Horizon Zero Dawn

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12419 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10,195 out of 12419
  2. Mixed: 1,140 out of 12419
  3. Negative: 1,084 out of 12419
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  1. johny_wo_ok
    Apr 4, 2017
    10
    Just an amazing game. Period. Exceeded all my expectations (although i admit, they weren't very high, somehow the whole 'dynobot' things seemed like they were trying too hard). Luckily, I picked it up and wow. Great combat, intriguing story, immersive world and all around awesome game. Highly recommend it and put it up there with the other playstation greats (uncharted, last of us,Just an amazing game. Period. Exceeded all my expectations (although i admit, they weren't very high, somehow the whole 'dynobot' things seemed like they were trying too hard). Luckily, I picked it up and wow. Great combat, intriguing story, immersive world and all around awesome game. Highly recommend it and put it up there with the other playstation greats (uncharted, last of us, etc.). GOTY.… Expand
  2. Neerolyte
    Mar 30, 2017
    9
    Excellent and unique story and combat. One of the best open-world game out there that is not overwhelming with crappy contents but just enough good quality activities to thoroughly enjoy the game. It is also design so every type of gamers can enjoy it (hardcore or casual).
  3. Thunderstruck44
    Jul 21, 2017
    10
    I've only had my PlayStation 4 for about a week but this might be one of the most interesting games that I've ever played. It's a lot of fun and very addictive with so much to do. I've put about 20 hours into it and I don't feel like I've hardly scratched the surface of what is available to me. The gameplay is fantastic, the stealth features are incredibly well done, and there hasn't beenI've only had my PlayStation 4 for about a week but this might be one of the most interesting games that I've ever played. It's a lot of fun and very addictive with so much to do. I've put about 20 hours into it and I don't feel like I've hardly scratched the surface of what is available to me. The gameplay is fantastic, the stealth features are incredibly well done, and there hasn't been a point yet where I feel like I am overpowered but I never feel too underpowered either. Definitely one of the standout titles for PlayStation. If you have a PlayStation 4 then you need to own this game.… Expand
  4. ladychaos
    Nov 22, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I loved this game, just loved it !!! All my life i have loved the idea of cool female heroes ( not that I dislike male ones because I don't. Give me Leon S Kennedy!!!), dinosaurs, ancient or apocalyptic worlds, weird but cool technology and robots. Put it all together and you just get something awesome. It's like someone went and read my mind and made this game. I love the graphics (so real looking), the music, the AI of the creatures, the main character and so much more. I cannot even remember how many hours I have spent on this game but it's a lot I can tell you. Definitely do your selves a favour and give this game a try.… Expand
  5. Skullomania77
    Dec 21, 2017
    10
    As someone who has gotten a bit tired of open world games this pulls me back in and I love every second of it and it shows why it is a GOTY contender in every chance it gets as this has some of the most fun you will every experience in a open world game to date (breath of the wild also counts) and a story so go I wanted to 100% it just for that reason alone. It is easy to see why so manyAs someone who has gotten a bit tired of open world games this pulls me back in and I love every second of it and it shows why it is a GOTY contender in every chance it gets as this has some of the most fun you will every experience in a open world game to date (breath of the wild also counts) and a story so go I wanted to 100% it just for that reason alone. It is easy to see why so many love this game (down votes are probably just fanboys) so go and try this game you will not regret it.… Expand
  6. lGameMannl
    Feb 5, 2018
    9
    революционная игра в индустрии,в стиле Far Cry Primal,но гораздо лучше,игра с хорошим сюжетом и геймплеем и просто с красивым открытим миром который SONY редко делает,моя оценка за игру 91/100
  7. network_scroll
    Jun 20, 2018
    9
    Время игры: 63 часа
    Примечание: пройдена полностью, кроме дополнения "The Frozen Wilds"
  8. MikeyMikerson
    Apr 9, 2018
    9
    The last time I was this drawn into a game was Breath of the Wild. This game has an interesting story that makes you want to find out more. The characters are well written and I'm pretty invested in the story. The combat is the best aspect of this game (the way it should be for a game like this). There are many different ways to tackle combat in this game, and you can choose differentThe last time I was this drawn into a game was Breath of the Wild. This game has an interesting story that makes you want to find out more. The characters are well written and I'm pretty invested in the story. The combat is the best aspect of this game (the way it should be for a game like this). There are many different ways to tackle combat in this game, and you can choose different abilities as you level up to help your specific "style". The machine "game" is a fun enemy to tackle, and sometimes genuinely terrifying. There is no shortage of things to do in this game. It is worth picking up.… Expand
  9. NCMAN
    Apr 20, 2018
    9
    Um enorme trabalho feito pela equipa da Guerilla, contudo ainda haviam alguns aspectos que poderiam ser melhorado mesmo assim estao de parabéns.
  10. rdx73
    May 23, 2021
    9
    This gest a 9 for two reasons (and neither is visuals, it's not a factor I am very bothered about): first the story is incredible. I like sci-fi. It is a great sci-fi story, but also one that could not really be told well in another medium. Maybe a novel I suppose, but not really ideal for that, this is a perfect game story line.

    Second is the combat. I love the combat because it is so    This gest a 9 for two reasons (and neither is visuals, it's not a factor I am very bothered about): first the story is incredible. I like sci-fi. It is a great sci-fi story, but also one that could not really be told well in another medium. Maybe a novel I suppose, but not really ideal for that, this is a perfect game story line.

    Second is the combat. I love the combat because it is so varied not in a faked way but because you can genuinely use different tactics both on the same enemy, so you could address a Longlegs in more than one way, but also different enemies are better addressed with not necessarily with different weapons (there are three different bows, but I count that as "bow", although there are choices needed in setting them up differently) but in a lot of cases different tactics and the differences make sense with the design of the enemy.

    You even get the difference between a lone, powerful enemy that can be a slog (and you're trying to damage components to reduce its fighting effectiveness while damaging it, hiding and setting it on fire/freezing it/electrically stunning it) and multiple tough enemies where the best tactic is to corrupt or override some, so they fight each other. Except that you can't do that if they are all corrupted, so you need then to fight multiple enemies. Therein is a variety much greater than the number of machines would suggest. Then there are people, and multiple ways of killing them in small or large groups.

    No enemy ever feels trivial. Even watchers can hit your health significantly if you're focusing on something else and they hit you with a jump attack late in the game.

    The best thing about the combat, though, is the balance. I am just starting to play games on "hard", and this has two settings above and I think three below this, but when I fail on an enemy I don't feel it is an impossible slog like some games and have to reduce difficulty, I just change tactics. Only once did I even look up the tactics on line (first fully-functioning corrupted deathbringer, with humans to pester Aloy as she fights it), it's just that you have a lot of choices available.    … Expand
  11. Ramzaonline
    Mar 27, 2017
    8
    After 40 hours of game I must say that in general it is a very good game, it is not 10, but the gameplay is good and hunting big new machines presents a challenge, maybe they could work more in the tree of abilities, but It definitely sets for something great.
  12. JyroJyro
    Dec 22, 2017
    8
    An intriguingly melancholy centre plot is what will drive you to complete Horizon: Zero Dawn, as the combat system is somewhat a novelty that eventually wears off. Incredible graphics though, and the voice acting is superb.
  13. jbakes25
    May 15, 2017
    9
    Horizon Zero Dawn has some of the most enjoyable combat I have ever played. Fights with the machines are very rewarding and it leaves me looking for more to fight. There are many different ways to approach machines and different tools to use to beat them, and each one fits a certain play style. The story is original and has a lot of intense moments that wrap Aloy into a world that holdsHorizon Zero Dawn has some of the most enjoyable combat I have ever played. Fights with the machines are very rewarding and it leaves me looking for more to fight. There are many different ways to approach machines and different tools to use to beat them, and each one fits a certain play style. The story is original and has a lot of intense moments that wrap Aloy into a world that holds many secrets. The environments from the tundra area, desert plains, and cauldrons look great and are fun to explore. This game is a must buy for anyone who owns a PS4 or PS4 Pro.… Expand
  14. Batman43
    Nov 14, 2017
    10
    The amaizing briliant that forced me to buy PS4. interesting story butifull world. It's just must have game for every gamer. do not belive me just try yourself
  15. Toffepeer
    Apr 11, 2017
    9
    Score 9/10. Gameplay is amazing and the machines, world, story are great. Only if the mid game wasn't threatening me with stopping the game all together

    - Great combat mechanics: In its most basic form there are 3 elements which are electric, fire and ice. With your scanner you can see what the weaknesses are from the enemies and utilize it. It's easy, fluid and it works. If you are    Score 9/10. Gameplay is amazing and the machines, world, story are great. Only if the mid game wasn't threatening me with stopping the game all together

    - Great combat mechanics: In its most basic form there are 3 elements which are electric, fire and ice. With your scanner you can see what the weaknesses are from the enemies and utilize it. It's easy, fluid and it works. If you are getting more into the game you will realize that there are more ways. For example tear arrows can disassemble certain parts of machines, removing the ability to use an attack and even giving you that weapon for massive damage, or even hit a tank and let it explode. Tripcasters can setup traps which is actually handy since you can see the enemies walking pattern and ropecasters can knockout a enemy. There are many ways to kill machines/humans and it's fun to figure out the best way.
    - Machines: They deliver some satisfying battles especially the later ones. Those thunderjaws phew.
    - Story: Since makers end you are always wondering where the story is going to bring you. It is a interesting story that lets you want to know more.
    - Graphics & Sound: oh damn it looks great on my normal PS4, probably one of the prettiest games I have seen. The soundtrack is nice in a world like this.
    - Extra stuff to do: While I feel like most errands and side missions were a bit overkill, not interesting. There are a few exceptions though. For example the lodge mission and in the end redmaw was a nice side quest. The rest is nice. I in particular love the cauldrons and what you get from it is a nice surprise. Getting on tallnecks, doing hunter challenges (they were pretty easy though in my opinion). Corrupted zones could be a challenge. The bandit camps were laughable easy.

    So it is a great game however It feels like there are some flaws.
    - Just like every open world game after receiving the platinum there isn't anything else to do. This is pretty neglectable though since to receive the platinum you had to do most of the extra's in the game.
    - Cringe worthy conversations. While it isn't as bad as mass effect Andromeda, it's not like I cared for what they were saying and it like if a robot talked to another robot.
    - The boring mid game (before meridian) After the proving and before entering meridian there is a part in nora land which was flat out boring. Easily exploitable machines which gave almost no challenge was the killer for me. Also the nora weren't interesting for me. When you got to meridian and unlocked all machines and unlocked that whole desert part, shadow carja etc.. It became much better.    … Expand
  16. VozAlta
    Dec 8, 2017
    9
    Horizon: Zero Dawn. I'm so impressed by it's excellent writing, visuals and vibrant living world. Its world is inspiring, as far as I've known we've never had a hunting game like this before, and we've never experienced matriarchy or experienced truly strong female leads and support characters like this, we've never had such a blend array of believable characters either. It's much thanksHorizon: Zero Dawn. I'm so impressed by it's excellent writing, visuals and vibrant living world. Its world is inspiring, as far as I've known we've never had a hunting game like this before, and we've never experienced matriarchy or experienced truly strong female leads and support characters like this, we've never had such a blend array of believable characters either. It's much thanks to the writing, the voice-over and all the hard work that must've gone into modelling and animating. It's just staggering.
    It feels great to play, the "wildlife" always keeps you on your toes, and it's genuinely fun to encounter and decide how you'd want to approach the machines or the enemies. And time after time you'd think 'What a great game this is' and you don't really want it to end.    … Expand
  17. Litten22
    Oct 1, 2017
    10
    There's nothing I can say that hasn't already been said to sing the praises of this game. I can say, though, that even if you're on the fence like I was, you owe to it yourself to at least give this game a try.

    I'm kind of picky when it comes to which games I spend my time with, and it often takes me months or even years to play franchises that people gush over because the settings or    There's nothing I can say that hasn't already been said to sing the praises of this game. I can say, though, that even if you're on the fence like I was, you owe to it yourself to at least give this game a try.

    I'm kind of picky when it comes to which games I spend my time with, and it often takes me months or even years to play franchises that people gush over because the settings or gameplay don't really interest me. Sometimes trying out these popular games pays off, and I find a series I fall in love with (God of War, Bioshock, Mass Effect, The Last of Us), and sometimes I just can't bring myself to enjoy them (Halo, Dark Souls, Metal Gear Solid, Elder Scrolls, Dragon Age). The good games are good enough, though, that they're worth taking chances and having to sift through the games I end up disliking.

    Horizon Zero Dawn was one of the games that I heard great things about, and after 6 months, I finally decided to give it a try. After 35 hours with the game, I can happily say this is one of my favorite games this generation. HZD is a perfect example of why I try games that don't hook me based on my usual interests, because finding a gem like this is worth sorting through 10 or 20 other games that I end up not caring for. If you want a good story and extremely satisfying gameplay, you'll find it here. Do yourself a favor and try it, even if you think it doesn't look like your type of game...you might end up being very surprised.    … Expand
  18. Sheidcraft
    Oct 2, 2017
    10
    I thought that after the Witcher 3, the RPG genre has nowhere to go, another five or ten years. But Horizon stunned me very much. The plot, interesting boevka, Lor, atmosphere and stunning graphics. 10 here and think is not necessary
  19. Skyrider11
    Dec 1, 2017
    10
    A great game ps4 owners will not want to miss out on. Horizon takes some inspiration from other open world games but makes such tired concepts these kinds of games are known for and make them feel fresh and new again and most importantly it is extremely fun. I could on on a bit but I should have to go into detail as so many people have sang the praises of this game already and they wereA great game ps4 owners will not want to miss out on. Horizon takes some inspiration from other open world games but makes such tired concepts these kinds of games are known for and make them feel fresh and new again and most importantly it is extremely fun. I could on on a bit but I should have to go into detail as so many people have sang the praises of this game already and they were right for doing so. Buy this game you will not regret it.… Expand
  20. PanTac
    Dec 14, 2017
    9
    I like games with a strong story and this game has it. What I dont like is a lot of side missions, because i play them too and sometimes I forget the main line. This game has a lot of side missions. So I was lost in a story few times. But I recomend this game, because it is very nice piece of work. And if you like open worlds with a lot of quest and interesting enviroment, you have to playI like games with a strong story and this game has it. What I dont like is a lot of side missions, because i play them too and sometimes I forget the main line. This game has a lot of side missions. So I was lost in a story few times. But I recomend this game, because it is very nice piece of work. And if you like open worlds with a lot of quest and interesting enviroment, you have to play this game.… Expand
  21. Spets_Naz
    Jan 5, 2018
    9
    This game is a masterpiece with a few flaws. That's the best way I can describe this. I'm not going to go into too much of the cliché used in some reviews.

    Basically this game is an open world where you can certainly see that it was built in a way, it makes some more linear games fall short. What I mean is, even though it's open world this game nails the way a open world with a great    This game is a masterpiece with a few flaws. That's the best way I can describe this. I'm not going to go into too much of the cliché used in some reviews.

    Basically this game is an open world where you can certainly see that it was built in a way, it makes some more linear games fall short. What I mean is, even though it's open world this game nails the way a open world with a great story should be. You can explore, you will love it, but the story will keep you hooked and even the side quests kinda go side by side with the story. This is nice as you can track everything and do it when you're close to the main quests. For me, it's one of the best open world along with GTA and Zelda. While exploring you'll get into a long side quest for a collectible. This is related to a personal story of a single person. This story is so rewarding to follow not only because of the little story within it but because it makes you want to explore even more.

    The story is awesome, to say the least. Even if you don't understand a bit of AI development it takes a very light approach to the AI complex we are currently walking towards. That's all I'm going to say. I'm not going to spoil it for you as you should go into this game knowing 0 like I did. Forget reading about the story and just play it like you've picked it up from the store without reading zero about story. The story follows a certain path in Horizon so you get a feeling of a linear game where you progress through something, not opening up the whole world at once. This ends up being a very nice decision as opposed to the new trend of open world and trying to be like Elders Scrolls.

    The combat is awesome and I only have one concern. The bow physics are not great. Aside from that you will have lot's of fun as you can approach your enemies in som many ways that you'll have fun exploring different things. By the end of the game, you'll still have multiple ways of getting out of certain situations to keep you hooked.

    Graphics are excellent but you should really just take a look at some screenshots. Facial expressions are cool too.

    People compare this to BotW and all I can say is that this one is better IMHO. But not by that much. I love BotW btw but I'll add some comparisons here. What I think is that combat, the open world concept and story are simply better in Horizon. The combat in Zelda is pretty much the same even with different enemies/weapons/shield surfing/magic and the open world concepts used (and progression within it) are not as refined as in Horizon. The story is also better in Horizon. You can find similarities in the story concept but Horizon is so much better with the mystery and the world built around the world (the lore) that if you're like me, you'll be googling for more details on certain aspects of the lore.

    Hope this review helps you!    … Expand
  22. Dancingmoon11
    Dec 31, 2017
    10
    If uncharted wasn't your thing then this is the reason to own a ps4 as this is one of the best RPG's this generation. The story s done well and the characters are memorable, the combat is so damn fun and the machines themselves are so intriguing to learn about. Honestly the only people who can hate this are trolls and die hard nintendrones who somehow think that this is trying to bestIf uncharted wasn't your thing then this is the reason to own a ps4 as this is one of the best RPG's this generation. The story s done well and the characters are memorable, the combat is so damn fun and the machines themselves are so intriguing to learn about. Honestly the only people who can hate this are trolls and die hard nintendrones who somehow think that this is trying to best breath of the wild despite not having that much in common. ( seriously there is an actual Twitter account dedicated to crying about PlayStation and sucking off Nintendo due to the fact that some people prefer new ip's that try make the open world formula great again to a game from a 30 year old series that everyone and there mum are losing their minds over) (no offence to breath of the wild but come on it's not that great still good though) back to topic play this love it thank the developers later.… Expand
  23. madcritic_
    Mar 17, 2018
    9
    Horizon Zero Dawn presents us with a beautiful world full of unforgettable challenges.
  24. turbosnail
    Apr 6, 2017
    8
    Great game in every sense (style, visuals, execution, on-boarding, audio), but does not live entirely up to the hype and does get boring quite fast. The beginning is by far the best, after that it's get repetitive in my opinion.
  25. tamakachi
    Jun 20, 2021
    10
    Beautiful game, very well optimized, dynamic combat system and amazing storytelling with a great soundtrack and engaging game mechanics
  26. traffmeister
    Mar 9, 2017
    10
    Honestly, I love this game. But metacritic review sections are just total garbage. Perfect 10s for no reason and salty 0 scores for no reason... I could see how this might legitimately fall as a 10 for some people, but absolutely no reason to give it a zero except to be edgy and contrary
  27. joaopontesvaz
    May 1, 2017
    9
    Graphics: 9.7 Sound: 9.2 Gameplay: 9.2 Fun/Story: 9.2

    A great game with gorgeous graphics (even better because the open world limitations) with very good level design, textures and frame rate. This new Sony´s IP innovates technically and has a good storytelling. The future is promising.
  28. MiracSpectac
    Dec 17, 2017
    8
    Having no intentions of getting the game prior to a couple weeks before release, I took a chance with Horizon Zero Dawn and ended up falling in love. The game creates a world you can really sink your teeth into with very natural side quests and a wide variety of enemies to encounter. This is very complimentary to the main story, which draws you in with it's mystery and promise of new areasHaving no intentions of getting the game prior to a couple weeks before release, I took a chance with Horizon Zero Dawn and ended up falling in love. The game creates a world you can really sink your teeth into with very natural side quests and a wide variety of enemies to encounter. This is very complimentary to the main story, which draws you in with it's mystery and promise of new areas to explore. My biggest complaint with this aspect is that the places you explore start to feel a little monotonous, but it keeps it fresh enough by the time its campaign ends.… Expand
  29. erfanbasket
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    WHAT SHOULD I SAY. a masterpiece by guerilla games. huge and vast open world full of things to do and an epic story combined with brilliant gameplay. all in one for PS4
  30. Paulo-Lameiras
    Mar 28, 2017
    10
    I was very skeptical. Not only i was never a fan of Killzone, but also, from the vids, HZD looked too much like Ubisoft open world games (schemactic exploration, invisible walls, collectibles, bland story, characters and lore, etc).

    I could not be more wrong! The game is huge, the lore is deep, the story is fantastic, and has some of the most interesting combat i have experienced in a    I was very skeptical. Not only i was never a fan of Killzone, but also, from the vids, HZD looked too much like Ubisoft open world games (schemactic exploration, invisible walls, collectibles, bland story, characters and lore, etc).

    I could not be more wrong! The game is huge, the lore is deep, the story is fantastic, and has some of the most interesting combat i have experienced in a long time. Something i'm particulary loving is the scale and freedom. If you see a mountain, you will certainly find a way to reach the top, even if you are not supposed to be there. Games with this level of seamless freedom are rare. In most open world games you always find a reachable place closed by an invisible wall.

    It does have some flaws. You can not explore most interiors, vendors could have their own stores instead of just standing there, morerandom events in the world would be great, you rarely see NPCs traveling between villages, tallnecks and maps show too much information which, in my opinion, kills the unpredictability of exploration, money is too easy to find/collect, etc. Instead of just look for the typical loot boxes you can find here and there, it would be great to have the ability to unlock doors, steal objects, and if caught by a guard, suffer the consequences.

    Anyway, ffor a new IP and a game of this scale, HZD is simply incredible!    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PS4 Game of 2017
1
#1 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2017
1
#1 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 115 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 110 out of 115
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 115
  3. Negative: 0 out of 115
  1. Quarter to Three
    May 22, 2017
    60
    The unfortunate fact of Horizon is that most of what it does well, other games have done better, and they did it with a compelling who and where. This is the game you play after you’ve finished The Witcher 3, Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate, and Far Cry: Primal. It is the greatest hits compilation of open-world games. Yeah, sure, you might want to own it, but the real connoisseur has the original albums.
    Read full review
  2. App Trigger
    Apr 21, 2017
    95
    Horizon Zero Dawn has an unforgettable protagonist, world, story, visuals, soundtrack and gameplay. Due to minor issues with inventory management and quest selection, I cannot call it perfect but I can say it is absolutely worth your time.
    Read full review
  3. Riot Pixels
    Apr 10, 2017
    75
    There is enough spectacular action to keep you occupied for a couple of weeks, but Horizon is not the hot new killer app for PS4.
    Read full review
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