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. TrollYourEnemey
    Mar 28, 2017
    10
    A game your PS4 deserves! If you are a fan of rpg action adventure games than this game is for you! The combat is slick and fluid, the AI is tough and smart, The writing and the characters are top notch and the graphics are absolutely stellar! I said wow out loud a few times playing this game. People who are giving this game negative reviews are clearly just trying to get attention andA game your PS4 deserves! If you are a fan of rpg action adventure games than this game is for you! The combat is slick and fluid, the AI is tough and smart, The writing and the characters are top notch and the graphics are absolutely stellar! I said wow out loud a few times playing this game. People who are giving this game negative reviews are clearly just trying to get attention and start drama. Its not a flawless game, sure sometimes you will find yourself doing pointless fetch and grab missions and at some points you find yourself a little bored, but that's just a very tiny nitpick at this massive game. The mystery and the intrigue of the story will keep you interested alone. Alloy is fantastic character and is well written and well acted! This has franchise written allover it! The dev team clearly had creative freedom and you can tell the attention to detail is there. Overall the most important aspect of a game is to be fun and it is! Don't listen to the dorks that give this game a 0/10 I guarantee they haven't even played the game. Go support this game! 10/10… Expand
  2. HZD_AloySplash
    Apr 5, 2017
    10
    Great amazing game. GG created one the best games of the decade. A breath taking experience from beginning to end. Aloy is the best protagonist the game industry has seen in years. The story is riveting and compelling. The graphics are the best in the business. Simply a masterpiece.
  3. gsk158
    Jun 21, 2017
    10
    expansive world to explore with an INCREDIBLE STORY LINE with great characters and genius gameplay. Never have i had a game where i was wanting to play again and again and again.
  4. DarkNight_
    Oct 24, 2017
    10
    A very beautiful game has brought a beautiful character in the game has been a masterpiece of art in all respects such as story and film shows and the beautiful world and music and everything in it is considered his :)
  5. cjisgod2009
    Nov 25, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I read a lot of reviews before writing my own and I truly enjoy this game. I'm giving it a 8 due to bug issues regarding certain missions but, most of those are fixed at the time this review has been written and information availability. I personally find the story to be very deep and engaging if you take the time to pay attention for data points otherwise it'll seem far more shallow than it is. That being said, my recommendation to developers is to give this information more freely to make the story more engaging for those players that don't want to spend time searching for the data points. There is enough information in the story to create several more games but, you won't realize this if you don't spend the time searching for the information. Most reviews have one of three complaints the first being the story is weak (it would seem that way if you don't get the right data points), traveling (for those that haven't figured out there is a single fast travel pack that lasts forever available pretty early in game), and those that say it's so similar to other games in the same genre but, hate on those other games as well as this one (those people will never be pleased).

    All in all, I recommend the game.    … Expand
  6. madmac1989
    Jan 4, 2018
    8
    Pros: Gorgeous. Great narrative storytelling. Deep, complex, moving. The combat against machines are very challenging and therefore highly exhilarating and rewarding when you win. Takes a lot of strategy and trial and error to figure out how to defeat each enemy.

    Cons: Teammates are worthless. It doesn't matter who is fighting on your side, they contribute nothing. Otherwise, the    Pros: Gorgeous. Great narrative storytelling. Deep, complex, moving. The combat against machines are very challenging and therefore highly exhilarating and rewarding when you win. Takes a lot of strategy and trial and error to figure out how to defeat each enemy.

    Cons: Teammates are worthless. It doesn't matter who is fighting on your side, they contribute nothing. Otherwise, the overwhelming majority of missions involve total isolation. You are truly on your own on each and every quest, each and every instance of combat. Not only are you alone, but you are severely outnumbered nearly every time combat arises. Not just 5 to 1. Think 10, 20, 30 to 1. Sometimes so many high powered machines that the only reason you win is because, at the end of the day, it's a video game. What's more, the machines are specifically engineered with real actual living animals as inspiration. Which means they should behave like animals, right? Nope. They attack you on sight even if you pose no threat. They don't attack each other regardless of territory. And above all, this game employs the worst save mechanism imaginable - camp fires. Which means these incredibly difficult combat operations, often multi-layered stages with each next phase involving more and more difficult machines to face, all by yourself, you have to get to a campfire to save your progress - if there is one.    … Expand
  7. Snyx
    May 25, 2018
    6
    Overall Guerrilla Games took a few Hollywood blockbusters from the past and mixed them with a stale blend of gameplay mechanics, poorly copied from other games. If there is one thing the developer exceeded at, it's making a mediocre game look good.

    Yes, this game has great graphics, but that's pretty much it. The story is a mix of rehashed movie plots and was seemingly written in    Overall Guerrilla Games took a few Hollywood blockbusters from the past and mixed them with a stale blend of gameplay mechanics, poorly copied from other games. If there is one thing the developer exceeded at, it's making a mediocre game look good.

    Yes, this game has great graphics, but that's pretty much it. The story is a mix of rehashed movie plots and was seemingly written in hindsight to accommodate the main idea of fighting robot animals. This wouldn't be a problem, if those fights were actually somewhat interesting. But for the most part, combat in Horizon Zero Dawn is a monotonous cycle of performing dodge rolls and shooting arrows, with a few melee attacks now and then.

    The sidequests are among the most boring I've ever seen in a video game. They only differ in the form of the cheesy story the quest giver will tell you. They all follow the same formula: Go to point A and examine the area, follow footsteps to point B and examine the area, follow footsteps to point C and...you get the idea. Eventually you find whatever it is you were looking for and can return to the quest giver.

    Weapons, customizations and perks are meaningless and arbitrary; a tacked on, low effort attempt to add some RPG flavor to a bland open world game. The only thing this game is rich in, is map icons. You will find a lot of locations that promise some sort of activity, too bad it will always feel like the exact same thing you did 10 minutes ago.    … Expand
  8. Heisenberg87
    Mar 1, 2017
    10
    I didnt really think any game could capture me in as much ass the Wicther 3 did but this game already has taken its place as the greatest game i have ever played. You care so much about the characters that going through dialogue options is a must. I really hope that have some extra content later on.
  9. Fedeastica
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    Loving it so far. Obviously, if you don't like open world games this won't change that. I really don't know what the people who complain about the open world were expecting. I don't like multiplayer games, that's why I don't buy them and don't write bad reviews saying that they are boring. For real, I can't believe so many reviewers gave the game a negative score.

    Getting back to the    Loving it so far. Obviously, if you don't like open world games this won't change that. I really don't know what the people who complain about the open world were expecting. I don't like multiplayer games, that's why I don't buy them and don't write bad reviews saying that they are boring. For real, I can't believe so many reviewers gave the game a negative score.

    Getting back to the the game I just played a couple of hours and loved every second of it. It feels like a Far Cry game with a better and deeper story, better lore, better characters and more interesting enemies and world.    … Expand
  10. MacheteDontText
    Mar 3, 2017
    7
    Amazing world, great atmosphere and graphics, everything else is kinda ****

    The game is fun and worth picking up imo, but has every major setback of a console game, everything is dumbed down, holds your hand every step, horrible UI and AI. Story is interesting so far, but the characters are bland and one dimensional. Oh yeah and the stealth system :) Its hilarious...
  11. JOSMAN
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    I've been playing for hours and I can't put in down. To my surprise, Aloy's story is very interesting and I can't wait to continue playing through it. I love single player, story-driven games; and this is definitely one of the best i've played so far. If you have a PS4, you'd be doing yourself a huge disservice if you don't get your hands on this game.
  12. Samuel0093
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    This game starts off great and never lets you down.There is so much to do and see.The combat is great and fluid.The character movement is the best ive ever seen in a game with how fluid and smooth it feels. If i had to say one negative thing about the game it would be that to many of the npc roaming the world look the same.Overall though one of my top 5 games of all time.I would rank itThis game starts off great and never lets you down.There is so much to do and see.The combat is great and fluid.The character movement is the best ive ever seen in a game with how fluid and smooth it feels. If i had to say one negative thing about the game it would be that to many of the npc roaming the world look the same.Overall though one of my top 5 games of all time.I would rank it just behind the last of us and ff7.Cant wait to see what the future holds for horizion .… Expand
  13. SpiderJeruselam
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    One of the nice things about horizon zero dawn is the attention to detail. The side quest and "errands" as they're entitled, are full of characters and stories that feel important. The level design is very reminiscent of the Witcher and CD Projekt's input and opinion are absolutely present. If you liked the Witcher, open world games with flushed out characters and plots, and fightingOne of the nice things about horizon zero dawn is the attention to detail. The side quest and "errands" as they're entitled, are full of characters and stories that feel important. The level design is very reminiscent of the Witcher and CD Projekt's input and opinion are absolutely present. If you liked the Witcher, open world games with flushed out characters and plots, and fighting mechanical dinosaurs in the ruins of society then I highly recommend horizon zero dawn… Expand
  14. ReeferMad
    Mar 1, 2017
    10
    Guerrilla Games and Sony took the risk of developing a new IP and it paid off. Beautiful game with mystery and exploration. This game will appease anyone who loves Uncharted, the Far Cry Series, and the Last of Us. Brings a vibrant and fresh feel to the almost tired open world genre. Crafting and progression is satisfying. I am personally a huge fan of using a bow for combat (like theGuerrilla Games and Sony took the risk of developing a new IP and it paid off. Beautiful game with mystery and exploration. This game will appease anyone who loves Uncharted, the Far Cry Series, and the Last of Us. Brings a vibrant and fresh feel to the almost tired open world genre. Crafting and progression is satisfying. I am personally a huge fan of using a bow for combat (like the greatest PS3/PS4 title of all time The Last of Us). I'm proud of the though they put into developing this and once again, Sony proves that Playstation is the ultimate device for single player exclusives. Worth the money.… Expand
  15. DownUnda
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    This is an instant classic!!! Wow what a game, all the love and detail that you should expect from a AAA game.
    I wish we had less games released but with this care and quality. Get the game and play it at your own pace, wonder around enjoy the experience its amazing. As all games this is not for everyone, but if you enjoy deep story and open world exploration this one is an instant    This is an instant classic!!! Wow what a game, all the love and detail that you should expect from a AAA game.
    I wish we had less games released but with this care and quality. Get the game and play it at your own pace, wonder around enjoy the experience its amazing. As all games this is not for everyone, but if you enjoy deep story and open world exploration this one is an instant classic. Worth the wait!    … Expand
  16. pohti
    Mar 4, 2017
    9
    Farcry and Monster Hunter had a baby and it's called Horizon.
    This game retains the open world roaming, hunting and crafting aspects from Far Cry
    at the same time, it is very satisfying to take down huge machines.
  17. gisarts
    Mar 3, 2017
    10
    Amazing! The side quests are interesting, the combat is soooooo fun and challenging, The AI is great, Aloy have a very impressive personality and a deep character. This game is a masterpiece.
  18. Ryhelia
    Mar 3, 2017
    10
    Serious lulz @ anyone giving this game anything below a 7. I'm guessing xbox, pc and nintendo fanboys. One person said Aloys voice acting was terrible. She was voiced - literally - by an Emmy award winning actress.

    Anyway, this game is a true masterpiece. Very polished, enaging story, fairly deep combat system. Super cool locations and robots. I just can't get enough. This    Serious lulz @ anyone giving this game anything below a 7. I'm guessing xbox, pc and nintendo fanboys. One person said Aloys voice acting was terrible. She was voiced - literally - by an Emmy award winning actress.

    Anyway, this game is a true masterpiece. Very polished, enaging story, fairly deep combat system. Super cool locations and robots. I just can't get enough.

    This metacritic user review system sucks. You should have to have a verified account linked up with a console serial number or something. I guarantee this game would be a solid 95/100 if you removed all the b*tthurt xbox and nintendo fanboys who are frustrated they can't play Horizon...or Uncharted...or Last of Us...or Bloodborne....or, well, you get it.    … Expand
  19. GamerJosh0137
    Mar 1, 2017
    9
    This will probably be one of the easiest reviews I have ever written. I can honestly say that there is absolutely nothing I hate or even dislike really about this game. Horizon Zero Dawn is classified as an open world, action RPG, and on those things it does not disappoint. You play as Alloy (no not like the metal) a cast out for reasons I won’t say. Alloy is haunted by questions aboutThis will probably be one of the easiest reviews I have ever written. I can honestly say that there is absolutely nothing I hate or even dislike really about this game. Horizon Zero Dawn is classified as an open world, action RPG, and on those things it does not disappoint. You play as Alloy (no not like the metal) a cast out for reasons I won’t say. Alloy is haunted by questions about the “ancient ones” and sets out on a journey to answer questions she has about her past as well as what happened to those that came a thousand years before her. HZD’s fluid controls and even better combat mechanics make it a joy bringing down giant robotic beasts. Although quite challenging at times HZD never oversteps its bounds. What I mean is that the times I did die, it was never something that wasn’t my own fault or stubbornness. This is something I deeply admire about this game. It’s not a cakewalk. It’s not afraid to challenge your every move, and it does it without being a complete troll. The story was quite fascinating to me, and I found myself really anxious to find out what Alloy finds out next. Gorilla studios, the developers that brought the Killzone series to the PlayStation, really show what they are capable of and although I never believed Killzone to be bad games, they just never quite clicked for me. After playing HZD I cant help but admit to the reader how wrong I was about my perspective of Gorilla being a somewhat mid tier developer. HZD in my humble opinion rockets Gorilla Studios to legendary status. This game is an instant classic, and although it shows a lot of influence from other games Gorilla has crafted the perfect mesh. If I had to say one thing I wasn’t super impressed with would be SOME of the side missions. It seems like they might have tried to go the Witcher 3 route. Making each side quest a strand of a much larger thread and just as important to the lore as any story mission would. HZD just misses that mark. I never felt like I was doing tedious filler, but I think there were a couple that I would have loved to see expanded on. If you own a PlayStation and are a fan of open world RPGs chances are you are playing this game as I write this. If you are not a playstation owner and are a fan of action RPGs go buy a playstation and this game like now. Throw away any stupid ideas of console loyalty and get this game.… Expand
  20. axxonn242
    Feb 28, 2017
    9
    Too early for a full and thorough review, but man does it look amazing. It feels amazing also. The opening bit alone is terrific. The only fair comparison I've seen people make is to Tomb Raider, but that's only the bow and gathering/crafting. It seems fairly unique just a couple hours in. Also, I've heard some too-early nay-sayers claiming the map looked tiny. I'm here to tell you itToo early for a full and thorough review, but man does it look amazing. It feels amazing also. The opening bit alone is terrific. The only fair comparison I've seen people make is to Tomb Raider, but that's only the bow and gathering/crafting. It seems fairly unique just a couple hours in. Also, I've heard some too-early nay-sayers claiming the map looked tiny. I'm here to tell you it looks HUGE. I'll change, and or, add to his later, but for now I just wanted to weigh in on how breathtaking the visuals are. I snapped about 30 screenshots before I even discovered photo mode, for those of you who are gaming shutterbugs.… Expand
  21. Rewenom
    Mar 1, 2017
    9
    Очередной шикарный эсклюзив для плойки.
    +Красивый мир
    +Интересные квесты +Крафт +Боёвка +Сюжет Есть несколько мелких минусов в виде дальности прорисовки и не самой лучшей лицевой анимации, но в остальном всё великолепно.    Очередной шикарный эсклюзив для плойки.
    +Красивый мир
    +Интересные квесты
    +Крафт
    +Боёвка
    +Сюжет
    Есть несколько мелких минусов в виде дальности прорисовки и не самой лучшей лицевой анимации, но в остальном всё великолепно.
  22. Mgoerge84
    Mar 1, 2017
    10
    This game is very impressive. The story is deep and compelling.
    Great Visuals, Amazing Gameplay, Excellent work from Guerrilla Games.
    So far one of the best games of 2017.
  23. SZJX
    Mar 10, 2017
    9
    Pros: The graphics is absolutely magnificent. You'll find yourself constantly in awe of a lot of things, one after another. There's no denying that. I have probably taken more than 100 screenshots already, just like a traveler taking photos at scenery spots. The battle and the machines are also decent and challenging IMO, contrary to what some people might be claiming here. At least in myPros: The graphics is absolutely magnificent. You'll find yourself constantly in awe of a lot of things, one after another. There's no denying that. I have probably taken more than 100 screenshots already, just like a traveler taking photos at scenery spots. The battle and the machines are also decent and challenging IMO, contrary to what some people might be claiming here. At least in my opinion you just cannot easily win by shooting the same type of arrow and rolling all the time. You as a human being is truly fragile in the face of huge machines. Two hits and you're gone.

    Cons: The main story, its scripts and voice acting are actually decent and intriguing, if not particularly groundbreaking. A part of the story towards the end actually made me want to keep going and see what really happened, though the denouement seemed a bit disappointing tbh. There are still various holes here and there which appear a bit too inexplicable, mawkish or abrupt, and many characters were either saints or dumb crazy villains, too one-sided. though I understand that for any video game, in a lot of cases you have to sacrifice the story coherency for the sake of gameplay purposes, as long as it's not outrageously nonsensical. However, the side quests are really sub-par. The quest contents are highly repetitive and the script writers are totally short of innovative ideas and feel rushed (In 3+ occasions somebody died in front of you after saying their last words. Seriously?). Eventually you'll feel a bit drained out and soulless, just repeating the same battles with various types of machines all the time, doing the exact same kind of task over and over again. On this front it just falls massively behind truly great open world games such as GTA or The Witcher, where any side quest can be hugely surprising/entertaining/edifying.

    In all, I'd say even just for its graphics and visual arts design, you should buy it. They are executed magnificently. However, it's clear that the developer just didn't put the best part of their budget to fully fleshing out the world with script writing/voice acting and treating side quests with care, which really is a shame. Otherwise it could have been a real 10/10 game.    … Expand
  24. GoodApollo88
    Mar 7, 2017
    10
    AMAZING!!! the best game to grace the PS4 so far. Great story, great visuals, superb combat and an enthralling protagonist in Aloy. It borrow alot from other open world games like The Witcher 3, Far Cry, Tomb Raider, Assassin's Creed to name a few. But HZD manages to distinguish itself with it's own identity. The world is filled with so much to do and the mystery surrounding HZD makes youAMAZING!!! the best game to grace the PS4 so far. Great story, great visuals, superb combat and an enthralling protagonist in Aloy. It borrow alot from other open world games like The Witcher 3, Far Cry, Tomb Raider, Assassin's Creed to name a few. But HZD manages to distinguish itself with it's own identity. The world is filled with so much to do and the mystery surrounding HZD makes you want to play it more and more and delve deeper into the game. Combat against the machines is intense and finding ways to take down the machines and discovering new species of machines keeps the game fresh and exciting,
    For me this the best RPG I have played. The best PS4 exclusive and early contender for Game of the Year! The world is great, The srory intriguing, interesting characters, fantastic combat, I can't understand what's not to like. Guerrilla games have no only met expectations, they have overwhelmingly surpassed them. Horizon Zero Dawn is a masterpiece!! Every PS4 owner needs this game!!    … Expand
  25. Chocoferu
    Mar 3, 2017
    10
    This is just the GOTY of 2017. One of the best experiences I've ever had in a videogame.

    Not only for the graphics, but the awesome story and immersion that it gives; it's beyond anything ever made.
  26. robsky
    Mar 1, 2017
    10
    Beautifull game. Great game. Great characters and story. I just might buy a ps4 pro for my replay in a couple of weeks, just to see if it can get any more beautifull.

    Go Guerilla!
  27. demonicated
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    Lets just start this off by saying, the game is visually stunning. I normally veer towards PC gaming, but the Decima graphics engine managed to leave me thoroughly impressed in every aspect - especially for a console. If you want to get a general idea of the game, combine Skyrim, Assassin's Creed, with the cut-scene interaction feel of Mass Effect - and rightfully done.

    The sense of    Lets just start this off by saying, the game is visually stunning. I normally veer towards PC gaming, but the Decima graphics engine managed to leave me thoroughly impressed in every aspect - especially for a console. If you want to get a general idea of the game, combine Skyrim, Assassin's Creed, with the cut-scene interaction feel of Mass Effect - and rightfully done.

    The sense of exporation and finding things is in every corner of the map. The battles can be simple but get very intense. At times, I found myself getting the andrenaline rush I used to get from playing Horde on Gears of War - barely surviving and yelling out loud as I tried to find cover or land shots while fleeing.

    Its also entertaining to just look at. Had no problem co-playing with the girlfriend and switching off to keep the game going. I will admit, there is definitely not a lot of "new" features in this game, but everything was done right. It just feels good to play.

    Highly recommend adding this to your collection and calling in sick to work for a week or two.    … Expand
  28. Losername
    Mar 4, 2017
    10
    Absolutely outstanding. Did you like FarCry Primal? Do you like post-apocalyptic sci-fi? If you answered yes to both of these, BUY THIS GAME. It's been quite a while since I found a game SO HARD TO PUT DOWN and I'm loving the BEJEBUS out of it.
  29. Hermain1994
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    Every bif of this game was truly a master piece ! THE BEST GAME I EVER CAME ACROSS WITH ! AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING ! That generals part is so sad, ending is beautiful ! OVER ALL EVERYTHING WAS TRULY AMAZING ! A big **** you to the haters !
  30. Meeky13
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    One of the best game I played in my life, Have not felt feelings like this since playing the last of US afew years back, LOVE IT! 15 hours in so far.. I have fell in love with Aloy!
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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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