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. rodericrinehart
    Jun 24, 2017
    10
    I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this game, but it specifically had such enjoyable combat and the best console graphics ever. It takes everything good from open-world action-adventures like Tomb Raider, Far Cry, Assassin's Creed, Shadow of Mordor, and many others - and none of the bad. It is the pinnacle of this incredibly fun and popular genre. A true exclusive (not timed or on PC),I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this game, but it specifically had such enjoyable combat and the best console graphics ever. It takes everything good from open-world action-adventures like Tomb Raider, Far Cry, Assassin's Creed, Shadow of Mordor, and many others - and none of the bad. It is the pinnacle of this incredibly fun and popular genre. A true exclusive (not timed or on PC), and an absolute system seller.… Expand
  2. 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
  3. Madmaz
    May 17, 2017
    10
    Had to put a little review up for this game. Was a bit hesitant about getting this I dont why , because it is just fantastic. once in a while a game comes along that just hits the spot. Mass effect 2 did it for me and now this. Graphics on this game on a big HD TV are just jaw dropping. But graphics dont make a game right?

    The gameplay is just outstanding, combat feels sooooooooo good    Had to put a little review up for this game. Was a bit hesitant about getting this I dont why , because it is just fantastic. once in a while a game comes along that just hits the spot. Mass effect 2 did it for me and now this. Graphics on this game on a big HD TV are just jaw dropping. But graphics dont make a game right?

    The gameplay is just outstanding, combat feels sooooooooo good especially after a hard fight , coming of victorious against a T-Rex machine was a fist pumping moment. Absolutely loads to do in this game nice RPG elements . just one more word on the detail and graphics in this game.

    Usually in open world games you find some mode of transport to get around or you use "fast travel"...but i founnd myself either walking or just jogging everywhere because it was so outstanding.
    I played 62 hours of it before i completed the final mission. Im still playing and still finding loads to do. This game is worth every penny . GET IT.    … Expand
  4. neoFuesli
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    An early contender for game of the year. Luscious environments, thrilling combat and a huge world to explore. Only a short time with it so far but what I have played has been very good.
  5. 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.
  6. covcha
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    It's a wonderful game, a master piece. The best looking game in the history. Exquisite gameplay, incredible story, fun and fantastic gameplay, a great character like Aloy and a technical section of infarction. A game super recommendable for any holder of a PS4 and a great incentive to buy one to those who do not yet have it.
  7. skeptic_owl
    Mar 21, 2017
    10
    An excellent example of game design. Superb graphics, flexible open world mechanics and intriguing storytelling merge together into what should be consider a modern gaming masterpiece. If you enjoy adventure games and you are looking for a compelling story about a post apocalyptic world shrouded in mystery packed with excelent enemy design....look no more...Horizon Zero Dawn is for you.
  8. TheDahaka
    Mar 1, 2017
    10
    One of the best games I have played in a log time. Very polished, unique and engaging. Exceeded my expectations by alot. If you like open world games, this is a must.
  9. norse
    May 25, 2017
    10
    This game is literally the best I have ever played.
    The graphics are unparalleled, voice acting and storytelling are better than most great movies I've ever seen. Consequently, I have not been able to put it down.
    I am not exaggerating when I am suggesting that if you don't own a PS4, it's worth buying one just for this game.
  10. Agarwel
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    Im really surprised the average score is around 80. (maybe the people who vote after completing the game did not voted yet?). This game is probably best game of this generation yet (Im just not sure if Wither 3 is better or if it was beaten. It is really close call).

    The story is great. Dont expect Ubi-style game. Horizon is primary focused on the story. Forget copy pasted activities,    Im really surprised the average score is around 80. (maybe the people who vote after completing the game did not voted yet?). This game is probably best game of this generation yet (Im just not sure if Wither 3 is better or if it was beaten. It is really close call).

    The story is great. Dont expect Ubi-style game. Horizon is primary focused on the story. Forget copy pasted activities, searching for hundrets of treassure boxes or participating in boring fetch quests. This game feeling is similar to Withcer 3 or Mass Effect 1. Every mission counts, eveyr main mission moves the story forward, every side mission is small story with cutscenes and dialogues in some interesting dedicated location. If you like story games, but you dont like being slown down but grinding bs that is there just to prolong game time, this is a game for you.
    Other reason why the story is so interesting is completelly new world and lore. This is not another zombie / ww2 / dragons / aliens game. This is completelly new unseen world and it is joy to explore it and its history from scratch. The game makes sure you get all the answers in a satisfying matter.

    The other great part is a combat. The game is not so much about healthbars (shooting randomly does a litle damage). But you need to focus on the weak spots. Each with different effect, when destroyed. (you can disable certain attacks, tear the armor to uncover weak spots, damage energy cell to cause explotions,...). Each enemy is different. Witch different weak parts and different attacks and AI. It is really satisfying to tear them apart piece by piece watching as they go weaker. Even the common fights with some of the bigger enemies are more fun and chanllenging than most of the boss fights in other games. (I really wish Dark Souls or Bloodborne bosses offered this kind of interactivity). Because of this combat system the enemies are really powerfull, but still not a boring bulletsponges. They are bulletsponges anly if you fight the wrong way. But if you make a good strategy, you can take them down easily.

    Another great aspect is the game world and map. It is no so big as Just cause or Witcher 3 map. But it is still pretty big. The main advantage is that it is packed with interesting and unique areas. You will not encounter miring miles of flat plains here. Every place looks beutifull and you can be getting beautifull wallpaper images every minute :-D It is real pelassure to explore the map, vilalges, mountains, etc.

    All in all this is great experience.    … Expand
  11. batson456
    Mar 14, 2017
    10
    I was not expecting to like this game. I've played many open world games, and other than the Witcher 3, they all bore me to tears after a brief period of time.Also, as great as Guerillas last series was (Killzone), lets be honest, story and exploration was not a strong point of those games, so it would seem unlikely they would pull it off here. My expectations were shattered. This game hasI was not expecting to like this game. I've played many open world games, and other than the Witcher 3, they all bore me to tears after a brief period of time.Also, as great as Guerillas last series was (Killzone), lets be honest, story and exploration was not a strong point of those games, so it would seem unlikely they would pull it off here. My expectations were shattered. This game has me sucked in! The world is absolutely fantastic! I actually want to talk to every NPC, follow every dialogue path, explore every nook and cranny because I am just so damn engrossed by the world that Guerilla Games built. For the first time ever I have a desire to find all the collectibles because I love finding small tidbits of world lore that gives me a bit more of a glimpse into what happened to this ancient civilization and what is happening to the games protagonist, Aloy. I haven't yet beaten the game, and this may just be the honeymoon period, but at this moment, I am just twitching to get back to Horizon and find myself another ancient ruin to explore or bandit camp to clear. This game truly is worthy of all the praise it can have heaped on it, and is my favorite game so far this year.

    Pros
    -Engrossing world
    -Gorgeous graphics
    -Fantastic combat
    -Fun collectibles
    -Fun side quests
    -Writing, for the most part, is quite solid
    -Great RPG like mechanics breaks up the normal grind that games like this usually suffer from

    Cons
    -Voice acting can be a bit iffy sometimes (including rare bits of awkward writing)
    -Hopefully the story keeps at the same pace and doesn't give away too much too early, not really a con, but could be!    … Expand
  12. lawyergamer
    May 26, 2017
    10
    I have been playing video games for 30 years since the original NES and have played nearly every decent single player title. Zero Dawn is the best game I've ever played, beating out other favorites of mine like Bioshock, Fallout, Civilization, Elder Scrolls, The Last of Us, and the Witcher. The gameplay never gets old, the progression and leveling system is very satisfying, the graphicsI have been playing video games for 30 years since the original NES and have played nearly every decent single player title. Zero Dawn is the best game I've ever played, beating out other favorites of mine like Bioshock, Fallout, Civilization, Elder Scrolls, The Last of Us, and the Witcher. The gameplay never gets old, the progression and leveling system is very satisfying, the graphics look better than real life, and the story... oh my god the story! I thought I knew what a fantastic, cohesive story in a video game was before Zero Dawn. I was wrong. I can't give this game high enough praise. Just go play it and see for yourself.… Expand
  13. GrumpyReviewer
    Mar 27, 2017
    10
    This is a perfect 10, that's pretty much what I want to say.

    Horizon ZD is one of the most beautiful games I have ever played. And, although the story follows pretty much all gaming cliches, it is still rich and intriguing, filled with positive messages. The gameplay is fluid and a lot of fun and I simply love the fact that this open world game is not overwhelming. There are enough    This is a perfect 10, that's pretty much what I want to say.

    Horizon ZD is one of the most beautiful games I have ever played. And, although the story follows pretty much all gaming cliches, it is still rich and intriguing, filled with positive messages. The gameplay is fluid and a lot of fun and I simply love the fact that this open world game is not overwhelming.

    There are enough collectibles to keep you busy, but not enough to deviate you from the main quest. It never gets boring. Most of the sidequests are a lot of fun as well. And Aloy is a fantastic lead character for this new IP. Horizon ZD is a must have, a must play for any PS4 owners out there. Looking forward to an expansion or a sequel!    … Expand
  14. gamesreflexoes
    Mar 1, 2017
    10
    Very good game, a mix of Skyrim, Assassin's Creed and Tomb Raider. Also, the game has its own originality and Aloy is pure charm. Playstation Exclusive or not, this game is perfect for me.
  15. Gamexpert
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    Just unbelievable.
    It really is one of the greatest Games released over the last few years.
    There really are no big flaws, it works just perfect.
    The Story is surprisingly good.
    I know there will be a lot of 0-Ratings here, as always. Just ignore them, salty PC Gamers, same problem with every Sony Exclusive.
  16. Bitek
    Feb 26, 2018
    10
    Brilliant game. I love the settings. I love everything about it. Aloy is such a lovely character I love it so much that i actually platinum Horizon Zero Dawn. Machines, ancient world, primitive tribal people. The game really delivers. it is so much fun. .It is so addictive. clever weapons, cool skills to learn, beautiful settings, side quest with worthy rewards, machines with coolBrilliant game. I love the settings. I love everything about it. Aloy is such a lovely character I love it so much that i actually platinum Horizon Zero Dawn. Machines, ancient world, primitive tribal people. The game really delivers. it is so much fun. .It is so addictive. clever weapons, cool skills to learn, beautiful settings, side quest with worthy rewards, machines with cool weapons. There is so much to like about this game.… Expand
  17. becks1907
    Feb 28, 2017
    10
    Woow! Another great Playstation Exclusive game again. Amazing game mechanics, Powerful graphics, incredible deep story! Thank you so much sony and of course guerilla :)
  18. floydryan
    Mar 17, 2017
    10
    To me this came as an absolute surprise. I thought it will be a bland Ubisoftish openworld game with nonsensical robo-dinosaurs in a post-apocalyptic stone age story. Man, was i wrong! This game is brilliant. One of the best thought through SF storylines in any game i played. Excellent world-building, lovely many character, great enemy design and combat gameplay. Seriously, it is the firstTo me this came as an absolute surprise. I thought it will be a bland Ubisoftish openworld game with nonsensical robo-dinosaurs in a post-apocalyptic stone age story. Man, was i wrong! This game is brilliant. One of the best thought through SF storylines in any game i played. Excellent world-building, lovely many character, great enemy design and combat gameplay. Seriously, it is the first game where i desperately try to find more in-game lore texts, just to learn more about the world. I even do all the open world "collectible" stuff, which i normally never do, just because it is so well tied into the whole world and makes sense. Sure, there are things to criticize, but the strengths by far outweighs the weaknesses. If you own a PS4, i would say this is a must buy & must play immediately. What a surprise!

    Awesome:
    ---------------

    - Great character and story progression
    - Story has a great pacing
    - Some of the writing is exceptional
    - No Deus Ex Machina, the story is surpassingly robust for such a weird setting
    - World and Story convey a real sense of mystery
    - Aloy is such a great, bottom to earth main character (also great voice acting)
    - Open world gameplay (collectibles, bandit camps, towers) are not overabundant and fit well into the world
    - Great variety of weapons and enemies
    - Tactical but fluid combat
    - Good number of well presented quests
    - Great vertical level design
    - On highest difficulty (recommended!) many random encounters feel like epic boss battles

    Could be better:
    ------------------------

    - Crafting and stealth are a bit too simplified
    - Human enemy AI is not very smart (lure and stealth kills are op)
    - Variety of the world map comes at the cost of absurd climate (4 climate zones on 20km^2)
    - Facial animation could be better
    - Climbing hotspots are hard to see sometimes (also a pro, since it doesn't break immersion)
    - It ends    … Expand
  19. FriedConsole
    Mar 19, 2017
    10
    Masterpiece. The best open world game I have played. Horizon that takes a thing or two from Tomb Raider and Zelda. The world and lore is probably the most creative of any game in the last 10 years. It is on my list of favorite games of all time.
  20. Sm0othM0ve
    Mar 2, 2017
    10
    This game isn't perfect. I originally would give it a 9 but there are just too many idiots who are rating this great game 0 for no reason. Graphics are amazing, gameplay is fun and intense especially when you have a giant **** dino robot towering you while you try and take it down with a bow. The story isn't the best but it's good and interesting. The main story takes about 20-30 hours toThis game isn't perfect. I originally would give it a 9 but there are just too many idiots who are rating this great game 0 for no reason. Graphics are amazing, gameplay is fun and intense especially when you have a giant **** dino robot towering you while you try and take it down with a bow. The story isn't the best but it's good and interesting. The main story takes about 20-30 hours to complete excluding side quests, errands, etc. Hands down the best PS4 exclusive game yet.… Expand
  21. intrepidis
    Dec 17, 2017
    10
    The best game of 2017! Really innovative design and story, great characters and incredibly enjoyable gameplay. Graphics and sound design is equally awesome too. A must buy!
    I'd pitch it as like Skyrim and Fallout 3 merged together, with the creases ironed out.
  22. reaperff7
    Mar 3, 2017
    10
    It's pretty good. Lots to do, and the world is rich and interactive. Its really amazing that a console game an look like this while managing to bring the level of interactivity that this game has as well. what i expected from the killzone team but very welcome. I curious to see if they stick to this or if they continue with the new properties. Either way im sure whatever they do will be great.
  23. ChickenCrimpy
    Mar 25, 2017
    10
    This game is one of the greats. Stunning visuals and game play. I love games with bows anyway so this is right up my alley. I love the random little quips that Aloy makes when your adventuring. It really gives her personality some depth and she comes out with some funny lines at times. The story is told very well. It works backwards so as you progress you get to find out why things are theThis game is one of the greats. Stunning visuals and game play. I love games with bows anyway so this is right up my alley. I love the random little quips that Aloy makes when your adventuring. It really gives her personality some depth and she comes out with some funny lines at times. The story is told very well. It works backwards so as you progress you get to find out why things are the way they are, bit by bit.

    Whilst I love this game, it is a shame that it is a PS4 exclusive. Its a shame that XBox owners don't get to share in this fantastic game.    … Expand
  24. hammygas
    Dec 12, 2017
    10
    Absolutely superb.

    This feels like the culmination of open world mechanics to create something that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. The story is absolutely enthralling, and the combat is built in a way that I always felt as if every challenge was reasonable, but if I went in without preparing, I would have almost no chance to make it out alive. Truly FANTASTIC combat    Absolutely superb.

    This feels like the culmination of open world mechanics to create something that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. The story is absolutely enthralling, and the combat is built in a way that I always felt as if every challenge was reasonable, but if I went in without preparing, I would have almost no chance to make it out alive. Truly FANTASTIC combat balance and incredibly intriguing enemies.

    As a side note: I feel that Ashly Burch's performance was not quite as good as it is currently getting credit. Don't get me wrong, it is high quality, but I don't feel it is quite award worthy. She is an excellent voice actress, and I've seen better performances from here.    … Expand
  25. Deejayuu
    Mar 26, 2018
    10
    Enthralling alternate-post-apocalyptic story, excellent game-play, relatable main character, and who doesn't want to shoot a mecha-trex in the face with a triple arrow? Easily my 2nd top 2 for GOTY 2017 (BoTW a close first on a fanboi basis).
  26. Reggie2780
    Mar 2, 2017
    10
    Great Game!!!! Sony has another hit on their Resume. Guerrilla Games great job. So can we stop with the Zelda/Horizon hate!!!??? Both are great games, and we should own both
  27. CuttlefishJones
    Mar 2, 2017
    10
    This is Guerillas first ever venture into the open world RPG gaming genre and for a debut game it's pretty much nailed every aspect. Comparing it to other, established, open world RPGs is pretty disengenuous. Skyrim is iteration 4, the Witcher 3 and so on. Comparing this to their original debut versions would be more apt approach.

    If you like this style of game you'll be very well    This is Guerillas first ever venture into the open world RPG gaming genre and for a debut game it's pretty much nailed every aspect. Comparing it to other, established, open world RPGs is pretty disengenuous. Skyrim is iteration 4, the Witcher 3 and so on. Comparing this to their original debut versions would be more apt approach.

    If you like this style of game you'll be very well served by the lushly immersive graphics and the relatable characters that populate the, very pretty, post apocalyptic world. The worst aspect is that it doesn't push boundaries in anyway. Give it a few more iterations and things could be very different indeed.

    Most of the negative reviews I've seen focus mainly on the reviewers own burn out with, or being desensitised to, open world games. Which is a shame as they're missing out on the potential genesis of something special here.

    Buy it and play it. And don't forget to enjoy it whilst you're there!    … Expand
  28. valkyre
    Mar 2, 2017
    10
    This game reminds me of why i love videogames.... Guerilla took an incredible and brave risk with this new IP and being a dev that has no prior epxerience with RPGs and open worlds, this game is a TRIUMPH.

    The gameplay is amazing, the visuals are probably the best ever to appear in an open world game, the story is gripping and the characters well designed... Most of all this product    This game reminds me of why i love videogames.... Guerilla took an incredible and brave risk with this new IP and being a dev that has no prior epxerience with RPGs and open worlds, this game is a TRIUMPH.

    The gameplay is amazing, the visuals are probably the best ever to appear in an open world game, the story is gripping and the characters well designed...

    Most of all this product screams that it was crafted with incredible love by Guerilla.

    A big thank you for this amazing experience and congratulations for having the guts to own up to one of the largest risks a developer in this business decided to take!    … Expand
  29. DSouls_guy
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    As of right now Horizon zero dawn is my GAME OF THE YEAR!!!
    the story so far has been great, and the graphics are the best I've seen to date. the music is epic and the voice acting is spot on. horizon seems really polished, frame rate is great and so I haven't had any issues of any kind (Knock on wood) I really can't write any negatives about Horizon since to me there aren't any to tell.    As of right now Horizon zero dawn is my GAME OF THE YEAR!!!
    the story so far has been great, and the graphics are the best I've seen to date. the music is epic and the voice acting is spot on. horizon seems really polished, frame rate is great and so I haven't had any issues of any kind (Knock on wood) I really can't write any negatives about Horizon since to me there aren't any to tell. so if you are a ps4 or ps4 pro owner do yourself a favor and don't miss out of a blockbuster title that is Horizon zero dawn.    … Expand
  30. Kenmei
    Mar 13, 2017
    10
    From the makers of Killzone comes the PS4's major winter release and it's extremely good. Starting with the gameplay and the diverse world it's set in, then showing off the systems capabilities with some of the best facial animations I've seen since L.A. Noir back on the PS2, then ending with one of the better stories on the system. The game clearly has taken a few queues from the newestFrom the makers of Killzone comes the PS4's major winter release and it's extremely good. Starting with the gameplay and the diverse world it's set in, then showing off the systems capabilities with some of the best facial animations I've seen since L.A. Noir back on the PS2, then ending with one of the better stories on the system. The game clearly has taken a few queues from the newest Tomb Raider games in it's gameplay and it's presentation of a strong female lead, even if she drifted into Mary Sue territory a bit too much for my tastes. Bout the only thing the game did wrong was come out on the same week that the Switch and Zelda did, meaning it was severely overshadowed during it's premiere week which could affect sales. With a setup for a sequel, it seems GG is in it for the long haul and this could become what they always wanted Killzone to be: the PlayStation's Marquee series.… 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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