1 / 10

If you already own Horizon Zero Dawn (which was even given away for free in Play At Home 2020), the upgrade to the Remastered version can be purchased for US$10, both on PlayStation 5 and PC, as long as the title is on the same platform. I consider it an affordable price, especially considering the visual and performance improvements offered. And although the story and gameplay structure remain the same, the remaster delivers a very interesting technical experience and improved visuals. On the other hand, if you were already impressed by the original and are just looking for new content, this is not where you will find it. That said, I would recommend Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered to new players or to those who want to relive Aloy's adventure in its best version yet.

Press Start - 9 / 10

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is the best way to play one of PlayStation's defining games. It's improved visually in every way, with a great amount of love and care put into every detail and will be a joy for newcomers and fans alike.

Push Square - Sammy Barker - 8 / 10

Horizon Zero Dawn is very much one of Sony's standout projects of the past ten years, and this superb remaster by Nixxes puts it among the best looking games on the PS5. While the side-quests and supporting content don't quite match up to sequel Forbidden West, the more focused story is arguably better than its successor, and it's presented almost flawlessly in this remastered format.

Saving Content - Scott Ellison II - 5 / 5

If you already own the game on PlayStation 4, it’s a no-brainer to upgrade to the remaster for $10. If you’ve never played, it’s absolutely worth the asking price.Horizon Zero Dawn is a great story with good gameplay, and Horizon Forbidden West is a good story with great gameplay, though they compliment one another so well. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is still a masterpiece of its own, has a captivating story, a rich and vibrant world teeming with secrets, and thrilling combat that will keep you hooked for dozens of hours. Thanks to Nixxes, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered provides consistency in its environmental design and enhanced detail that are now present in both Horizon games, making this more than a remaster – it’s a remaster plus plus.

Spaziogames - Italian - 7.8 / 10

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The Games Machine - Emanuele Feronato - Italian - 9 / 10

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TheSixthAxis - Stefan L - 8 / 10

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered might not have been a wholly necessary overhaul, but there's plenty to like about it, from greater visual depths and details, to the majorly improved dialogues.

WellPlayed - Kieron Verbrugge - 8 / 10

Whether or not you think it needed to happen, Nixxes and Guerrilla Games' effort to refresh Horizon Zero Dawn in its sequel's image is an incredibly successful one. It makes the original version look like a first draft by comparison, and while it won't convince anyone who disliked Zero Dawn on a fundamental level, $15 for the upgrade should be an easy sell for diehards.

 

[Gediminas]

84, 86, what is this shit?

It should be at least 90. Playstation Tax clearly hit yet again.
Original was 88, this one isn't just game but DLC included.

Overall, this remaster is Gold standard for remasters and should be use as example of perfection in this field.

 

[Dr. E99]

84, 86, what is this shit?

It should be at least 90. Playstation Tax clearly hit yet again.
Original was 88, this one isn't just game but DLC included.

Overall, this remaster is Gold standard for remasters and should be use as example of perfection in this field.

 

[Dr. E99]

Seriously, can't wait to play this.

Sony's $10 remaster upgrade program is great. Got TLOU 2 and now this for $20. Definitely not complaining.

 

[Sircaw]

Seriously, can't wait to play this.

Sony's $10 remaster upgrade program is great. Got TLOU 2 and now this for $20. Definitely not complaining.

Just imagine what this thing would look like on the Pro, a work of art.

 

[thicc_girls_are_teh_best]

84, 86, what is this shit?

It should be at least 90. Playstation Tax clearly hit yet again.
Original was 88, this one isn't just game but DLC included.

Overall, this remaster is Gold standard for remasters and should be use as example of perfection in this field.

It's a remaster of a game that didn't really need one, and AFAIK didn't see any game system revisions seen in HFW. Also it's releasing just a year or so after HFW's PC port, which released just a year after HFW itself.

Releasing in such close proximity, the same game (effectively) just being prettier isn't going to impress as much as it did the first time around, or as its sequel did. Very understandable.

 

[ethomaz]

Seems like a fair score to a remaster that nobody asked.

 

[Danja]

Good score and Nixxes did well which was expected. I'll probably upgrade just to have it but can't see myself replaying this again

 

[Sircaw]

Good score and Nixxes did well which was expected. I'll probably upgrade just to have it but can't see myself replaying this again

i think i finished the game twice stuck on 99% for a platinum, was meant to find some hunting statue somewhere.

If I had a pro I would 100% do it again, doubt it on the base ps5.

 

[mibu no ookami]

For things like this, I don't focus on the grade but how we come to a grade. The overall grade is weighed down largely by one review:

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered doesn’t need to exist, yet here we are, and considering the $10 upgrade fee, its presence could have been significantly more barbaric. Passionate fans looking for an excuse to replay Aloy’s debut adventure with lovely visuals and a fresh list of trophies will find this remaster a no-brainer, but for a more sceptical soul like myself, it’s hard to look past the lack of quality of life improvements that only serve to highlight how far things have come since Horizon Zero Dawn first arrived, and how hard it’s become to look back.

A review that is largely bullshit. No games "need" to exist. Just like this review doesn't "need" to exist. How is its existence in any way "barbaric"... jesus who wrote this?

I think it's fair to criticize lack of quality of life improvements, but when your entire position is skeptical of a product's need to exist, maybe you shouldn't be reviewing it.

This game isn't just for people who love the original and want to delve back into it, but for many people who never played the original game. It was set to be paired with a TV show that got cancelled.

The context of the review is actually pretty fair as well as most of the criticism, but this isn't a remake, it's a remaster. So partially I'd say the reviewer is reviewing the product they think it should be rather than the product it is.

Is it worth 10 dollars for people to upgrade if they want to replay it? Is it worth 50 dollars for new players? Giving it a 70 seems pretty harsh and out of skew with what the rest of reviewers will probably give it, suggesting the reviewer didn't get the assignment here.

 

[Gediminas]

It's a remaster of a game that didn't really need one, and AFAIK didn't see any game system revisions seen in HFW. Also it's releasing just a year or so after HFW's PC port, which released just a year after HFW itself.

Releasing in such close proximity, the same game (effectively) just being prettier isn't going to impress as much as it did the first time around, or as its sequel did. Very understandable.

Xenoblade remaster is barely few year older and nintendrones and others deep throating it, there is no ''Didn't really need one''.
while it is just simple port with res bump up a little. will it have 10$ upgrade path?

this remaster is really feels like remaster and gold standard for remasters, not some lazy ass port ran through AI res bump.

shit like Xenoblade, legacy of kane and shit should be called out, not this one.

 

[ethomaz]

Xenoblade remaster is barely few year older and nintendrones and others deep throating it, there is no ''Didn't really need one''.
while it is just simple port with res bump up a little. will it have 10$ upgrade path?

this remaster is really feels like remaster and gold standard for remasters, not some lazy ass port ran through AI res bump.

shit like Xenoblade, legacy of kane and shit should be called out, not this one.

Apple to oranges.

Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition was released in 2017..: that is what Nintendo is launching now the Xenonlade: Definitive Edtion… the first re release.

Whatever or like or not it is a GOTY / Complete edition… anybody that has the previous games + DLCs doesn’t need to buy it just like the HZD: Complete Edition that aims to new buyers.

This thread is about the HZD remaster that aims to existing and new buyers.

PS. I don’t care about Xenoblade so you see me going in the thread to say anything… for me that doesn’t change HZD Remastered is something unnecessary right now.

 

[Yurinka]

Solid scores, seems that as usual Nixxes did a great job. They'll get my 10 bucks.

 

[mibu no ookami]

Solid scores, seems that as usual Nixxes did a great job. They'll get my 10 bucks.

I didn't love the original Horizon release. I tried it a bit more on PS4 Pro after the update, but still didn't love it. Got Forbidden West for free on PS+ and it landed on the backend of my backlog.

For 10 dollars, I'll give this a shot on the PS5 Pro at some point or I'll wait to get it for free on PS+.

Mostly depends on how things go with my general backlog.

 

[anonpuffs]

I didn't love the original Horizon release. I tried it a bit more on PS4 Pro after the update, but still didn't love it. Got Forbidden West for free on PS+ and it landed on the backend of my backlog.

For 10 dollars, I'll give this a shot on the PS5 Pro at some point or I'll wait to get it for free on PS+.

Mostly depends on how things go with my general backlog.

horizon zero dawn suffers from awful, awful pacing of the story. It only picks up in the back 1/3, and by the end it's a pretty good game with potential for a sequel.

 

[mibu no ookami]

horizon zero dawn suffers from awful, awful pacing of the story. It only picks up in the back 1/3, and by the end it's a pretty good game with potential for a sequel.

Oh I finished the game. I felt like the back 3rd was the worst part of it. I couldn't wait to be done with it.

The only thing I really liked about the game was the gameplay.

 

[Gods&Monsters]

Another legendary PC flop. The CCU peak for launch day is 2,538 and number 66 on top sellers

 

[DarkLordOtaku]

Seems like a fair score to a remaster that nobody asked.

Well, I'm sure at least the finance dept at Sony asked for it.

 

[DarkLordOtaku]

Solid scores, seems that as usual Nixxes did a great job. They'll get my 10 bucks.

It's nice to see this remaster resonating with folks! I hope you'll enjoy replaying the game with improved visuals!

 

[DarkLordOtaku]

Another legendary PC flop. The CCU peak for launch day is 2,538 and number 66 on top sellers

As a child, did you witness a PC murder your parents in an alleyway, which would influence you to grow up to become console exclusivity Batman?