"Horizon Zero Dawn: a game you won't soon forget!
20.2.2017
Translation: machine translated
The developers of the "Killzone" shooter series have tried their hand at open-world gaming. Was it a good idea? Yes, definitely! "Horizon Zero Dawn" propels you into a fascinating universe, populated by unique creatures, where intense combat takes place. A must try!
I feel like I spent last weekend in a trance-like state. After receiving my test sample in an incredibly short space of time, I immersed myself body and soul in the never-before-seen world of "Horizon Zero Dawn". And what a journey it was! This post-apocalyptic universe, populated by mechanical dinosaurs and enemy tribes that Aloy, the hunter with a big heart, must fight, held me spellbound like no other game has done for a long time.
Yet "Horizon Zero Dawn" (exclusively on PS4) is a classic open-world game. Influences from "Far Cry", "Tomb Raider" and, to a certain extent, "The Witcher" can clearly be felt. "Horizon Zero Dawn takes the best ingredients of the genre's benchmarks and combines them to serve up a veritable feast. Here, in a nutshell, are the reasons why this game should, for many, be the game of the year.
A never-before-seen world and a breathtaking story
The exceptionally good dialogue (performed in English by Ashly Burch as Aloy) means that you learn more and more about this world and its inhabitants. The potential of the storyline is extraordinary and fully exploited by the developers at Guerilla Games. You'll regularly be asked to choose your own answers - just like in "Mass Effect". This has no real influence on the game, but it does make you feel more involved than passively listening.
The game sets its scene in a vast world, rich in diversity. There's no room for boredom in this ever-changing environment, which shifts from snow-capped peaks to dense jungle or an orange-hued canyon. Your journeys will be peppered with ruins buried beneath the vegetation, the remains of civilisations long extinct.
There's so much to do, too much to do
The side quests aren't quite as challenging as in the benchmark game "The Witcher 3", but they're definitely more entertaining than the classic gathering quests in other games of this type.
The focus, a small device clipped to Aloy's skull, will be a great help. It looks like a Bluetooth headset. It allows you to scan your surroundings and detects interesting opponents and objects/targets. Thanks to the focus, you can also spot your opponents' weak points.
You'll also come across mysterious ruins, which are supposed to reveal more about the strange robot dinos, but which mostly raise new questions. Graphically, they're fascinating and a superb counterpoint to the surface fauna.
By completing all these side challenges, you also cover your map with symbols. And because I can't resist wanting to do everything in this type of game, I never fail to get tangled up in the side missions. Fortunately, they don't feel like they're just there to artificially prolong the game.
Collecting and crafting
Action, without weariness
With weapons, on the other hand, the studio has got it right. You have a whole arsenal of trait weapons at your disposal, projecting flaming arrows, ice bombs or electronic traps. However, not all projectiles are compatible with all bows. It's up to you to decide whether you prefer to play with fire or use arrows that pierce armour. Without the right weapons, you won't be able to get rid of your tough opponents.
The singular robotic creatures are at the heart of the plot. They're clearly inspired by dinosaurs, but their design is original all the same. When you touch them, they lose some of their loose parts, and when you land the final blow a cloud of sparks shoots out. But getting there is a long-term battle. These mechanical beings require resources. If the human opponents aren't very smart, the dinosaurs are, on the other hand, cunning and unpredictable.
Spectacular graphics
This attention to detail is also remarkable in the treatment of the inhabitants. Their outfits are inspired by the traditional costumes of indigenous peoples, mingled with trophies plucked from mechanical wildlife.
This attention to detail is also remarkable in the treatment of the inhabitants.
Conclusion: an unexpected masterpiece
"Horizon Zero Dawn" releases on 1 March, exclusively on PS4
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Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chAs a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.
