Horizon Zero Dawn, a popular game originally released on the PlayStation 4, has received a remaster for the PlayStation 5. While some may argue that this remaster is unnecessary, the improvements made to the game are truly impressive. Developed by Nixxes in collaboration with Guerrilla Games, the Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered offers more than just enhanced graphics. The remaster includes denser and more diverse foliage, increased NPCs in villages, outposts, and cities, new rock and floor textures, overhauled conversations with new motion capture recordings, revamped lighting, and more detailed faces and character reactions to weather.
The deep dive into each of these areas provided in a recent PlayStation Blog post gives insight into the craft and dedication of the developers at Nixxes. The use of procedural generation to enhance the natural elements of the game, as well as the addition of more populated cities, adds depth and richness to the overall gaming experience. The attention to detail, such as the inclusion of a woman feeding geese at the well in Meridian, showcases the level of creativity and thoughtfulness put into the remaster.
While the improvements are impressive, some fans may have mixed feelings about certain changes, such as the alteration of Aloy’s appearance. Additionally, there is a concern that the remaster may wash out the original colors and mood of the game in an attempt to achieve hyper-realism. Despite these reservations, Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster is set to be released on October 31 for PS5 and PC. Players who own the PS4 version can upgrade for a discounted price, although the digital version of the original game has seen a price increase to prevent exploitation of the upgrade system.
Overall, the Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered offers a visually stunning and immersive gaming experience that builds upon the success of the original game. With enhanced graphics, increased NPCs, and a wealth of other improvements, fans of the series are sure to be delighted by the remaster. So, mark your calendars for October 31 and prepare to embark on a new adventure in the beautifully remastered world of Horizon Zero Dawn.