Chapter 1: An Unfolding World

In a society stripped of its history and facing an ambiguous future, the inhabitants of Horizon Zero Dawn grapple with survival. Set nearly a millennium from now, tribes exist in a primitive state, surrounded by remnants of the Old Ones—a testament to the chaos wrought by unchecked technological progress. While the landscape is still populated by small creatures like rabbits and boars, they share their world with towering mechanical predators that roam through lush forests and snowy peaks.

At the heart of this narrative is Aloy, an outcast from the Nora tribe, who embarks on a quest to discover her identity and seek vengeance against those who have wronged her. Aloy embodies a fusion of ancient traditions and modern survival instincts, positioning her as the harbinger of a new era.

Horizon Zero Dawn debuted on the PS4 on February 28, 2017, and I was eager to test the capabilities of my relatively new PS4 Pro. I distinctly remember the game disc spinning up loudly, reminiscent of a jet preparing for takeoff—a clear indication of the game's demand on the system. I dedicated approximately 15–20 hours to the game in the following weeks, but the vastness of Horizon Zero Dawn, coupled with the release of other titles, eventually led me to pause my journey. As I progressed through the main storyline, I was increasingly anxious about reaching its conclusion. I intended to revisit the game and occasionally did so, playing sporadically every few months.

The game made its way to PC in August 2020, which was both exciting and intimidating. Unfortunately, its launch was marred by performance issues, suggesting it was released prematurely. Although it included all downloadable content, the game experienced several patches until the final update on December 17, 2021. Even as a sequel looms, it's uncertain if further enhancements for Zero Dawn on PC will be forthcoming.

By the end of August 2021, fans finally got the long-awaited PS5 patch, which enhanced the framerate to a smooth 60 fps and reduced loading times thanks to the console's SSD. While the game still runs in Backwards Compatibility mode, lacking full native PS5 optimizations, the improved performance is undeniable. Given the PS5's substantial power compared to the PS4 Pro, there is potential for further refinements, but with the sequel on the horizon, substantial updates seem unlikely.

Beyond technical improvements, the essence of Horizon Zero Dawn lies in its storytelling. While the gameplay features action, stealth, and puzzles, those who focus solely on mechanics may find the gameplay repetitive, leading to disinterest by the game's conclusion. Personally, I found that by the 10–15 hour mark, I had encountered most of the gameplay variations. My complete playthrough lasted around 38 hours on the PS5, and while some may view this as a drawback, it is the depth of Aloy's narrative—her explorations and the multitude of quests—that truly captivates.

Aloy's journey is not akin to the gripping narrative found in The Witcher series; however, your investment in her story significantly enhances your enjoyment of the game. If you connect with Aloy, her trials and triumphs become compelling.

What does the narrative entail? Overall, it's a well-crafted tale, though some side quests and main quests feature peculiar dialogue choices. Aloy's responses can occasionally seem out of character, but it is essential to remember that she is shaped by her unique history. Although she serves as a hero, her world is fraught with challenges, as few are willing to assist others, and even fewer are prepared to risk their lives for someone else's sake. Ashly Burch, known for her comedic YouTube content and her role as Tiny Tina in the Borderlands series, delivers a stellar performance as Aloy. The character's authenticity is greatly enhanced by her voice acting, particularly when some of Aloy's dialogue and expressions may come off as slightly stiff.

The overarching theme of Aloy's world is one of tribes banding together for survival. Yet, as you delve deeper into these tribes and their internal conflicts, it becomes evident that they mirror contemporary societal issues. In a world where machines can easily overpower humans, the existence of individuals intent on domination raises unsettling questions about humanity's capacity for unity in the face of adversity.

Aloy's role as a Hunter is integral to the gameplay experience. Players are constantly scavenging for materials—wood for arrows, herbs for health, and resources from both machines and wildlife. This resource management becomes crucial for crafting ammunition and trading for improved gear, altering gameplay dynamics as players transition from mere survival to strategic objectives.

The auditory experience further immerses players in the role of a Hunter. Each machine has its distinct sounds, enabling players to identify them by audio cues alone. The wildlife also contributes to the atmosphere, with familiar animal calls adding to the realism of the environment.

As I reflect on Horizon Zero Dawn's standing in 2022, I can confidently say it holds up remarkably well. While some mechanical animations of human NPCs may occasionally disrupt immersion, and the dodging mechanics feel somewhat lacking, these issues are minor compared to the overall experience. Although some animations in the Frozen Wilds DLC seem a bit off, the game remains visually impressive, especially on PC, where environmental details are notably sharper.

Why did it take five years for me to finish this game? Paradoxically, it was my deep appreciation for it. The longer I played, the more engrossed I became. Recently, I dedicated about two hours daily to complete the game, trying to pace myself because I was eager to immerse myself in Aloy's world once more. Horizon Zero Dawn has always been a captivating experience for me, and while I would argue that The Witcher 3 excels in this regard, Horizon Zero Dawn certainly ranks as a close second.

In 2022, I am pleased to see how well Horizon Zero Dawn has aged. Many games struggle to maintain relevance, but playing the PC version could easily lead someone to believe it was released in 2021, rather than 2017. This speaks volumes about its quality. Horizon Zero Dawn marks a fantastic beginning for what I hope will be a lasting franchise, and I look forward to continuing my exploration of Aloy's universe.

The first video dives into the anticipation surrounding Forbidden West, reflecting on the evolution of Horizon Zero Dawn five years later.

In this second video, we revisit Horizon Zero Dawn four years after its release, examining its impact and lasting appeal.