Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered represents a modernization operation of the famous Guerrilla Games title, published for the first time in 2017 on PS4 and subsequently available on PC. Although the game has already benefited from an update for PS5, this remaster version intends to fully exploit the potential of the console to offer superior visual quality and some technical improvements. However, it is important to clarify that this is a remaster and not a remake: the gameplay and contents remain substantially unchanged compared to the original.
The main strength of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered lies in the extraordinary graphic quality. The natural landscapes, already fascinating in the original version, are further enriched by advanced details in the vegetation, waterways and light effects. Guerrilla Games has integrated flexible framerate options, with 30, 40 and 60 fps, which allow for a smooth and stable experience. The visual quality, in many aspects, approaches the level of a remake, giving the game an appearance that ranks among the best in the PS5 catalogue.
One of the most significant updates concerns loading times. Thanks to the PS5’s SSD technology, loading and fast travel are virtually instantaneous, ensuring a smoother gaming experience. The audio sector also benefits from the characteristics of 3D sound, which makes the sound more immersive, while the DualSense controller introduces deeper interaction through adaptive triggers and tactile response. In particular, the use of Aloy’s bow is more realistic thanks to the variable resistance of the triggers.
Some “quality of life” improvements, such as the option to disable the object collection animation, make the gameplay more streamlined, avoiding unnecessary interruptions. Additionally, players can now remove the helmet from Aloy’s costumes, allowing them to better see the character’s face during in-game cutscenes. However, some of the features introduced in Horizon Forbidden West are missing, such as paragliding, which would have added further dynamism to travel. The absence of these features can be limiting for those who appreciated the fluidity of the sequel.
The ability to transfer saves from the PS4 is a convenience, but it occasionally presented some compatibility issues, such as isolated crashes when fast traveling to specific areas. Furthermore, for trophy collectors, there is no transfer of those already unlocked on PS4, making it necessary to start the game from scratch on PS5 to complete the list of trophies again.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is a visual and technical celebration of a title that marked a generation. The graphical and technical improvements make it a superlative visual experience on PS5, ideal for those who haven’t yet had the chance to explore the world of Aloy. However, for veterans, the absence of significant updates to the gameplay and some features of the sequel may raise questions about the actual need for this remaster, which in any case is sold for 50 euros (those who own the original game can run the upgrade to the remastered at the price of 10 euros). If the goal was to demonstrate the console’s graphical capabilities, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered achieves its goal brilliantly, but leaves open the debate on the timing of its release.
Format: PS5 (tested version), PC Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment Developer: Guerrilla Games Vote: 8/10
