Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered: A Stunning Return to the Post-Apocalyptic Wilds
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered has just arrived this 31st October with Sony’s release, for PlayStation 5 and PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store), and it has fans and newcomers alike returning to Aloy’s world, this time with substantial visual, technical, and accessibility upgrades. Despite the original’s high standards and relatively recent launch in 2017, and the PS5’s 4K/60fps upgrade making it accessible with high-quality visuals already, the remaster presents an impressive refresh that adds layers of immersion to an already beloved title. For those who haven’t ventured into Aloy’s world before, this remaster provides a fantastic entry point to the franchise, while longtime fans can appreciate the enhanced details that make reliving the journey a worthy experience.
A Visual and Sensory Feast
The remaster’s updates focus heavily on visual enhancements, with 4K graphics, updated lighting, and richer environmental details. Playing on PS5, I was immediately struck by the breathtaking landscapes — the vibrant colours, detailed textures, and sharp contrasts elevate the game’s natural beauty to a new level. Inspired by Horizon Forbidden West, these upgrades create an environment that feels more alive and enthralling, from sweeping green plains to shimmering snowy peaks. Occasional animation glitches are present but minimal, with the overall quality overshadowing these minor issues.
One of the most pleasurable aspects of playing on PS5 is the DualSense controller integration. The addition of haptic feedback makes gameplay feel tangibly engaging, particularly in combat. Nocking an arrow from Aloy’s bow and feeling the tension in each shot is deeply satisfying. Each arrow piercing into machine armour is made even more immersive with the controller’s dynamic haptic response, providing a visceral sense of weight and impact that heightens the thrill of every hunt. Enhanced audio with 3D sound further complements this experience, making the wilderness sound more alive than ever before.
Refined Gameplay and Accessibility Settings
Perhaps due to the visual and sound enhancements, gameplay feels more responsive and smoother than in the original. The remaster retains the game’s thrilling encounters while offering more control for the player. To cater to different playstyles, the remaster introduces customisable difficulty settings, allowing players to adjust variables like Aloy’s health or the intensity of inflicted damage. This flexibility resolves the original’s difficulty gaps and adds layers of replayability, making it easy for both seasoned players and newcomers to tailor the game to their desired level of challenge.
Inclusivity was also a priority in this remaster, with accessibility options from Horizon Forbidden West thoughtfully integrated into the game. These features make the game more approachable for players with different needs, encompassing controller customisation, visual aids, and assistance for navigation. Alongside these improvements, around 10 hours of dialogue were re-recorded, lending a fresh depth to Aloy’s interactions with the world. These upgrades combine to create an immersive experience that’s more inclusive, making Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered feel not just like a simple re-release, but a fully realised enhancement of the original.
Expanded Content with The Frozen Wilds DLC
For those who missed out on The Frozen Wilds expansion, this remaster packs it into the experience, giving players access to additional quests, new enemies, and deeper exploration of the northern Cut region. The content enriches the game’s story while adding layers to Aloy’s character and the world around her. Whether hunting machines in the dense forests or traversing snowy mountain passes, players will find themselves fully immersed in Aloy’s journey, replete with new visuals and gameplay mechanics that make each encounter more captivating than before.
Final Thoughts
With Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, Sony and Guerrilla Games set a high bar for potential remasters of other PlayStation classics. The upgrades bridge nostalgia and technological advancement, balancing the heart of the original game with the beauty of new-age graphics and gameplay mechanics. Whether you’re a first-time player or a returning fan, this remaster serves as a reminder of the power of a well-crafted world and a thoughtfully built remaster that honours and elevates the original.
