The review of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered starts with a sense of skepticism toward Sony’s choice to re-release this recent title instead of prioritizing new games. With Sony’s focus on PS5 upgrades, another remaster might feel redundant. However, the $10 upgrade fee has some promising aspects that could interest fans who have already enjoyed the original, especially if they haven’t played the Frozen Wilds expansion.
The remaster blends elements from Frozen Wilds and borrows visual techniques from Horizon Forbidden West, making it feel more in line with current PS5 standards. For players who haven’t yet explored the sequel, Zero Dawn Remastered introduces enough improvements to feel almost next-gen.
The refined experience even prompts a reach for sequel features like the glider, creating a sense that the remaster bridges the two generations smoothly. However, it’s uncertain whether these upgrades alone would attract new players who weren’t initially interested in the game’s unique world of robotic wildlife.
In terms of visuals, the remaster leans into realistic enhancements without compromising the original game’s stylized aesthetic. The improved graphics may blend so seamlessly that they evoke memories of the PS4 version’s visuals. New lighting, motion capture in cutscenes, and reactive environmental details such as snow, sand, and vegetation bring a refreshed vibrancy to the setting, while still feeling natural within the world of Horizon.
Some elements, however, feel slightly overdone. Cutscenes now include exaggerated motion capture that contrasts with Aloy’s more static movements in gameplay, while the “hero lighting” effect—highlighting main characters or elements—can be distracting in close-up shots. Minor clipping issues around hair and clothing persist, but these details are minor when compared to the visual upgrade’s overall impact. Simple touches, like lens flares and sunrise effects, look exceptionally good and contribute to the enhanced aesthetic.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is a worthwhile investment for returning fans, especially given the $10 upgrade cost. While not the ideal entry point for newcomers, it goes beyond a simple resolution boost, with careful improvements that create a PS5 experience closely aligned with the sequel. It demonstrates how a remaster can breathe new life into a game, offering loyal players a polished version that still honors the original appeal.
