When Horizon Zero Dawn first launched in 2017, it marked a turning point in the gaming world. Guerilla Games has boldly moved away from its Killzone roots, creating a lush open world, a gripping narrative, and the unforgettable protagonist Aloy. Fast forward to 2024, and the release of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered on PlayStation 5 breathes new life into this masterpiece, harnessing the raw power of PS5 to deliver a reimagined experience for a new generation of gamers.

But does this remaster justify revisiting a title that many have already experienced, especially in the shadow of its equally acclaimed sequel, Horizon Forbidden West? Let’s find out.

Visuals: a technological leap forward

The first thing that catches your attention in the remastered version is its visual overhaul. Horizon Zero Dawn was already a visual marvel in 2017, but on PS5 it’s simply breathtaking. The game now runs in native 4K with ray tracing, enhancing the interaction of light and shadow in an almost cinematic way. From shimmering reflections in rivers to detailed shadows in dense foliage, the world feels alive and more immersive than ever.

Character models have received a significant upgrade, bringing them closer to Forbidden West’s level of detail. Aloy’s hair reacts more naturally to movement, her facial expressions are richer, and the NPCs feel less like background fillers and more like living, breathing individuals. Mechanical beasts, from towering Tallnecks to ferocious Thunderjaws, benefit from improved textures and lighting effects that make them more menacing than ever.

Performance: a showcase for the power of the PS5

On PS5, the remaster works in two modes:
1. Performance Mode: 60 FPS in dynamic 4K resolution.
2. Quality mode: 30 FPS with native 4K and ray tracing.

Both modes offer smooth and stable gameplay, but Performance mode is where the game really shines. The higher frame rate improves the fluidity of combat, making every dodge, arrow shot, and melee strike precise and responsive.

Loading times, a problem in the original, are now almost non-existent thanks to the PS5’s SSD. Fast travel is seriously fast, transporting you across the sprawling map in just seconds. This improvement alone makes exploring the game’s lush environments smooth and uninterrupted.

DualSense integration: a game changer

One of the biggest additions to the remaster is its use of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Drawing Aloy’s bow is tactile, with increasing tension in the triggers as you pull the string. Each weapon has its unique feedback, from the loud growl of a Ropecaster to the sharp snap of a Tripcaster. Traversing the environment also benefits from subtle vibrations, like the crunch of snow or the gentle hum of a nearby machine.

These features take immersion to new heights, making it hard to imagine going back to the PS4 version without feeling like something is missing.

Gameplay: a refined but familiar experience

The basic gameplay remains unchanged, which is both a strength and a limitation. The combination of bow and arrow combat, stealth mechanics, and strategic takedowns of mechanical beasts still holds up remarkably well. The remaster doesn’t rework the original mechanics, so players familiar with Horizon Zero Dawn will know exactly what to expect.

That said, there are some quality of life improvements that make the experience smoother. The interface has been cleaned up, making it easier to manage your inventory and navigate the map. A more intuitive creation system lets you spend less time fumbling through menus and more time in action.

However, some open-world design elements seem dated by modern standards. The fetch quests and repetitive side missions, while functional, lack the depth of more recent titles like Elden Ring or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

History: Timeless and relevant

Horizon Zero Dawn’s narrative remains its strongest pillar. Aloy’s journey from outcast to savior is more fascinating than ever, exploring themes of identity, technology, and humanity’s relationship with nature. The remaster doesn’t add new story content, but subtle improvements in voice timing and character animations make the emotional beats stronger.

Revisiting the lore-rich world of the Ancients, with its audio recordings and holographic projections, is particularly poignant at a time when the questions it poses about AI and environmental destruction resonate more deeply than ever.

New Additions: A Mixed Bag

For returning players, the remaster offers little new content. There’s no additional story DLC, although a Photo Mode upgrade adds more creative tools for capturing the game’s stunning sights. Some new cosmetics for Aloy, including inspired armor sets from Forbidden West, serve as minor incentives for those looking to revisit the game.

However, what the remaster does exceptionally well is provide a more polished and definitive experience for newcomers or those who missed the original.

Verdict: a dignified return to the forbidden border

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered for PS5 is more than just a facelift, it’s a reinvention that harnesses the power of next-gen hardware to improve on almost every aspect of the original. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel or add substantial new content, it polishes an already brilliant game to perfection.

For newcomers, this is an essential addition to any PS5 library. For returning fans, it’s a visual and sensory treat that may be worth revisiting, if only to see Aloy’s world with fresh eyes.