The Pros and Cons of a Horizon Zero Dawn Remake

The Pros and Cons of a Horizon Zero Dawn Remake

Highlights

  • Horizon Zero Dawn’s possible PlayStation 5 remaster could bring enhanced visuals and attract new players to the franchise.
  • However, a remaster might be perceived as a cash grab and steal development time from the highly anticipated Horizon 3 release.
  • While the rumors are not confirmed, the potential downsides of a remaster might outweigh the benefits in the end.

As a long-time fan of the Horizon series and someone who has spent countless hours exploring the breathtaking worlds of Aloy, I can’t help but be intrigued by the rumors surrounding a possible PlayStation 5 remaster of Horizon Zero Dawn. The visuals in this game have always been a standout feature, and I’ve often found myself replaying it just to marvel at the attention to detail and immersive environments.


The acclaimed visuals of Guerrilla Games’ Horizon series, including the groundbreaking Horizon Zero Dawn, initially gained recognition upon its 2017 release on PlayStation 4. Following its success, a PC version was unveiled in just a few years, showcasing even more stunning graphics due to advanced capabilities of modern PC hardware. In the wake of this, Guerrilla enhanced the visuals of Horizon Zero Dawn‘s sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, on PlayStation 5, which eventually received an upgraded PC version as well. Recently, whispers have emerged about a potential PlayStation 5 remaster of Horizon Zero Dawn. These rumors intensified after a recent shift in Sony’s PS Plus strategy.

On May 21, 2024, “Horizon Zero Dawn” was taken down from the PS Plus Extra library, fueling long-standing speculation that this popular game might eventually get a PlayStation 5 upgrade. This gossip is now over two years old, but without an official confirmation from Guerrilla Games, we can only assume the remaster may eventually materialize. The removal of “Horizon Zero Dawn” from the PS Plus Extra library could be a sign of this possibility. Although it’s uncertain if the rumors hold truth, it’s worth considering the potential advantages and disadvantages of a PlayStation 5 version of this game to determine if it would ultimately prove beneficial.

A Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster Would Be a Double-Edged Sword

The Pros of Horizon Zero Dawn Being Remastered for the PlayStation 5

From my perspective as an avid fan, the primary advantage of a Horizon Zero Dawn PlayStation 5 remaster lies in its enhanced visuals. Although the original game was visually stunning, Horizon Forbidden West elevated that standard on the PlayStation 5. Consequently, a Horizon Zero Dawn remaster would bring those breathtaking graphics to life once more on the powerful console. With Horizon Zero Dawn being over seven years old now, the remastered version could be just what’s needed for the improved visuals alone. Furthermore, a remaster might pique the interest of newcomers in the franchise and rekindle excitement among existing fans until the next installment is released.

The Cons of Horizon Zero Dawn Being Remastered for the PlayStation 5

From a dedicated fan’s perspective, I can understand the potential appeal of upgrading “Horizon Zero Dawn” to take advantage of the PlayStation 5’s advanced graphics capabilities. However, I believe there are valid concerns that make this prospect divisive.

A potential issue with releasing a remastered version of Horizon Zero Dawn for PlayStation 5 is that fans might perceive it as Guerrilla Games diverting resources from the development of Horizon 3. Though remasters require fewer resources than full remakes, some may view a port of Horizon Zero Dawn as an unnecessary use of the studio’s time when they could be focusing on creating a new game in the series.

It’s unlikely that this debate will have much impact, since a small group could potentially work on a remaster without affecting the development timeline for Horizon 3.

The unconfirmed news about a remastered version of “Horizon Zero Dawn” for PlayStation 5 is just speculation at this point. Yet, it would be hasty to disregard this possibility, considering the original game was taken off from PS Plus. Nevertheless, if these rumors prove to be factual, the potential disadvantages could overshadow its advantages.

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2024-07-17 19:43