Is Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered Worth Your Time and Money?

When Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered was announced, I wasn’t convinced it was necessary. The original game, released seven years ago, is still highly regarded as one of the best PS4 titles. However, after taking a closer look, I’ve changed my mind. The $10 upgrade fee for this remaster is a steal, considering the extensive improvements made by the remaster studio, Nixxes. If you’re new to the series, this remaster might not be the best starting point. The unique concept of primitive tribes hunting post-apocalyptic robot dinosaurs was innovative in 2017, but it might not be enough to draw in new players now. Additionally, Sony’s pricing strategy after announcing the upgrade path makes it less appealing for newcomers. For those who already own the original game, the upgrade feels like a great investment. The remaster includes the excellent Frozen Wilds expansion and brings the game’s visuals in line with Horizon Forbidden West. Even though I haven’t played the sequel yet, the remaster feels so modern that it made me want to explore new features as if they were current-gen.

It’s important to note that I’m not usually impressed by visual tech in games. I don’t agonize over performance modes or frame rates. Stylization in games interests me more than chasing photorealism. However, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered looks incredibly good. The enhanced lighting, improved mocap, and detailed world changes are impressive, even if some cutscenes are a bit too dramatic. Some aspects of the remaster could be better. Occasionally, the lighting effects are too intense, and there are minor clipping issues with cloth and hair. But overall, the game’s beauty has been significantly enhanced. Simple things like lens flares during sunrise now look stunning. Despite these minor issues, the remaster is excellent. It’s a careful, deliberate upgrade that goes beyond a simple frame-rate boost. It rebuilds many aspects of the game’s world, making it feel like a true next-gen experience. While the remaster might not be a reason to buy the base game at its inflated price, the $10 upgrade is definitely worth it.

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