Evaluating a remastered video game can be a challenge, given that it often comes with pre-existing opinions about its original iteration. A remaster should ideally offer a significant new experience, drawing in a fresh audience while reigniting the fondness of returning players. However, in recent years, the essence of what a remaster should represent has been muddled, with many titles being extended lifelines that do little to reinvigorate gameplay or enhance the overall experience.
Among the companies leading the charge in releasing redundant remasters is Sony. With a shortage of new titles for the PlayStation 5, the company has turned to remastering previously popular games. This year, players witnessed the arrival of a remastered version of The Last of Us Part 2, a title that was already visually stunning and played at 60fps on the PS5. Now, Horizon Zero Dawn has received the same treatment, launching on October 31 for PC and PS5. This remaster introduces a multitude of visual enhancements to the game environments, settlements, and both human and mechanical characters, featuring improved lighting and a significant amount of new motion capture data to enrich character interactions.
The graphical improvements are indeed impressive. Nixxes Software has effectively updated the visuals of the 2017 game, aligning it more closely with its 2022 successor, Horizon Forbidden West. The attention to detail is remarkable; characters exhibit more nuanced expressions, and the natural landscape is more vibrantly rendered, creating an immersive experience. Furthermore, the remaster broadens accessibility options, making it more inclusive for players. While the technical upgrades are noteworthy, the justification for revisiting a game that already holds its own can be difficult to substantiate.
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The stunning landscapes in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered also allows players to import their save files from the original game. Upon starting it, I immediately loaded my previous save — having completed the game on PS4 several years back — and began a New Game+ session, equipped with previously unlocked gear and skills. Right from the start, the visual enhancements are striking. The differences between the remaster and the original are substantial; Nixxes has taken Zero Dawn to impressive new heights, though it’s not quite at the level of its sequel.
The changes are particularly apparent in the game’s environment, which showcases an even greater appreciation for nature. Both Horizon titles serve as celebrations of the natural world, teeming with various biomes such as dense forests, arid deserts, and majestic mountains, all rendered with meticulous detail. In the Remastered edition, the vegetation appears more vibrant and detailed, enhancing immersion in the setting.
Exploring the world in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is deeply immersive
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
In this reimagined world, the remnants of human civilization blend seamlessly with the encroachment of nature. This remaster amplifies that effect with denser overgrowth and enhanced details in flora, while the appearance of bodies of water has significantly improved, displaying more accurate reflections and movements. Small elements, such as snow sticking to clothing or interactions with mud and water, add depth to the experience.
Settlements also appear livelier, featuring a greater number of NPCs, each interacting in more dynamic ways than in the original. The improved textural details add realism to buildings, while the illumination captures a more natural ambiance. Wandering through the capital city of Meridian offers a markedly different experience compared to its predecessor. Aloy’s design has been upgraded as well, showcasing more intricate facial animations and enhanced storytelling through dialogue and cutscenes.
Settlements are now more densely populated in the remaster
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
These enhancements undoubtedly contribute to a richer gaming experience. While gameplay remains paramount, the visual elements now serve as vital storytelling components in modern titles. Games like Red Dead Redemption 2 leverage stunning visuals to enhance their narratives; similarly, the Horizon series relies heavily on its visual storytelling. Therefore, a remaster that maximizes detail only strengthens its standing.
Nonetheless, one must question whether these graphical updates provide a meaningful improvement to the overall experience. Does Horizon Forbidden West Remastered offer a better gaming experience simply because it looks more polished? Not really. Much of its value originates from the original game, and it seems questionable to produce an enhanced edition of a title that already performed admirably on multiple platforms.
Horizon Zero Dawn looks stunning, yet remains fundamentally unchanged
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
From a narrative perspective, Horizon Forbidden West Remastered offers nothing fundamentally innovative. While character animations benefit from new motion capture technology, the remaster does not include gameplay advances introduced in Forbidden West. Besides the updated graphics and expanded gameplay options, the remastered version holds up well against the original, which was already one of the standout titles on PS4. Its engaging premise and gripping narrative still resonate today, yet the remaster carries forward the original’s shortcomings—such as Aloy’s character depth, which remains somewhat one-dimensional.
New motion capture enhances character interactions
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
While the combat dynamics in Horizon Zero Dawn can feel somewhat repetitive, the excitement remains intact when facing off against formidable opponents. Comparatively, titles like Monster Hunter offer a broader range of combat strategies. The remaster does not inherit the improvements introduced in the sequel, but this is a minor concern in a game that continues to excel even seven years post-launch.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered does introduce an extensive selection of menu options, including detailed accessibility features carried over from Forbidden West. Three graphical modes are offered on PS5: a Resolution mode at 30fps for enhanced fidelity, a Performance mode at 60fps for smoother gameplay, and a Balanced mode at 40fps available on specific displays. I opted for Performance mode, which provided a consistent and smooth gaming experience.
The majestic Tallnecks remain a highlight
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
Considering the graphical enhancements, technical improvements, and broader options provided, is the upgrade worthwhile? Despite my reservations regarding the necessity of remastering a game like Horizon Zero Dawn, it’s hard to deny the beauty of Nixxes’ latest effort. The $10 upgrade fee seems reasonable for existing players given the extent of improvements.
For those who have not yet experienced the original game, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered stands as the definitive way to engage with this exciting universe. However, criticism is warranted regarding Sony’s pre-launch decisions, such as removing the original version from storefronts and increasing pricing on platforms like the PlayStation Store. These actions hinder accessibility for new players while compromising the integrity of a beautifully crafted remaster. Although the trend of remakes and remasters can feel stale, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered undeniably showcases stunning artistry.
Pros
- Exceptional graphical enhancements
- Enhanced character models
- Expanded accessibility and gameplay options
- Smooth performance on PS5
- $10 upgrade option
Cons
- Ultimately unnecessary for existing players
- No significant gameplay improvements
Rating (out of 10): 8
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is available on PC and PS5.
The game is priced at Rs. 2,999 on the PlayStation Store for PS5, along with Steam and Epic Games Store for PC. Players who owned Horizon Zero Dawn on PS4 or PC can upgrade to the remastered edition for Rs. 500.
