Horizon Zero Dawn PC Complete Edition Review
Horizon Zero Dawn PC Complete Edition
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Developer: Guerrilla Games
Genre:
PEGI:
Comments:
Originally released for PS4 in 2017, Horizon Zero Dawn is a blockbuster action RPG developed by Guerrilla Games. This Friday, August 7th, Horizon Zero Dawn PC Complete Edition will release and will be the first chance PC gamers will get to experience this truly exceptional game. It is a fairly rare occurrence for successful games that were previously PlayStation exclusives to make their way over to PC, and we should all be thankful that Horizon Zero Dawn is included in this list.
NOTE: As we have previously reviewed both the base game and the Frozen Wilds expansion, I will primarily be focusing on the performance and transition to PC. For those who are unfamiliar with the game, I will be sharing some major points as well as providing a link to our earlier coverage HERE.
Horizon Zero Dawn is the game we all dream to play. It doesn’t compromise on any element and is simultaneously full of subtle lessons about our world while not distracting the game with them. It is set in a world where humans have returned to nature after our obsession with technology seems to have backfired horridly, and the only reminders of past worlds are the animal-like machines that roam the earth, and some ancient ruins that we are given to explore.
Already known for its dramatic landscapes and striking visuals, Horizon Zero Dawn PC Complete Edition brings its graphics game to a whole new level. It is of no surprise that modern gaming PCs are more powerful than current-gen consoles, but it is nice to see the game make use of this additional power by allowing higher detail and framerates.
Speaking of framerates, one thing I immediately noticed when I began my journey through HZD PC was how incredibly smooth the gameplay was. In the original, you were bound to encounter the occasional stutter or frame drop when adventuring through the world as Aloy, one of our favourite protagonists ever, but after over a dozen hours into Horizon Zero Dawn PC Edition I have not encountered a single such instance.
With full controller support, as well as keyboard + mouse (obviously), there is not a single downside to HZD on PC versus PS4. The fact that the PC release edition comes with the Frozen Wilds DLC as well as a range of equipment and trader packs is a nice bonus, too. The Frozen Wilds expansion adds a high-level snowy biome to the game, introduces a new tribe and offers an extra branch to the skill tree, the Traveller path.
There are simply too many good things to say about this game, as it is a perfect blend of other ARPG series such as Tomb Raider, Far Cry, Uncharted, etc. The balance between open-world and story-driven gameplay is superb, and the crafting is thorough but not overly complex. The skill tree and combat mechanics are well-balanced and meaningful and the visuals are simply stunning.
Overall, I’m having a hard time finding someone who would NOT enjoy Horizon Zero Dawn PC Complete Edition. Maybe someone without a computer? All jokes aside, I cannot recommend this game enough, and expanding to a PC audience with all of the power and versatility offered by a modern gaming PC is a remarkably deft move.
For our full review of the original game, check out our article here: https://www.gamesreviews.com/ps4/ps4-reviews/02/horizon-zero-dawn-review/
Review PC Specs
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
RAM: 32GB Kingston HyperX Fury RGB 3200MHz
MOBO: Gigabyte Aorus X570 Pro Wifi
GPU: Asus ROG Strix GeForce 1060 6GB
SSD: WD Black SN750 1TB m.2
Storage: 3TB + 2TB WD 7200RPM drives
PSU: ThermalTake Toughpower Grand RGB 750W