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Horizon: Zero Dawn | Review Thread

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1

1.21Gigawatts

Banned
J

Jack The Nipper

Banned
Tigress said:
It always worrys me but Amazon doesn't ship preorders til the day before. They have done this for the last two pre orders I got (and they always claim they will ship earlier). In fact the tracking has listed the package not even in my city yet by early morning and it still gets to me not even late in the day. I suspect after having some issues with the games getting in too early (and maybe the companys who sell the games to Amazon get upset) they went with shopping it one day to make sure it didn't get in early.

That being said I'm still nervous this time and I could swear by at this point they would know what carrier and it would be in waiting to be picked up status by now and mine is still in preparing with no carrier info.



And I would be a lot less interested in this game if it wasn't open world. In fact I don't in general pay full price for linear games cause I feel they last way too short to be worth that price, tend not to be replayable cause they rely a lot on story, and despite being short games I still get bored of them by about 75% done, and that is if I like the game. Where as a good open world can last me 100 hours if there is enough content (and if not enough content will have me sad I finished everything).

I will agree shadowfall was mediocre though. And the writing was awful.
Click to expand...
The way I feel about what your saying is that they stretch gameplay out in open games and that the world design is less interesting in many parts because of that.

I guess that may sound confusing but I'll explain that a bit.

In Farcry they have a large mass of an area that doesn't really change for a very large area, yes you have roads, mountains and things that change a bit but it isn't that much. After five minutes I have seen what there is to see and do so after this point they place ai, buildings and an objective here, there and all over this large mass. So, then I go to A and get a mission, go to mission, shoot kill pick up intel and return, repeat over and over. Now, I get what you are saying that you want 100 hours, but what is 100 hours of that? it feels like drain, a life drain.

Thus on the flip side, when the world is more linear (but with paths and objectives) it keeps things a bit more interesting and intriguing to me, I get to see and feel like I am making progress to see what the next area holds, looks like or what mission I may be venturing in. With an open world game, I just don't have that same feel or feeling of progression.

I get that the open world games level you up, give you more weapons more things but I'd rather just start off with good gameplay and design and continue on with it.

I have not played Horizon so I won't say if it is this or not but knowing how the way game design is copied from one studio to another so much (I sort of assume it will have some of the things I don't like already) but, I will still play it, I'll likely even beat it but I hope it isn't as much like what I fear.

I think an open world can work, sly cooper did it pretty well but it isn't that open and has very set objectives actually.

If they are going to create big worlds, I really prefer the way FF12 handles it. Big worlds with a lot of areas and sections, sections is where open world is gone wrong imo

With sections, you have a very set area to go to and never return to again. Yakuza also has a semi open, structure world that doesn't get quite as tedious either.

But, when you just make one large map and start planting stuff all over it in order for me to just go get it or do it.. well I feel this is bad game design. It's nothing more than a time waster of nothing fun nor interesting for me personally.

There are very few open world games that I feel are made well from creed, gta, mercs and very few feel good to me. All in all, I refuse to play gta and it' s fetching as well.

The ones I found enjoyable were

Infamous
mercs 2
Some of Just Cause


Most the others were just simply bad for me though... but I hope to find something worth while in Horizon and not just a time waster for me.

In my opinion the way to solve the open world drain is smaller size, better missions and missions that have more depth not only in what you see but how you play them. If they want to create a big world and add secrets fine, but don't make that A to B to B to A the main point of the game.

Instead, op for a large area for people to look for extra things and missions while giving depth to your main missions. So, when I travel to a canyon, have some gameplay mechanic that forces me to trave down and into said canyon that is not only a sort of path, but make it where the gameplay is integrated with that area.

So, in Infamous they had the climbing and running ability that created more focused paths to traverse. I enjoyed that and some areas had to be explored in that set path while being in the open world, now the issue is the game didn't have a lot of these areas but atleast it had them. So, in Horizon I'd like to visit KZ2 like levels within that open world, atleast that gives me something of detail in the game world design. I don't even know if this game has that issue, so guess I'll find out in the near future.
 
T

Tigress

Member
Look, I'll put it this way. I don't think this is a matter of linear games or less content is better. I think it is a matter of preference (getting sick of this attitude from people who prefer linear games acting like it's cause linear games are better and that people who like open world and more to do are wrong). You prefer linear games, they click better for you. They don't really click for me.

If that were true for me, how come I get sick of a linear game within 20 hours or less (or rather 75% completion if I like the game) but I can play an open world game I love for 100 plus hours and have fun with it? I'm not talking that there is still stuff to do, I'm talking about the game still being fun for me for that long. Where as before the already short linear game is done I'm impatient to be finished with it already.

Personally I hate having only certain things to do and not much choice in a game. I dislike having to play the game at the pace they want me to (now we are doing shooting, now is a lull where we talk, now for a little bit different is a puzzle area). I like being able to play the game at my pace and if I am not in the mood for one thing having other things I can do (I'm going to go do a sidequest now, I want to do mainquest, I want to explore this are! I want to craft some stuff and gather material for it, I want to talk to the npcs, I want to go hunting, I want to look for rare items). By allowing me to do that a game lasts a lot longer for me (as in I stay interested).

Jack The Nipper said:
The way I feel about what your saying is that they stretch gameplay out in open games and that the world design is less interesting in many parts because of that.

I guess that may sound confusing but I'll explain that a bit.

In Farcry they have a large mass of an area that doesn't really change for a very large area, yes you have roads, mountains and things that change a bit but it isn't that much. After five minutes I have seen what there is to see and do so after this point they place ai, buildings and an objective here, there and all over this large mass. So, then I go to A and get a mission, go to mission, shoot kill pick up intel and return, repeat over and over. Now, I get what you are saying that you want 100 hours, but what is 100 hours of that? it feels like drain, a life drain.

Thus on the flip side, when the world is more linear (but with paths and objectives) it keeps things a bit more interesting and intriguing to me, I get to see and feel like I am making progress to see what the next area holds, looks like or what mission I may be venturing in. With an open world game, I just don't have that same feel or feeling of progression.

I get that the open world games level you up, give you more weapons more things but I'd rather just start off with good gameplay and design and continue on with it.

I have not played Horizon so I won't say if it is this or not but knowing how the way game design is copied from one studio to another so much (I sort of assume it will have some of the things I don't like already) but, I will still play it, I'll likely even beat it but I hope it isn't as much like what I fear.

I think an open world can work, sly cooper did it pretty well but it isn't that open and has very set objectives actually.

If they are going to create big worlds, I really prefer the way FF12 handles it. Big worlds with a lot of areas and sections, sections is where open world is gone wrong imo

With sections, you have a very set area to go to and never return to again. Yakuza also has a semi open, structure world that doesn't get quite as tedious either.

But, when you just make one large map and start planting stuff all over it in order for me to just go get it or do it.. well I feel this is bad game design. It's nothing more than a time waster of nothing fun nor interesting for me personally.

There are very few open world games that I feel are made well from creed, gta, mercs and very few feel good to me. All in all, I refuse to play gta and it' s fetching as well.

The ones I found enjoyable were

Infamous
mercs 2
Some of Just Cause


Most the others were just simply bad for me though... but I hope to find something worth while in Horizon and not just a time waster for me.

In my opinion the way to solve the open world drain is smaller size, better missions and missions that have more depth not only in what you see but how you play them. If they want to create a big world and add secrets fine, but don't make that A to B to B to A the main point of the game.

Instead, op for a large area for people to look for extra things and missions while giving depth to your main missions. So, when I travel to a canyon, have some gameplay mechanic that forces me to trave down and into said canyon that is not only a sort of path, but make it where the gameplay is integrated with that area.

So, in Infamous they had the climbing and running ability that created more focused paths to traverse. I enjoyed that and some areas had to be explored in that set path while being in the open world, now the issue is the game didn't have a lot of these areas but atleast it had them. So, in Horizon I'd like to visit KZ2 like levels within that open world, atleast that gives me something of detail in the game world design. I don't even know if this game has that issue, so guess I'll find out in the near future.
Click to expand...
 
N

nickerous

Member
Infamous is my favorite "new" franchise, so I am hoping this has a similar feel. Out of 20 or so ps3 games, I only finished red dead redemption and infamous 1 & 2.

Bought my ps4 last November and out of 7 games, I have already finished one...infamous Second Son. Thinking about picking Horizon up on Tuesday, but I have Zelda on Friday. One has to be bumped...
 
Z

ZeroEdge

Member
spannicus said:
Saw that my copy from Amazon hadn't shipped as well cancelled that shit then found a copy locally. Boom
Click to expand...
I would but I don't want to give up that sweet Amazon Prime 20% off discount. I'm in Canada so that discount makes our obsurdly overpriced games normal price again.
 
D

Deleted member 752119

Unconfirmed Member
Yeah, if you have Prime I wouldn't worry about release date delivery getting miss becasuse it hasn't shipped yet. Well, unless you're out in the boonies or something.

My release date stuff always ships Sunday or Monday (or Wednesday or Thursday for Friday releases) and I've always got it on release day.
 
M

More_Badass

Member
Jack The Nipper said:
The way I feel about what your saying is that they stretch gameplay out in open games and that the world design is less interesting in many parts because of that.

I guess that may sound confusing but I'll explain that a bit.

In Farcry they have a large mass of an area that doesn't really change for a very large area, yes you have roads, mountains and things that change a bit but it isn't that much. After five minutes I have seen what there is to see and do so after this point they place ai, buildings and an objective here, there and all over this large mass. So, then I go to A and get a mission, go to mission, shoot kill pick up intel and return, repeat over and over. Now, I get what you are saying that you want 100 hours, but what is 100 hours of that? it feels like drain, a life drain.

Thus on the flip side, when the world is more linear (but with paths and objectives) it keeps things a bit more interesting and intriguing to me, I get to see and feel like I am making progress to see what the next area holds, looks like or what mission I may be venturing in. With an open world game, I just don't have that same feel or feeling of progression.

I get that the open world games level you up, give you more weapons more things but I'd rather just start off with good gameplay and design and continue on with it.

I have not played Horizon so I won't say if it is this or not but knowing how the way game design is copied from one studio to another so much (I sort of assume it will have some of the things I don't like already) but, I will still play it, I'll likely even beat it but I hope it isn't as much like what I fear.

I think an open world can work, sly cooper did it pretty well but it isn't that open and has very set objectives actually.

If they are going to create big worlds, I really prefer the way FF12 handles it. Big worlds with a lot of areas and sections, sections is where open world is gone wrong imo.
Click to expand...
You're assuming Horizon is designed like Far Cry and similar games, when most impressions and reviews say the game is how you'd prefer: focus on gameplay and combat, strong narrative focus, varied landscapes and things to discover, good pacing and progress due to how stats and weapon unlocks work, etc.
 
S

Sangetsu-II

Member
Hispanicguy said:
Some shots I took last night. Regular PS4.

x8TF3qV.jpg
Click to expand...


Desktop background found. Thanks!
 
H

Hispanicguy

Member
hairygreenpeas said:
Thanks for posting pics of the game from a regular PS4, Hispanicguy! I got so spoiled by what the game looks like on the Pro, I was getting a bit worried about the base PS4 lol. But I may end up picking a Pro down the line because I want this game to melt my eyes.
Click to expand...

No problem! You have nothing to worry about :)

Yea, I would love to get a pro sometime as well but for now I'm pretty satisfied with what I see on the regular ps4.

I'll post a few more shortly. Photo mode is awesome!

Sangetsu-II said:
Desktop background found. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Lol, nice! Definitely desktop worthy.
 
CaptainSmirnov

CaptainSmirnov

Member
1.21Gigawatts said:
I just watched this on my 4k set.
I really wonder how much crisper native 4k would look, because honestly there doesn't seem to be much room for improvement, except the ropes in the background at 2:29
Click to expand...

A decent amount crisper, but it depends on viewing distance. Sitting about 8 ft from a 55 inch TV it looks really good and the difference wouldn't be too apparent. I'm a bit of a graphics whore and I'm more than satisfied with the IQ. It's also a steady 2160p unlike Infinite Warfare with a dynamic resolution.
 
SebastianM

SebastianM

Member
Nice to see Guerilla redeeming themselves after KZ SF, and Sony putting out another great exclusive of course.

I'll pick this one up for sure.
 
C

Cartho

Member
GOD DAMMIT!

I went in to Sainbury's this morning. Went up to the electronics counter and, casually, asked the lady there if they had a PS4 game called Horizon. She looked clueless, and said "ooh, not sure I'll check". So she unlocked the drawer, lo and behold there it was. "Is this it?" she asked. "Yes, that's it" I said, trying to be casual.

So she scanned it through the till, then some other woman came out from the stock room thing behind the counter, saw it and said "you can't sell that it's not out yet." So she had to cancel the transaction.

SHIT! I was so close. If that other lady had stayed in the stock room for 30 more seconds I would have had it. BUGGER.
 
S

Saint9806

Member
After having Horizon for the last 24 hours, I've come to some immediate conclusions (I'm not very far into it, played for about 3 hours). I have the PS4 Pro and a KS8000 btw... :)

1. Right as the game loaded, the first screen came up and I right away thought that this is the most beautiful game ever made. They really show off the beauty of the game right off th bat. You'll see.

2. Aloy is very likeable.
They start the game with her as a child which just makes you like her right away

3. The menus are very easy to navigate. Upgrading and modifying weapons happen almost right away and are also very easy to figure out.

4. Aloy's movement is perfect. She moves very fluidly.

5. There is a quick ammo craft option that can be done on the fly. This really keeps the game moving.

6. The sidequests have some good rewards.
One of the first sidequests upgraded my spear to do more damage.

7. There were 2 patches I had to download when I installed the game.

8. The game feels extremely polished. I didn't run into any glitch.

Loving what I have seen so far! I am very much looking forward to all the weapon and combat upgrades that await.
 
G

Garlador

Member
bunkitz said:
Good lord. Beautiful shots, man. Beautiful!

Gotta ask, though, you playing on a PRO or standard?
Click to expand...

As has been said many times, this is all from just the STANDARD version.

I'm both impressed the game looks this good, and half-afraid they're going to get accused of witchcraft.
 
R

Ricky_R

Member
I'm a Prime member, but I'm from Puerto Rico. I always get the games a couple of days after release, even If I pre-order months in advance.

I don't mind though since I'm getting the discount.
 
B

bunkitz

Member
Garlador said:
As has been said many times, this is all from just the STANDARD version.

I'm both impressed the game looks this good, and half-afraid they're going to get accused of witchcraft.
Click to expand...

Oh, my bad. I didn't see it said anywhere and assumed some would be playing on a PRO. Thanks!
 
D

Deleted member 752119

Unconfirmed Member
peanuthead said:
Any word on whether HZD will eventually have DLC content available?
Click to expand...

They've said nothing about any DLC so far.

I'm guessing/hoping if they do any it follows TLOU, Infamous SS and UC4 in being stand alone DLC that doesn't require the main game.
 
N

Nightz

Member
Is there a way to force the pre-load for a game on PSN? I bought the game and it pre-loaded to my primary PS4, but I'd like to download it on my other PS4. When I go to purchases, all I see is the countdown and no option to download.
 
dr guildo

dr guildo

Member
MiamiWesker said:
Im posting a bunch of stuff. Gifs coming soon.

Here are my latest impressions in the thread they should be in.

But I have a ton of spoiler images so I posted those in the spoiler thread, these are late game environments and robots, click only if you don't mind seeing amazing stuff.

Here is one or two for this thread.

1aa05440_o.png

20eda8d4_o.png
Click to expand...

Decima's technical showcase is flawless on those screens. Most impressive game I've seen...
Very perturbating screens when you put in perspective the fact that it's about an open world...
 
H

Hispanicguy

Member
bunkitz said:
Good lord. Beautiful shots, man. Beautiful!

Gotta ask, though, you playing on a PRO or standard?
Click to expand...

Standard PS4. Here are a few more:

mF45h6h.jpg


HZksMgK.jpg


m185ycC.jpg


6g8vGAv.jpg


Ok ok, I'll stop for now lol

I Win Yet Again said:
2. Aloy is very likeable.
They start the game with her as a child which just makes you like her right away

5. There is a quick ammo craft option that can be done on the fly. This really keeps the game moving.

6. The sidequests have some good rewards.
One of the first sidequests upgraded my spear to do more damage.

8. The game feels extremely polished. I didn't run into any glitch.
Click to expand...

2. I definitely appreciated that.

5. Such a great feature.

6. I don't know how later side quests are, but getting that reward definitely made me want to check them all out.

8. Earlier I did get stuck on a rock, lol. Was fighting and I charged the enemy (who was next to the rock) and yea. Had to reload my save. Other than that, it's been smooth sailing.
 
F

flattie

Member
Cartho said:
GOD DAMMIT!

I went in to Sainbury's this morning. Went up to the electronics counter and, casually, asked the lady there if they had a PS4 game called Horizon. She looked clueless, and said "ooh, not sure I'll check". So she unlocked the drawer, lo and behold there it was. "Is this it?" she asked. "Yes, that's it" I said, trying to be casual.

So she scanned it through the till, then some other woman came out from the stock room thing behind the counter, saw it and said "you can't sell that it's not out yet." So she had to cancel the transaction.

SHIT! I was so close. If that other lady had stayed in the stock room for 30 more seconds I would have had it. BUGGER.
Click to expand...

So close! Bad luck.
 
L

Loudninja

Member
Codiox said:
So I'm playing it 6h straight and still can't believe what I'm seeing. Every 2 minutes I find me in photomode because it looks so perfect. There is not one aliasing, everything is so fucking round and smooth. By the end of the game I will be a pro photographer for sure lol.

This is something I made, not something pre rendered or cinematic. It's the actual game:

vHCUgmY.jpg

Also the dialogs and face-motions from the characters are exceptional. I didn't play uncharted 4 but for me this is the most authentic game I have seen yet. It shits all over Witcher 3.

This game is right up there with ocarina of time in my books.

To anyone jumping in next week, do yourself a favor and turn the HUD off. It's so much better to explore on your own.
Click to expand...

Turkoop said:
Some impressions after six hours (spoilerfree):
Game hast started very interesting, I think the first 60-90 minutes are very interesting and very well-made. Story is getting more interesting after you have played few hours. Visually the game looks superb on my PS4 Pro (non 4K-TV). I mean the world is so huge (I'd say little bit bigger than Velen in W3) but it *looks* so beautiful, well-polished and wonderful! Those visuals are incredible! You all should use the photo-mode, I've created some really nice pics.
I really like Aloy and she's sometimes very funny. I'm playing on Hard and I'd also recommend this to you. It is never unfair or frustrating. You have to think how to move etc.
No FPS drops, no tearing or something else. Game feels very, very polished. It has few Far Cry gameplay elements but many Witcher 3 aspects. But in a good way!
Click to expand...
Nice! Thanks for the impressions.
 
R

ronaldthump

Member
I Win Yet Again said:
The sidequest was to find and save the daughter of some dude that was hurt. She was stuck on top of tree surrounded by 4 watchers.
Click to expand...

I actually did this one. I dont remember
remember getting a spear upgrade. You're hunting down their mother's spear but you just give them the spear. I don't think my spear was upgraded?
It was so long ago. Maybe I forgot.

😭😭😭
 
ShadowkillXNA

ShadowkillXNA

Member
Is this streamable on youtube at the moment ? I tried via twitch a while ago but its blocked.
Got my copy at a local store near university of md yesterday.
 
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