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. GrimmjowUK
    Mar 3, 2017
    10
    With unique gameplay, magnificent graphics and a brilliant story to tell. It's a world you want to get lost in, a journey you would never forget. From the visuals to the audio, the creative and addictive combat system to the brilliant story; there is nothing wrong with this game. There's so much to discover in this open-world sci-fi game. The best RPG of the year and one of the best of allWith unique gameplay, magnificent graphics and a brilliant story to tell. It's a world you want to get lost in, a journey you would never forget. From the visuals to the audio, the creative and addictive combat system to the brilliant story; there is nothing wrong with this game. There's so much to discover in this open-world sci-fi game. The best RPG of the year and one of the best of all time. Excellent work from Guerrilla Games.… Expand
  2. FogCityRoller
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    The story grips you right out of the gate. Storylines have always been convoluted in open world games because of how sidetracked the player can get with other tasks and side quests. While this does have side quests, they can be resolved relatively quickly (though at the expense of character depth in side quest givers, but that's not necessarily a bad thing).

    There isn't much that can be    The story grips you right out of the gate. Storylines have always been convoluted in open world games because of how sidetracked the player can get with other tasks and side quests. While this does have side quests, they can be resolved relatively quickly (though at the expense of character depth in side quest givers, but that's not necessarily a bad thing).

    There isn't much that can be said about the graphics that haven't been said already. This is probably the only game out so far that makes me want a PS4 Pro, but it isn't necessary either. The graphics on a normal PS4 are still stunning. The environments are incredibly detailed and the lighting is outstanding.

    What really makes this game stand out above many others in its genre is the crafting system. I am tired of crafting systems that feel like a chore, to where it's impossible to craft something useful without going well out of your way to gather the components. It turns crafting into some side quest time sink. Horizon eliminates all of that. I've continued to be able to craft anything I need with just items I collect on my routes through the story. No hours spent farming materials just so I don't run short on supplies further along, THIS IS WHAT QUALITY OF LIFE IS ABOUT FOLKS! It's still a diverse crafting system with many options.

    The UI is crystal clear, the menu system is perfectly organized, and everything seems to have just the right depth. I'm convinced that Horizon was the product of meticulously analyzing its predecessors and pinpointing what works really well and what didn't work so well, and perfecting everything.

    Anyone saying this is just another Far Cry Primal has the analytical abilities of a toddler. This is more like Witcher 3's kid sister, and she is a total badass.    … Expand
  3. muohio
    Mar 4, 2017
    9
    Surprised that a new IP can have this much good going for it. Been very disappointed by a lot of games this generation, but HZD is so well put together that I keep coming back to it and putting Zelda aside.
  4. DemaKosharbekov
    Jun 21, 2020
    10
    Игра хорошая безумно жду вторую часть на PlayStation 5, сюжет более чем хороший Самое лучшее это её геймплей
  5. fantasticknight
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    Horizon Zero Dawn - this is one of the most magnificent masterpieces, which I played
    in my life. I am very pleased that Guerrilla Games working in the Sony, and make
    such great games. I remember how I once played Killzone 2,3 and just could not tear myself away from this magnificent game. Atmosphere 10/10 The main heroine of 10/10 (Aloy gorgeous) Locations 10/10 (not possible to    Horizon Zero Dawn - this is one of the most magnificent masterpieces, which I played
    in my life. I am very pleased that Guerrilla Games working in the Sony, and make
    such great games. I remember how I once played Killzone 2,3 and just could not tear
    myself away from this magnificent game.

    Atmosphere 10/10
    The main heroine of 10/10 (Aloy gorgeous)
    Locations 10/10 (not possible to take your eyes)
    Graphics 10/10 (on Uncharted 4 level, maybe even better)
    Story 10/10 (just started playing, but it is very intriguing)
    Optimization 10/10 (stable 30 FPS on PS4 Pro)
    Side quests (quest passed only one, and I really liked it)
    The visual part 10/10
    Easter egg 10/10 (really liked mention to the Death Stranding)

    You are required to play this game. HZR met all my expectations.. Microsoft is crying.    … Expand
  6. ISA_SCOUT
    Mar 1, 2017
    10
    Imagine if Far Cry and The Witcher had a little redheaded baby and that baby ran around fighting robot dinosaurs. That's what horizon is like. Superb storytelling, great gameplay, and jaw dropping visuals.
  7. Krispo123
    Mar 3, 2017
    10
    I had no expectations at all for this game. First open world - the developers of Killzone (which I didn't like at all) - how could this be good? Anyways, I bought it because of all the good reviews and I don't regret a second.

    The only thing that could have been done better is the facial animations and voice acting. Not a big deal for me, but I understand that some of you guys are    I had no expectations at all for this game. First open world - the developers of Killzone (which I didn't like at all) - how could this be good? Anyways, I bought it because of all the good reviews and I don't regret a second.

    The only thing that could have been done better is the facial animations and voice acting. Not a big deal for me, but I understand that some of you guys are complaining about that. Could also have been added much more side-quests, there is few of them. Main story (+ some side) is 30 hour-ish, I completed the game 100% (platinum) in 40 hours. There could have been added a lot more to this huge world.

    I didn't feel attached to any of the characters tbh. The first few hours is perfect, but something is lacking after that.

    8/10 because everything else is PERFECT.    … Expand
  8. Tehvendon
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    First and foremost this game is absolutely breathtaking, this game has some of the best graphics I've seen on console or PC. Combat is fluid and fun, enemy interaction animations are fantastic, and the world feels so alive. Literally all of the negative reviews in the user score are trolls, this game is nothing lower than an 8 at the worst.

    This just proves that this site is literally    First and foremost this game is absolutely breathtaking, this game has some of the best graphics I've seen on console or PC. Combat is fluid and fun, enemy interaction animations are fantastic, and the world feels so alive. Literally all of the negative reviews in the user score are trolls, this game is nothing lower than an 8 at the worst.

    This just proves that this site is literally cancer when it comes to user score, user score should be completely ignored. If people were actually honest and weren't trolls user score would be a decent addition to the site, but as it is now people like to spam rate a game negative just to lower the score. Down with the trolls.    … Expand
  9. destinyfan1
    Feb 28, 2017
    9
    i thought this game will be repetive as hell but after watching more videos i gave this a shot ( also a friend advised this game ) so yeah
    positive
    + amazing graphics and stunning environment + great combat + good dialogs (mostly) and story + fighting the machine dinosaurs is more fun then i ever thought + a lot to do negative - to less rpg elements - dialogs are not ALWAYS good    i thought this game will be repetive as hell but after watching more videos i gave this a shot ( also a friend advised this game ) so yeah
    positive
    + amazing graphics and stunning environment
    + great combat
    + good dialogs (mostly) and story
    + fighting the machine dinosaurs is more fun then i ever thought
    + a lot to do
    negative
    - to less rpg elements
    - dialogs are not ALWAYS good

    i never expected this it doesn't matter what kinda game you like . I was also shocked with the 0 scores
    probably xbox fans or aliens .If you don't like this game you don't like any game
    Buy it already lazy guy    … Expand
  10. DeadGravity
    Feb 28, 2017
    9
    This game reminds me of The Witcher 3, and that is a good thing. Although there are many elements similar, it's just the fact of how unique this game is to others, as I've never seen a game this intuitive before. I'm only two hours in and i can say this game is worth the money, ignore the haters who say that it's sh*t or how it's a copy of another title, because they either don't have aThis game reminds me of The Witcher 3, and that is a good thing. Although there are many elements similar, it's just the fact of how unique this game is to others, as I've never seen a game this intuitive before. I'm only two hours in and i can say this game is worth the money, ignore the haters who say that it's sh*t or how it's a copy of another title, because they either don't have a PS4, or they don't like Open World games that have some grindy elements. Go and get this now!!… Expand
  11. FL4MBO
    Aug 25, 2017
    9
    PROS: Story; Head Characters; Beautifully Open World; Graphics is amazing; Combat System; Robotic animals cute, detalized and dangerous; Lore really interesting; Really funny gameplay
    MINUSES: Face Animation
  12. Energie
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    Sony's best game of 2017 so far! If you enjoyed the Witcher 3, you will love this, there's so much to do, the game is beautiful, its a must buy for any ps4 owner.
  13. qiweiyu
    Feb 28, 2017
    9
    Best thing I like is the beautiful open world and nice story. The graphics are definitely the best ever !

    One thing I dont like is that the game seems to borrow some features from other games, like tomb raider, the witcher 3 and uncharted. Even though the combination works great , I hope there will be more original-designed features in the future if there is a sequel. The close    Best thing I like is the beautiful open world and nice story. The graphics are definitely the best ever !

    One thing I dont like is that the game seems to borrow some features from other games, like tomb raider, the witcher 3 and uncharted. Even though the combination works great , I hope there will be more original-designed features in the future if there is a sequel. The close combat looks not as great as withcer. It more relies on stealth killing which is more like uncharted. ( ranged combat has lot of fun tho and there are many arrows and traps you can use, more like a hunter instead of a warrior ;) )

    Undoubtedly, Guerrilla Games has a good debut in an open-world game. This game has best graphics, decent story and attractive combat (if u are a bow-lover ). If you have a ps4, you should try it because It looks great even on normal ps4.    … Expand
  14. Razv
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    What a game! A gorgeous open world that is finally not just an empty shell, but a rich and complex place full of activities and things to discover. It's a joy just to run around the map and look around. Besides that, it's highly visible they invested in writing, Alloy is a beautifully developed character mixed up in a very interesting and uniqe story. The gameplay is up to par as well,What a game! A gorgeous open world that is finally not just an empty shell, but a rich and complex place full of activities and things to discover. It's a joy just to run around the map and look around. Besides that, it's highly visible they invested in writing, Alloy is a beautifully developed character mixed up in a very interesting and uniqe story. The gameplay is up to par as well, with a very interesting and fulfilling (while at times very hard) combat system that always brings something new to the table.
    This is a statement that Guerilla Games is one of the best developers out there, and I am hooked to see what they come up with next.    … Expand
  15. leaveit
    Mar 5, 2017
    6
    THE GOOD:
    - Graphics are pretty impressive for a static-hardware machine; especially compared side-by-side with For Honor, another recent release on the same system, pretty much any metric except for on-screen actors is superior in Horizon.
    - Quests come fairly organically and there isn't much "rummaging around," other than in your inventory, which would otherwise interfere with the pace    THE GOOD:
    - Graphics are pretty impressive for a static-hardware machine; especially compared side-by-side with For Honor, another recent release on the same system, pretty much any metric except for on-screen actors is superior in Horizon.
    - Quests come fairly organically and there isn't much "rummaging around," other than in your inventory, which would otherwise interfere with the pace of the game.
    - The various tribal civilizations are unique and interesting to see and learn about.

    THE BAD:
    - Pretty much every gameplay mechanic has been done at least as well in the past 3-4 years. One migraine-inducing design is that Aloy needs a different satchel for every single item type, and you must craft progressively larger satchels out of irrelevant materials in order to avoid inventory management annoyance. This was done the same way, but slightly less annoyingly, in Far Cry 3-4.

    - The RPG elements feel tacked on, since, like Far Cry 3-4, they mostly consist of contextual actions you will use a handful of times throughout the game. Perhaps the most noticeable upgrades are the economical ones that will allow you to salvage more resources - and therefore engage in inventory management more often. None of the dialogue choices have any eventual consequence, there is one ending to the game, everyone's character eventually looks the same, and your character's background is entirely handed to you. There is no roleplaying save a pastiche of some "RPGs" from the past few years: dialogue wheels, leveling and experience, quests, etc.

    - If you're outside, the game pretty much boils down to using the extremely easy stealth system to one-hit enemies with your spear that never breaks, or using some traps to where you can nearly one-hit larger enemies. All of these things are accessible regardless of what abilities you choose (the beckoning call, probably the most useful ability in the entire tree, is available instantly). Basically Witcher 3 mixed with Far Cry 3-4 but worse than either.

    - The story is very predictable. Just combine Enslaved: Odyssey to the West with a handful of Bioware cliches and you've about had it. The characters are extremely generic, perhaps appropriate for a Nickelodeon cartoon. The main character is obviously inspired by Ygritte from Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones but played like a generic Jennifer Hale Commander Shepard.

    - The lack of risks taken is palpable, with game mechanics borrowed from Assassin's Creed (climbing longnecks = belltowers; focus = eagle vision, etc.), Far Cry 2-4 (collecting crafting materials for increasing carrying capacity and items, clearing out bandit camps, hunting animals for materials you shouldn't need, stealth executions from plain sight of the exact same variety: from cover, from below, from above, heavy execution, throwing rocks to asininely backstab 3 enemies in a row without them noticing somehow), Witcher 1-3 (setting traps to lure larger enemies into to make up for your inherently pathetically bad damage), and Mass Effect 1-3 (6-option dialogue wheels that ultimately don't affect anything). Basically imagine a successful open-world franchise in the past decade and its features are probably the core mechanics of this game. Here is the list of game mechanics in this game that I have never seen before in a triple-A title:

    None

    - The music is totally forgettable. I can't even remember a single tune. There are games like Mario or Hotline Miami where you can hear the music from across the room years later and know what that was. This is not one of those games.

    CONCLUSION:
    While the game is solid from a technical and - mostly - artistic standpoint, it is being massively overrated by critics. I'm not even a Zelda fan and I can tell the rationale for this game was to give PS4 owners some kind of kitsch Zelda open world game. It does not live up to that expectation. We have just about reached the limit of where character progression mechanics alone will carry the player retention, and now we just need a few games to take some risks to decide what cookie cutter mechanics will be used in the next decade. This is not one of those games, either.    … Expand
  16. bentom583
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    A ps4 masterpeice that cannot be missed anyoe who owns a ps4. Aloy one of the best icon of future of playstation universe. We need more games like this than filler
  17. SirFluffy
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    Really great game, especially the AI. The AI is really good. Like when you put down a tripwire robots actually jump over them! They are so smart. 10/10 would play again.
  18. HayvenMoses
    Feb 28, 2017
    9
    Let me start off by saying I feel sorry for those of you that didn't find this game good,what more do you want? This games amazing,I can't imagine being so uptight,kinda sad really. The only reason I didn't give it a 10 was because some of the voice acting was cringe worthy but other than that this games great. A must have for anyone with a PS4 and another reason why I have a PS4,A bigLet me start off by saying I feel sorry for those of you that didn't find this game good,what more do you want? This games amazing,I can't imagine being so uptight,kinda sad really. The only reason I didn't give it a 10 was because some of the voice acting was cringe worthy but other than that this games great. A must have for anyone with a PS4 and another reason why I have a PS4,A big thank you to Gurilla games for giving us another great game,well done.… Expand
  19. affrogamer
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    What an amazing achievement in gaming. In the few hours I've spent with this game, the world is very amazing and the combat is very satisfying. I haven't had a game give me this feeling since The Last of Us all the way back in 2013. I can already tell I'm in a for treat!
  20. Feeder16
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    Great game, how anyone can score it 0 is beyond me! Great story and great combat. So much to do and so many beautiful places to see in this gorgeous open world
  21. RF382260983CN
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    Horizon: Zero Dawn starts as Aloy's personal story and then turns into a bigger, wider experience. Thanks to its fantastic and stuffed open world, its one of the best games of 2017 already.
  22. SteveWithBeef
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    A near perfect fusion of Action Adventure and RPG with intense combat, fascinating world-building, fantastic design, breathtaking graphics and an interesting story with a great protagonist. Took me over 35 hours to beat this game and I enjoyed every minute of it.
  23. Prrgangsta
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    Dont listen to any of the 160+ haters that apparently did not research the game they were buying or are just PS4 haters.

    This game has a variety of quests and activities for you like hunters lodge quests, bandit camps, collectible items, and you can make errands to get items from merchants. The story has me hooked onto it making me play it almost nonstop. The craft system is easy    Dont listen to any of the 160+ haters that apparently did not research the game they were buying or are just PS4 haters.

    This game has a variety of quests and activities for you like hunters lodge quests, bandit camps, collectible items, and you can make errands to get items from merchants.

    The story has me hooked onto it making me play it almost nonstop.

    The craft system is easy and the world is plentiful with the items needed to craft bigger pouches, ammo, or potions.

    The rewarding feeling you get when you take out the giant machines is great and the components they drop are valuable in more ways than one.

    Aloy is a great heroin and her dialogue choices are a great way to build her up either with her compassion, survival intellect, or by making her a savage brute.

    The characters you will meet along the way are just as memorable as her and i dont think i will be forgetting them anytime soon.

    If you are a fan of Farcry and Witcher this game is for you. If not it is a good way to interest you in the genre of RPG's. Go out and get this NOW!!!    … Expand
  24. Predator1989
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    1) Good World
    2) Good Graphics
    3) Good Story
    4) Good Soundtrack
    Don't be mad guys please. Just buy PS4 and play it. Stop hate it please. This game is really good!
  25. TheNoYoloShow
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    For Guerilla to jump into the Open World RPG genre with this much awe-inspiring beauty and for the game to damn near perfect definitely earns them a 10/10 in my book. Lets not forget we get Nier Automata next Tuesday then Mass Effect Andromeda a few Tuesdays after that!!!!!!! Lifes sooooooooooooo goooooooooooood!!!!!!!!!!
  26. naddie
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    Fantastic game. Looks great, plays great and the whole world is pretty unique and gorgeous, you can tell every inch of this world was hand crafted, and its not a copy an paste job, even the old delerict sky scrapers of the past are beautiful to look at. This game is so fun to play and is the perfect game to explore because you are trying to find out why the earth has become this way, andFantastic game. Looks great, plays great and the whole world is pretty unique and gorgeous, you can tell every inch of this world was hand crafted, and its not a copy an paste job, even the old delerict sky scrapers of the past are beautiful to look at. This game is so fun to play and is the perfect game to explore because you are trying to find out why the earth has become this way, and what the hell robots are doing roaming the place. As you explore the open world you gradually learn more and more. The decima engine is something special and i can see why hideo kojima is a fan. I love the gameplay mechanics in this, its really fun and fluid. This is a great game and highly recommended!!… Expand
  27. LONG_SHOT_28
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    Horizon Zero Dawn is Playstation's first mega hit of 2017, the game is absolutely jaw dropping in terms of visuals, and mechanically the game is rock solid. Fans of Uncharted and Tomb Raider will feel at home with Horizon.

    Horizon has raised the bar on what open world RPGs can be and surely will be looked at as an instant classic.
  28. JulioEspinoza92
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    Epic Game, excellent story, excellent soundtrack, excellent gameplay, the best graphics this generation after Uncharted 4, it looks better than all games on pc graphically lmao poor pc beggars keep begging xD
  29. MisterTO
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    This game is very impressive. The story is deep and compelling. The game play is extremely fluent and fun with some noticeable glitches. The voice acting sounds great but the sound sync with the characters' mouths is a bit off. A few bugs do hurt the game, however, the complexity of the crafting, looting, and variety of enemies is impressive. One thing I also love is how huge and vast theThis game is very impressive. The story is deep and compelling. The game play is extremely fluent and fun with some noticeable glitches. The voice acting sounds great but the sound sync with the characters' mouths is a bit off. A few bugs do hurt the game, however, the complexity of the crafting, looting, and variety of enemies is impressive. One thing I also love is how huge and vast the game map/world is. The characters are interesting as well. I think it has the potential for an amazing franchise. I recommend this original and fresh game to anyone. Especially considering the originality of the theme/story. I give it a 9.2 (10 because I want more people to see and it doesn't deserve the NEGATIVE "hate" reviews)… Expand
  30. mixiladall
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    Como a promessa foi grande a expectativa também,e são poucos os jogos que cumprem com as expectativas e um pouco mais como foi horizon zero dawn Historia incrivel, jogabiliade divertida e complexa,trilha sonora (uma das melhores dos jogos na minha opnião) e os graficos?OS melhores do ps4 e possivelmente dessa geração.
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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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