‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ was launched in 2017 for PlayStation 4 and quickly earned a place among the most prominent open-world productions on the interactive scene. Thanks to a shocking post-apocalyptic setting, an intriguing narrative and the mix of nature with animal machines, seven years later, ‘Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered‘comes to PlayStation 5 and PC. Although some might consider it unnecessary, the work of Nixxes in collaboration with Guerrilla Games proves that the title is still relevant, now with significant improvements that take the experience to a new level.
Take advantage of new technical capabilities
The main objective of ‘Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered’ is adapt the game to the most current technical capabilities without altering its essence. Unlike remasters that simply increase the resolution, Nixxes has worked to make the game take full advantage of new technologies, improving everything from animations to lighting, and featuring more detailed textures.
In addition, the remastering corrects one of the weak points of the original: facial animations. In ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’, Aloy’s interactions with other characters sometimes felt stiff, especially in long conversations. To solve this, Nixxes has rerecorded more than 10 hours of dialogue and improved motion capture. The result is smoother animations, with natural facial gestures that better fit the expressions and atmosphere of the story. These recompositions contribute to capturing a higher emotional level in the narrative, a crucial aspect in a game focused on the development of its protagonist.
A leap in quality without losing the essence
The original game already stood out for its impressive graphic quality, but PS5 has allowed the title to reach a new level of detail. In this remaster, the environments, textures and lighting have been substantially improved. Through three graphics modes, you can choose between resolution (4K at 30 fps), performance (60 fps with moderate visual sacrifices), or a balanced mode (around 40 fps, with a good balance between visual quality and performance).
The settings and landscapes of ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ are now richer in detail. Elements such as mountains, vegetation, robotic beasts, and buildings They thrive on denser textureswhich results in better depth perception and realism. The rendering distance has also been increased, allowing for a clearer view of landscapes, especially when exploring the vast plains and mountains. The improvement in antialiasing has softened the edges of objects, eliminating the “jagged” effect that was noticeable in the original version, bringing it closer to the visual standards of ‘Horizon Forbidden West’.
The biggest visual impact of these improvements is evident in the textures of the characters and machines. The complexity of the details in the modeling of the machines, the skin and hair of the characters, as well as the vegetation, brings a sense of realism and cohesion to the worldvery far from the “flatter” version that PS4 was capable of offering.
Total immersion
The sound section of ‘Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered’ has been completely recomposed to take advantage of the PS5’s audio capabilitiesthanks to Tempest 3D. The ambient sound has also been refined to offer a more immersive experience, especially when hearing the mechanical beasts as they approach. This detail is vital in a format where exploration and combat are so tied to the atmosphere, and the ability to listen at a distance enhances the sense of imminent danger.
Besides, The use of DualSense elevates the experience even further. The adaptive triggers feel realistic when using the Aloy bow, offering resistance when we draw the string. Haptic feedback also enhances the feeling of being in the world: the vibration changes depending on the terrain you traverse, whether it’s the softness of grass or the hardness of rocks, and it also responds to interactions with the environment. These details not only make exploration and combat more immersive, but intensify the game’s quieter, more contemplative moments.
With all the extras
In addition to the technical improvements, ‘Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered’ also Includes extra content that expands the game experience. One of the main additions is the previously published material ‘The Frozen Wilds‘, an expansion that delves deeper into this universe with the graphical and performance improvements of the remastering applied. The package adds a new area to explorewith more enemies, missions, and a story that complements Aloy’s central narrative. Additionally, the remastering also includes additional content. Resource and upgrade packs have been added, including exclusive costumes, weapons and additional resources to help players get started in the game.
An open door for everyone
‘Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered’ also offers accessibility options that expand its reach. These features allow for greater customization in the player experience, which includes haptic and audio feedback to notify about interactive elements. These additions are especially useful for users with visual or motor difficulties, as they can now navigate the game world in more intuitive ways.
The title also includes an option to import saved games from PS4, something that allows us to continue the adventure with the same equipment and skills unlocked in New Game+ mode. This, in addition to easing the transition to the new edition, also adds an incentive to remastering for players who already enjoyed the original version.
Yes or no?
The question about whether it is worth investing in ‘Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered’ has several answers depending on the profile of each user. If you are a lover of the saga or have missed the original version, this remastering opens up an excellent opportunity to experience an adventure that, visually and technically, is up to current standards. The improvements in performance, graphic quality and auditory immersion make this version the most complete and attractive of all those published so far.
For players who already enjoyed the title on PS4, the remaster may not offer enough changes to justify an immediate purchase, especially if graphics and performance are not a priority. However, for those looking for a smoother and more visually refined experience, it’s an affordable upgrade that transforms a PS4 work into an experience more in line with current trends.