Platform: PlayStation 4Edition: StandardChange
Price:$55.22+ Free shipping with Amazon Prime
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on March 31, 2017
The only real downside to this game is that it came out the same week as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (then again that game's downside is that it came out the same week as this one).
Seriously though this is truly a fantastic game. Each of the robots you encounter require a different strategy to effectively take them out. While you can get better gear and skills, the leveling system in the game doesn't make you overpowered at any point, so if you don't go into a fight with a plan you can get overwhelmed pretty quickly. The story itself is enjoyable if a little predictable.
Also if you've got a daughter that could use a video game hero Aloy is a great choice. She's a strong woman that doesn't wear "bimbo" armor, and she doesn't take any nonsense from anyone along the way.
Seriously though this is truly a fantastic game. Each of the robots you encounter require a different strategy to effectively take them out. While you can get better gear and skills, the leveling system in the game doesn't make you overpowered at any point, so if you don't go into a fight with a plan you can get overwhelmed pretty quickly. The story itself is enjoyable if a little predictable.
Also if you've got a daughter that could use a video game hero Aloy is a great choice. She's a strong woman that doesn't wear "bimbo" armor, and she doesn't take any nonsense from anyone along the way.
on April 26, 2017
~PROS~
+Fantastic "OMG no wayyyy that's crayyyzyyy" kind of storyline
+Excellent UI that's easy to learn and master
+The robots are a freaking blast
+Smooth combat
~CONS~
+Nothing that would give this rating anything less than a 5 Star
~REVIEW~
If you're a casual gamer looking for a COMPLETE EXPERIENCE and none of that "Season Pass-Half Game" bull crap, this game's for you!
I play video games a few days a week for a couple hours, but this is one of the very few games that kept me wanting more...wanting to explore the world, wanting to complete the next quest to find out what happens next. My biggest regret was finishing the storyline too early. It was mainly because I wanted this specific piece of armor and well....when you're so close to beating the game you feel like you just have to see it to the end.
If you haven't seen gameplay videos on how this game performs, I'd suggest you go do that.
There are some reviewers that get their panties up in a bunch with the whole "religious" aspect of the game, but that's what makes the story so unique, compelling, and dramatic. You won't see signs of the cross or any mention of modern day religions. It's merely tribal post-apocalyptic religions' mystery that blows up into something greater, bigger than the religions themselves, the kind that makes your jaw drop after a big event happened in your favorite weekly show.
The user interface and controls are fixed, but they're damn good. No need to learn crazy combinations just to get access to a menu. Every button has a purpose, and I believe the only one you'll need to hold down is L2+Right Thumbstick to rotate your ammo and that's it. Even when you do that the game slows down to give you time to react, even when you're changing weapons.
Weapons/Armor
There's not a whole lot to choose from, and they don't have randomly generated stats. But the loot isn't what makes this game. You're here to hunt robots and unravel a mystery. You can slot upgrades into your stuff but that's about it.
Combat
Fluid, and ohhhh sooooo fun. There's something awesome about quickly scanning a robots weak spots, equipping the right ammo, and then just making it rain in slow motion.
I could go on and on and on, but seriously, why are you still reading this? Go watch the videos to make up your mind.
5/5 would buy Horizon Zero Dawn 2 if it were made
+Fantastic "OMG no wayyyy that's crayyyzyyy" kind of storyline
+Excellent UI that's easy to learn and master
+The robots are a freaking blast
+Smooth combat
~CONS~
+Nothing that would give this rating anything less than a 5 Star
~REVIEW~
If you're a casual gamer looking for a COMPLETE EXPERIENCE and none of that "Season Pass-Half Game" bull crap, this game's for you!
I play video games a few days a week for a couple hours, but this is one of the very few games that kept me wanting more...wanting to explore the world, wanting to complete the next quest to find out what happens next. My biggest regret was finishing the storyline too early. It was mainly because I wanted this specific piece of armor and well....when you're so close to beating the game you feel like you just have to see it to the end.
If you haven't seen gameplay videos on how this game performs, I'd suggest you go do that.
There are some reviewers that get their panties up in a bunch with the whole "religious" aspect of the game, but that's what makes the story so unique, compelling, and dramatic. You won't see signs of the cross or any mention of modern day religions. It's merely tribal post-apocalyptic religions' mystery that blows up into something greater, bigger than the religions themselves, the kind that makes your jaw drop after a big event happened in your favorite weekly show.
The user interface and controls are fixed, but they're damn good. No need to learn crazy combinations just to get access to a menu. Every button has a purpose, and I believe the only one you'll need to hold down is L2+Right Thumbstick to rotate your ammo and that's it. Even when you do that the game slows down to give you time to react, even when you're changing weapons.
Weapons/Armor
There's not a whole lot to choose from, and they don't have randomly generated stats. But the loot isn't what makes this game. You're here to hunt robots and unravel a mystery. You can slot upgrades into your stuff but that's about it.
Combat
Fluid, and ohhhh sooooo fun. There's something awesome about quickly scanning a robots weak spots, equipping the right ammo, and then just making it rain in slow motion.
I could go on and on and on, but seriously, why are you still reading this? Go watch the videos to make up your mind.
5/5 would buy Horizon Zero Dawn 2 if it were made
One of the best games of this (or any!) generation. An incredible action/adventure game with light RPG elements.
on March 22, 2017
I've been gaming for over 30 years, and this is one of those rare games that I can't put down. And when I do put it down, I'm looking forward to the next chance to play it again and pick up where I left off.
Amazing graphics whether you have a standard PS4 or PS4 Pro. Running this on a Pro in 4K is breathtaking though. I'm also a high end PC gamer, and Horizon Zero Dawn is frankly one of the most beautiful games that I've ever had the pleasure to play. The 4K checkerboard technique used to deliver the visuals looks pretty stunning, so frankly, just enjoy the eyecandy and forget about the technical details.
The world itself comes alive. Always something to explore, craft, trade, new mechanical beasts to discover and solve how to take down (adrenaline fueled combat puzzles), and NPCs that are fairly well done on top of that. The combat is top notch to boot, and personally I found Aloy a compelling and engaging protagonist and her story arc is very well told. The additional lore is also fairly interesting, if you choose to explore the nooks and crannies.
My favorite games from this gen are now officially the Witcher 3, and Horizon Zero Dawn. Master classes in game design.
Incredible achievement by Guerrilla Games. Worth every penny and then some.
Amazing graphics whether you have a standard PS4 or PS4 Pro. Running this on a Pro in 4K is breathtaking though. I'm also a high end PC gamer, and Horizon Zero Dawn is frankly one of the most beautiful games that I've ever had the pleasure to play. The 4K checkerboard technique used to deliver the visuals looks pretty stunning, so frankly, just enjoy the eyecandy and forget about the technical details.
The world itself comes alive. Always something to explore, craft, trade, new mechanical beasts to discover and solve how to take down (adrenaline fueled combat puzzles), and NPCs that are fairly well done on top of that. The combat is top notch to boot, and personally I found Aloy a compelling and engaging protagonist and her story arc is very well told. The additional lore is also fairly interesting, if you choose to explore the nooks and crannies.
My favorite games from this gen are now officially the Witcher 3, and Horizon Zero Dawn. Master classes in game design.
Incredible achievement by Guerrilla Games. Worth every penny and then some.
on March 2, 2017
Guerilla Games took a huge risk with Horizon Zero Dawn. The developer responsible for the Killzone franchise took a giant step, no leap, out of their comfort zone to deliver one of the most brilliant open world games I have ever played (and I'm only 7 hours in).
Horizon throws the player into a post-apocalyptic world, littered with remnants of past civilizations, where humanity works to survive against a wilderness inhabited by machines. The machines are (you guessed it) machine creatures that span in size from the small to building size. You play as Aloy, and outcast from birth, and set out to discover the mysteries behind the machines, the people before you (the 'metal world'), and where you (Aloy) came from. Aloy is a charming, compassionate protagonist who was taught by her guardian from an early age the way to survive and fight.
Most open world games these days follow a simple formula: Giant map, lots of unnecessary collectibles, structures that when scaled will reveal more of the map, outposts full of bad guys, and other hazards along the way. Horizon is similar but different. The map is huge, and full of resources to collect, but they are all important. Collecting of plants and other fauna for health and crafting supplies is necessary. There is an abundance of them and it's easy to collect and move on. There are 'structures' that when scaled will reveal more of the map, but these are very well done and I don't want to spoil anything.
Each machine also contains valuable crafting materials, and taking them down is fun and refreshing thanks to a great combat system. There are several types of weapons: bow, spear, tripcaster (allows you to lay trip wires), and others. Each machine has a weakness and weakpoints that should be targeted in combat. In my opinion, it's best to approach stealthy, but if you are noticed, the stuff can hit the fan and it can get pretty frantic. You can locate machine enemy weak points by using your 'focus' a gadget from the 'metal world' that Aloy finds early on. Think of it as a high tech scanner that gives you important information on the fly. You are also able to craft ammo for your weapons, like arrows, on the fly during combat. Run into a machine that has a canister that will explode if exposed to fire? If you have the materials you can craft some (or switch if you already have some made) with ease. If you find yourself up close you can do a light or heavy attack with your spear. This can get clunky if you're not positioned carefully. Maybe I'm just spoiled by Nioh.
Graphic wise, Horizon is hands down the best looking game I have ever seen. The world is GORGEOUS! I don't know how long my mouth was open in awe of it. Character models are great too. Facial animations can be derpy occasionally, but it doesn't hurt the experience. I don't like using too many cliches, but the game's visuals took my breath away.
The last open world game I was truly in awe of was the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. With Horizon, I am constantly having 'stepping out of the sewers for the first time' (Oblivion reference) moments of awe. The game is doing a tremendous job of making me care about Aloy and I want to learn more about her and the world. I took a break from Nioh to play Horizon, and ended up playing 6 hours straight, it's that good.
Q1 2017 is a great time for gamers. We have been blessed by the gaming gods with games like Horizon, Nioh, Nier: Automata, Halo Wars 2, Gravity Rush 2, Zelda Breath of the Wild (I'm sure I'm missing others). And with Mass Effect coming later in March? Come on. With these many great games releasing so close to each other it will be hard to justify spending full price on every one. If you can only pick a couple to get now, I strongly recommend Horizon be one of them.
Horizon throws the player into a post-apocalyptic world, littered with remnants of past civilizations, where humanity works to survive against a wilderness inhabited by machines. The machines are (you guessed it) machine creatures that span in size from the small to building size. You play as Aloy, and outcast from birth, and set out to discover the mysteries behind the machines, the people before you (the 'metal world'), and where you (Aloy) came from. Aloy is a charming, compassionate protagonist who was taught by her guardian from an early age the way to survive and fight.
Most open world games these days follow a simple formula: Giant map, lots of unnecessary collectibles, structures that when scaled will reveal more of the map, outposts full of bad guys, and other hazards along the way. Horizon is similar but different. The map is huge, and full of resources to collect, but they are all important. Collecting of plants and other fauna for health and crafting supplies is necessary. There is an abundance of them and it's easy to collect and move on. There are 'structures' that when scaled will reveal more of the map, but these are very well done and I don't want to spoil anything.
Each machine also contains valuable crafting materials, and taking them down is fun and refreshing thanks to a great combat system. There are several types of weapons: bow, spear, tripcaster (allows you to lay trip wires), and others. Each machine has a weakness and weakpoints that should be targeted in combat. In my opinion, it's best to approach stealthy, but if you are noticed, the stuff can hit the fan and it can get pretty frantic. You can locate machine enemy weak points by using your 'focus' a gadget from the 'metal world' that Aloy finds early on. Think of it as a high tech scanner that gives you important information on the fly. You are also able to craft ammo for your weapons, like arrows, on the fly during combat. Run into a machine that has a canister that will explode if exposed to fire? If you have the materials you can craft some (or switch if you already have some made) with ease. If you find yourself up close you can do a light or heavy attack with your spear. This can get clunky if you're not positioned carefully. Maybe I'm just spoiled by Nioh.
Graphic wise, Horizon is hands down the best looking game I have ever seen. The world is GORGEOUS! I don't know how long my mouth was open in awe of it. Character models are great too. Facial animations can be derpy occasionally, but it doesn't hurt the experience. I don't like using too many cliches, but the game's visuals took my breath away.
The last open world game I was truly in awe of was the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. With Horizon, I am constantly having 'stepping out of the sewers for the first time' (Oblivion reference) moments of awe. The game is doing a tremendous job of making me care about Aloy and I want to learn more about her and the world. I took a break from Nioh to play Horizon, and ended up playing 6 hours straight, it's that good.
Q1 2017 is a great time for gamers. We have been blessed by the gaming gods with games like Horizon, Nioh, Nier: Automata, Halo Wars 2, Gravity Rush 2, Zelda Breath of the Wild (I'm sure I'm missing others). And with Mass Effect coming later in March? Come on. With these many great games releasing so close to each other it will be hard to justify spending full price on every one. If you can only pick a couple to get now, I strongly recommend Horizon be one of them.
on March 3, 2017
When you think about a game all day at work or when you lay down to go to sleep it makes me compelled to write something in the review thread about it. I've never wrote a review about a game until now, yet I base my purchases largely off of the Amazon reviews/comments, etc. I want to start of saying how I am also a very narrow minded gamer, I admit it. What I mean is that when I get too overwhelmed or frustrated, I bail. I like linear games that I can finish in my lifetime so I can feel that I accomplished something. I enjoy immersing myself in an endless world where I can do anything and go anywhere but I get overwhelmed at the complexity and detail involved with potion mixing/mods/crafting, etc. Not knocking those that enjoy is, it's just not me. Then along came this game. I have been consumed. All I can say is that if you are a true gamer, you know the answer is obvious, but if you are a gamer that is like me, part-timer, hard to impress, gives up when overwhelmed or over challenged.....BUY THIS GAME and you won't regret it. It is challenging and overwhelming in all the right ways!
on March 16, 2017
I originally wasn't going to get this game, I was going to wait for Mass Effect: Andromeda. but after watching some gameplay reviews on youtube it looked better than I thought. I have been playing over 60 hours so far and this game is AWESOME!!!! Highly recommend to anyone.
on May 14, 2017
For those of you taking the negative reviews to heart, please notice most of their comments are based on things they should have noticed before they purchased the game and/or based on about five minutes of play time. I've played it through twice now. A perfectly awesome game, with outstanding graphics, immersive world and solid characters. For those of you whining about this game, have you even stopped to think about the religious metaphors and social mechanics the writers so carefully crafted into this game? No matter your religious affiliation, it's a fascinating world. On the subject of repetition...No, no and no. Each machine requires a specific set of skills and weapons in order to overcome. Yes, of course, you can bash those Watchers in seconds. But not at the beginning of the game, right? And, killing that khopesh takes a very different strategy than taking down a thunderjaw or a glinthawk or stormbird. It's a good long, satisfying game with plenty of time to complete quests both small and large. If you don't want to collect all those metal flowers, then fine. Don't. But at least have the conversation with the merchant about the strange and mysterious "ritual" cups he wants you to locate. It's a hilarious conversation. If I had a complaint or two it would be that I want more, but then I always want more, more dialogue and deeper relationships. Erend and Aloy. Avad and Aloy...hmmm, well, that's what fanfiction is for!! As for the second complaint, after the epic sweep of Skyrim's score, I was kind of confused by the complete lack of that in Horizon and left me wondering why not. Enjoy the game, the world and grow with Aloy and take the time to understand her broken heart. This is not a game to "beat"
on March 25, 2017
If you have a PS4 this game is one you shouldn't miss. The visuals are obviously impressive, but in addition to that the combat is engaging, the world is engrossing, the characters are interesting, and the story will give you the same "one more chapter" feel that a good book does.
Top that off with it being a major release that has made no attempt whatsoever to nickle and dime people for extra money, or shoehorned micro transactions in.
Highest recommendation.
Top that off with it being a major release that has made no attempt whatsoever to nickle and dime people for extra money, or shoehorned micro transactions in.
Highest recommendation.
on April 13, 2017
This was a game I hadn't really read much about and got after a friend told me to check it out. It follows the same open world exploration of a game like Assassin's Creed or Far Cry, even going so far as to have 'towers' you climb and dive off of to reveal portions of the map. The setting and depth of the world makes this game stand out from other recent open world games for me. I found myself enjoying this a lot more then I thought I would, and the game does a good job actually answering questions and explaining why things are the way they are (which says a lot when robot dinosaurs are everywhere).
Pros:
++Interesting world
+Takes the best elements of open world Assassin's creed type games
++Core combat is fun
+Well done voice acting/animation of characters
+Likable and interesting main character
Cons:
-System to ride animals seems half baked and somewhat clunky. Often just ran everywhere or fast traveled.
-A lot of the missions and activities are somewhat repetitive, its true of most open world games though where stretching the content involves filling the map with random collectibles or info points.
-Close combat / melee is not well implemented. Basically your meant to play the game ranged with your bow. Not a big deal since overall the combat is fun and still tactical. Was glad that by a certain level i wasn't just mashing a button to win every time, but still trying to place precise arrow shots as I slid under a dino.
Pros:
++Interesting world
+Takes the best elements of open world Assassin's creed type games
++Core combat is fun
+Well done voice acting/animation of characters
+Likable and interesting main character
Cons:
-System to ride animals seems half baked and somewhat clunky. Often just ran everywhere or fast traveled.
-A lot of the missions and activities are somewhat repetitive, its true of most open world games though where stretching the content involves filling the map with random collectibles or info points.
-Close combat / melee is not well implemented. Basically your meant to play the game ranged with your bow. Not a big deal since overall the combat is fun and still tactical. Was glad that by a certain level i wasn't just mashing a button to win every time, but still trying to place precise arrow shots as I slid under a dino.
