Why Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered May Not Really Fit the Meme It’s Become

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Why Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered May Not Really Fit the Meme It's Become

Key Takeaways

  • The
    Horizon Zero Dawn
    remaster introduces countless graphical improvements.
  • The remaster supports PS5 Tempest 3D Audio Tech and DualSense controller features for enhanced immersion.
  • New players can purchase the remaster for $49.99, while existing
    HZD
    disk owners can upgrade for $10.

As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for strong female protagonists and post-apocalyptic worlds, I must admit my initial skepticism when rumors of a Horizon Zero Dawn remaster surfaced. However, after delving into the details, I’ve come to appreciate the thoughtful improvements and fair pricing that Sony has announced.

Aloy, a strong-willed, red-headed character, has become a standout among Sony’s contemporary heroes. She first appears in the game “Horizon Zero Dawn,” where her captivating backstory unfolds. Now, gamers can look forward to experiencing her story once more, as Sony has disclosed plans for a remastered version of “HZD” on PC and PS5.

It wasn’t entirely unexpected since whispers about a potential remaster for Horizon Zero Dawn have been circulating. Yet, the response to these rumors hasn’t been particularly enthusiastic. With the official unveiling of the remaster details, we might want to reevaluate whether or not a remaster for HZD is truly essential and why it’s not just a passing trend.

Fans Have Their Doubts About the Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster

There’s been chatter suggesting that a remaster of the game “Horizon Zero Dawn” is upcoming. This talk was initially dismissed by many in the gaming community, who viewed it as just a money-making tactic. The primary concern arises because “Horizon Zero Dawn” debuted in 2017, which makes it relatively new to be remastered. Additionally, “HZD” has already benefited from a free update for PS5, enabling smooth 60fps gameplay.

In recent discussions, many have drawn parallels to the scenario presented in “The Last of Us,” a game initially launched in 2013, which has seen two remasters – one for PS4 and another for PS5. The question arises as to whether these remasters are truly necessary when contemporary games continue to impress visually and can utilize backward compatibility.

Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster Brings a Lot of Welcome Improvements

In October 2024, a revamped version of “Horizon Zero Dawn” will be released, offering numerous enhancements that will catch the eye of both newcomers and returning gamers. This update includes over ten hours of re-voiced dialogues and motion capture, which is appreciated since the cutscenes were less graphically impressive in the original game. Furthermore, there are numerous graphical improvements aimed at boosting the game’s visual quality to match that of “Horizon Forbidden West.” These visual upgrades also encompass the main companions, who have been given updated character models and rendering to align with the technological advancements of this current gaming generation.

The game’s audio hasn’t been neglected, and in addition to completely revamping the sound mix, HZD now supports PS5 Tempest 3D Audio Tech to increase immersion. The DualSense controller has also been used, and haptics and adaptive triggers have been implemented, adding a new sensory layer to exploration and combat. Players interested in the PS5 Pro will be happy to know that the game comes with native support for the upcoming console. PC players will also get their own set of features, including “support for ultra-wide resolutions and the latest performance-enhancing technologies like NVIDIA DLSS 3 and AMD FSR 3.1.”

The Package Comes at a Fair Price

It seems that one of the standout aspects of this remaster is its affordability. New gamers can buy it at just $49.99 on both PC and PlayStation platforms, while those who already own the original Horizon Zero Dawn game can upgrade for only $10. This price point isn’t too steep considering that it’s one of the finest post-apocalyptic games from recent years.

Although some might argue that the remastered version of HZD arrived a bit prematurely, its array of enhancements undeniably justifies the purchase. What’s more appealing is the affordable price point, which strikes a balance between enticing newcomers and satisfying veterans yearning for another journey with Aloy.

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2024-09-29 19:13