Even before being officially announced, the potential arrival of a remaster ofHorizon Zero Dawn was controversial among players. A title still graphically striking and published not later that in March 2017 on PS4 already deserves a new version on PS5 and PC?
The question arises with each announcement of remastering of a fairly recent game like The Last of Us Part II or Until Dawn. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is no exception, but it is still appropriate to put your hands on it to find out if the proposal deserves to (re)checkout. One thing is certain, this is not the laziest remaster of recent years.
Characters look better than ever in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
It only takes a few seconds to realize thatHorizon Zero Dawn Remastered appears at its best on PS5. Guerilla integrates in this version Aloy’s character model designed to Horizon Forbidden West. The difference is notable both in the details of the heroine’s face and in the rendering of her long hair. This version of Aloy also appears more in relief compared to the rest of the environment, enhancing her even more. This is somewhat reminiscent of the evolution of Lara Croft between Tomb Raider 2013 released on PS3 and Tomb Raider: The Definitive Edition released less than a year later on PS4.
Not enough to radically transform the experience, certainly, but it doesHorizon Zero Dawn Remastered the best way to discover adventure and its charismatic protagonist for the first time. Especially when adding this to other developments.
Characters like Rost or Érend benefit from an updated model, although the difference is a little less obvious on them. On the other hand, do not expect quality facial animations: they are still almost non-existent. This was one of the biggest flaws ofHorizon Zero Dawn and it still is. A remake would have changed the situation, but not a remaster. The rendering of lighting is changing for the better. The lighting effects appear more realistic and the contrast better managed.
Note that decors, such as wooden structures present in abundance in the world ofHorizon Zero Dawnalso appear more polished. On the other hand, the vegetation is a bit of a stain when you come back fromHorizon Forbidden West. Same thing for the rendering of water. Suffering from the comparison with a more recent episode is also the risk that Sony and Guerilla are taking with this remaster.
The two companies also guaranteed more than 10 hours of dialogue and motion capture re-recorded especially for Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. They didn’t lie. The staging gains slightly in dynamism with less “shot-reverse shot” which has become a norm in AAA with a strong narrative dimension. The camera sometimes positions itself a little further from the action during dialogue. Some animations also become more natural during certain sequences.
A DualSense well used on PS5
On PS5, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered features three graphics modes. Balanced mode in high resolution at 40 fps keeps all its promises and combines quality and performance. It even makes Quality mode at native 4K and 30 fps a bit obsolete unless you’re really detail-oriented. Performance mode at 1800p at 60 fps is also an excellent choice and does not disappoint at all, even in terms of image quality.
Furthermore, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered uses the haptic feedback of the PS5’s DualSense very well. Drawing the bow causes some tremors to pass through the back of the controller and these subtly subside when you aim with concentration. Too bad there is no real resistance on the R2 trigger to provide even more sensations.
When Aloy crosses the tall grass, small tingles are also felt. Sliding also conveys the sensation of being in contact with the unevenness of the ground.. Of course, the impact of spear attacks doesn’t leave the DualSense, or your hands, unmoved. Games to use the PS5 controller are unfortunately rare, so we appreciate the work done by Guerilla.
Is Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered overpriced?
It is impossible not to correlate the improvements made by the Dutch studio with the Price of this Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. Is it really worth €49.99? Given that this is only the price that players who don’t own older editions have to pay, we’d be inclined to say yes. On the other hand, if you already know the adventure, this remaster is not worth more than the €10 to pay for the update from the classic version of Horizon Zero Dawn or the Complete Edition.
Obviously, the story remains exactly the same as it was then. Aloy, a young Nora raised on the fringes of her tribe by Rost, must try to understand why dangerous machines dominate a devastated United States, while seeking to discover the truth about her origins.
Players unfamiliar with Aloy’s first epic should definitely check it out for its multiple twists and turns and its particularly rich lore. Then all you have to do is browse its DLC The Frozen Wildsincluded at no extra cost in this remaster, to end up engaging on Horizon Forbidden West et son extension Burning Shores. There is plenty to do while waiting for Horizon 3.
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