REVIEW: Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered (PS5)

When Horizon Zero Dawn launched in 2017, it didn’t just push the boundaries of the PlayStation 4 hardware; it helped define Sony’s last-generation console as a serious contender for breathtaking open-world experiences. Guerrilla Games crafted an epic with Horizon Zero Dawn, bringing the sprawling, machine-filled landscapes of a post-apocalyptic Earth to life with a level of polish and ambition that players didn’t often see on console.

The game pushed the PS4 to its limits, with its dynamic day-night cycles, meticulous environmental detail, and fluid character animations. The ‘Frozen Wilds’ DLC only added to the spectacle, taking players into the harsh wilderness of The Cut and showcasing an even more detailed, vibrant world that redefined what the PS4 was capable of.

Now, seven years later, Horizon Zero Dawn has received a remaster for the PS5 along with a simultaneous launch on PC. Developed in collaboration with the highly regarded porting studio Nixxes Software, the game has been significantly enhanced with the technical prowess of Sony’s latest hardware.

For fans of the original, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered will feel like stepping into a world you know well but are now seeing in a new light. This remaster isn’t simply a higher-resolution version; it’s been thoughtfully updated, taking cues from 2022’s cross-generational sequel, Horizon Forbidden West. Nixxes and Guerrilla Games have meticulously applied many of the technical advances found in Forbidden West to Horizon Zero Dawn, resulting in a game that feels surprisingly fresh.

Stunning Visual Overhaul with Forbidden West Influences

One of the most striking updates in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is the visual fidelity. Built for the PS5, the remaster brings a suite of enhancements that elevate every aspect of the game’s presentation. While Horizon Zero Dawn was always a stunning title, this remaster introduces a level of graphical fidelity that brings it much closer to Forbidden West.

Textures are richer, environments are denser, and everything from Aloy’s character model to the intricate details on the robotic creatures she encounters has been meticulously refined. Lighting, in particular, has seen a substantial improvement, creating more natural and realistic environmental shading that transforms each area into a visually immersive experience.

Nixxes has reworked many elements of the open world to take advantage of the PS5’s power. Vegetation now reacts to Aloy as she moves, and the improved weather effects add a level of immersion that was missing from the original release.

The dynamic day-night cycle remains, but it’s significantly enhanced here with added environmental effects that create a more lived-in world. You’ll see distant lightning strikes during thunderstorms, swirling dust clouds, and the added complexity of water reflections, which helps the PS5 bring Horizon Zero Dawn closer to a photorealistic experience.

Performance and Quality Modes

One of the most requested features from the original game has made its way into the remaster: performance and quality modes. Players can choose to experience Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered in full 4K at 30 FPS in Quality mode, which takes full advantage of the game’s high-resolution textures and environmental detail, or in Performance mode, which delivers a rock-solid 60FPS at a slightly lower resolution.

Both modes look great, and the 60FPS option is a welcome addition, making the game’s combat and exploration feel smoother than ever before.

Now, it must be stated that Guerrilla Games did release a PS5 specific update for ‘Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition’ back in 2021 which enabled 60fps functionality when running the PS4 title on the PS5 but the Remastered version is obviously packing a lot more visual fidelity and overall improvements that the implementation of 60FPS is still very much a nice addition.

For fans of the series who played Forbidden West on the PS5, the addition of performance options will feel familiar, and it’s a noticeable quality-of-life improvement for Horizon Zero Dawn.

Speaking of which, the original Horizon Zero Dawn set a high standard for open-world exploration, but certain mechanics felt dated compared to modern games. Nixxes has addressed several quality-of-life issues with this remaster, integrating improved accessibility options, faster load times, and UI refinements. The DualSense controller has been put to excellent use here, with haptic feedback that adds a tangible dimension to Aloy’s adventures. Whether you’re feeling the subtle buzz of grass beneath her feet or the intense vibration of a machine’s energy weapon, the DualSense makes Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered more immersive than ever.

In addition, inventory management has been streamlined, addressing one of the most common complaints from the original. The revamped inventory system allows players to access and equip items with ease, reducing the need to navigate clunky menus. This feature is especially useful in intense combat scenarios, where quick weapon swaps and inventory access can be critical.

Another valuable improvement is the expanded accessibility options. Nixxes has incorporated features such as customisable controls, text size adjustments, and various visual settings that make the game more accessible to a wider audience. These thoughtful additions make the experience smoother and more enjoyable, showing that the developers prioritised both new and returning players.

Updated Combat & Gameplay

Horizon Zero Dawn’s combat mechanics have always been a standout, and Nixxes has done a commendable job of making them feel even better on the PS5. The improved framerate and DualSense support elevate each battle, giving players a more responsive, tactile experience.

The feedback from firing a bow, dodging an attack, or using the spear feels precise, allowing players to become fully immersed in the flow of combat. The remaster also includes improved AI behaviour for both human and robotic enemies, making encounters feel more dynamic and challenging. Whether you’re taking down a massive Thunderjaw or evading a pack of Stalkers, the improved mechanics and visuals breathe new life into each encounter.

Conclusion

It’s fair to ask whether a game as visually stunning as Horizon Zero Dawn truly needed a remaster so soon. For those who poured hours into the original, the enhancements here may feel subtle at first. But as you dive back into Aloy’s world, it becomes clear that Nixxes and Guerrilla Games have gone above and beyond to bring Horizon Zero Dawn up to par with the technical standards of modern titles.

The remaster isn’t just an upscaled version but a thoughtfully reimagined experience that takes full advantage of the PlayStation 5’s power.

The improvements to graphics, gameplay, and accessibility make this remaster a worthwhile return to a beloved world, and for those new to the series, it’s the perfect entry point.

Horizon Zero Dawn Pricing & Availability

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is available for €49.99 on the PlayStation Store and PC, and if you already own the original game, you can upgrade to the remaster for just €9.99. This pricing model makes it easier for previous fans to return to the series without breaking the bank. While some may question the need for this remaster, Nixxes has created an updated experience that more than justifies its existence, cementing Horizon Zero Dawn’s place as a modern classic on the PS5.