"Horizon Zero Dawn" has been out for only a few weeks now and I have barely skimmed the surface of what this world has to offer. Horizon was developed by Guerrilla Games, the developers behind the exclusive PlayStation series "Killzone." Their last game, "Killzone Shadowfall," was a launch title for the PS4 and got mediocre reviews. Since the release the studio behind the first person shooter series has shifted gears to a different concept and genre.
Guerrilla Games has hit a home run with this shift in game development. Some studios have not done well with this kind of transition, such as Visceral Studios. They developed three "Dead Space" titles before switching over to "Battlefield Hardline" which did the worst out of the series. Of course, Guerrilla Games have made a very successful game with this genre shift and have created a spectacular universe that I want to explore more of.
I pre-ordered this game so I have been playing it since day one and I have barely skimmed the surface. I'm barely into the story due to all the things I get distracted doing. Once in a while, I get back on the story only to veer off into another activity. The game gives you many kinds of activities to do such as side missions, bandit camps to clear out and corrupted zones to get rid of. All of these activities are scattered across a gigantic map that I have yet to explore completely. The map contains four main environments that include desert, jungle, temperate forest and snowy mountains. All of these areas are densely populated with machines that have the potential to kill you.
The machines are the main event of this game. "Horizon Zero Dawn" features over 20 machines that all have different abilities and weaknesses. You are able to scan these robotic creatures to detect those weaknesses and take advantage of them. Some machines are dangerous and will have no problem attacking back while some may run away and you have to catch them. One of the most intimidating machines would have to be the great and mighty Thunderjaw. This creature walks on two legs hunched over with massive jaws. On its back, it has two large guns that will make quick work of you if you're not able to jump out of the way.
The Thunderjaw isn't the only creature that will make you shake in your shoes. Many of the creatures when in the right situation, look terrifying and may make you run. Discovering a new machine in this massive world will give you a sense of accomplishment. These creatures have an awe when looking at them and observing them with no distraction is mesmerizing.
Finally, this game continues to amaze me as I explore more of the map and story. As I play more of it, I am always looking for a new area to explore or a new machine to find. This game is one of the best games I have played in a long time and I look forward to seeing what Guerrilla Games has planned for the game. Once I complete the game(who knows when that will be?) I will update you on my final thoughts on this massive universe known as "Horizon Zero Dawn."
