Horizon Zero Dawn Game Review

Genre: Action-RPG with an open world
Developer: Guerrilla Games
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC

Horizon Zero Dawn is a unique symbiosis of technology and nature, where the player enters an amazing post-apocalyptic world, saturated with both the ruins of the past and the mechanical creatures that rule this world. The game became a cult due to its fascinating story, beautiful visual design and innovative gameplay.

Plot
Horizon Zero Dawn takes place in the distant future, when civilization has fallen and nature has regained control over Earth. The game world is inhabited by tribes that live in harmony with nature, but at the same time fight against the danger of mechanical creatures that resemble animals and dinosaurs. The player takes on the role of Eloy, a young huntress who seeks to learn the truth about her origins and the mystery of the demise of previous civilizations.

The main plot is built around the search for an answer to the question of what happened to humanity and how artificial intelligence turned the world into a place dominated by robots. The story gradually unfolds through various tasks, dialogues and notes, which makes the plot multifaceted and emotionally deep.

Gameplay
Horizon Zero Dawn combines an open world with exploration, survival and combat, giving players multiple ways to interact with the environment. Aloy has in his arsenal bows, spears, traps and other tools that allow him to fight robots and wild animals. The combat system emphasizes a strategic approach: each mechanical enemy has its own weaknesses, and cleverly used traps and environments can greatly simplify combat.

Robot hunting mechanics are central to the game. Each type of vehicle has unique attacks and weaknesses that the player can learn and exploit in battle. Aloy can also use ancient world technology to hack machines and force them to fight on her side, which adds extra tactical depth.

In addition to combat, the player can explore a huge open world that is full of activities, from finding collectibles to completing side quests. Every region of the world, from deserts to snow-capped mountains, is filled with beauty and danger.

Role system
Aloy has a skill tree where the player can upgrade her abilities, making her more effective in combat, hunting, and exploration. There are three main branches of development: Hunter, Traveler and Gatherer, each of which opens up new opportunities and allows you to adapt the character to your play style.

The player can also collect resources to create ammunition, traps, and equipment upgrades. This gives the game a survival element as resources are limited and must be used wisely.

Visual style and atmosphere
The game is distinguished by incredible graphics. Horizon Zero Dawn's landscapes are true works of art. The natural locations, mechanical creatures, and visual effects look impressive, especially considering the scale of the world. Particular attention is paid to details: grass, leaves, water, light - everything looks extremely realistic, and different weather conditions add immersion to the game world.

Music and sound effects emphasize the atmosphere of the game. Composer Joris de Man created a soundtrack that beautifully captures both the quiet moments of exploration and the tense battles with machines.

Result
Horizon Zero Dawn is an exciting, visually stunning action RPG that gives players a deep story, interesting characters and exciting battles. The combination of the ancient world with futuristic elements creates a unique experience that stands out among other games of the genre. Difficult battles with robots, an intriguing plot and a stunning atmosphere make Horizon Zero Dawn one of the best games of recent years.

Rating: 9/10