This is an RPG action game developed by Guerilla Games and its initial release was Feb 2017. Originally it was a Sony exclusive until it also became available on PC. I must make mention that the PC port is reported to have not been good but perhaps its being patched, I dont know. I guess this is so since its a game that was initially designed with the PS4 console in mind that may have had an effect on PC ports.
This game is one of the most unique titles you can ever come across in terms of the lore and setting. Lets briefly share some of the highlights that stand out from this title from my experience perspective.
The approach to the story is what makes it one of PlayStation's finest. Usually post apocalyptic games have zombies but this took a very different turn which is the machines. The story unfolds itself the more you explore the world and not just meeting the NPCs. Take your time to explore as this is very worthwhile. Its a very vast story you have to piece together. Avoid fast travelling as and when you can as this can make you skip some pop up side quests. HZD is packed with a tone of fight encounters that you can choose to approach differently (stealth or agro). For your first playthrough its sometimes best to hunt for the best gear to ease out some of the challenging encounters (especially in the Banuk lands).
The overall presentation of the game is really nice especially how the colors pop in the various environments of the game world. Its a beautiful game world packed with rich HDR colors which blend in well with the gameplay. Another thing that stands out is the level of detail on the NPCs. Most times if you have noticed many games use the same model a couple of times for example, an armorer in the Witcher, his face is repeated several times in different cities. Yes we also have to realize games cant be perfect and it would be a daunting task on the development team requiring many actors so as to not repeat faces but in HZD at least each new character you encounter is a new face and very detailed. I cant remember seeing a repeat NPC, only a few occasions at least while traversing the game world crowded arears.
Gameplay is mostly determined by your gear and skill level so at first playthrough the stealth approach is best whenever you can since you will be having limited gear and skill. Don't forget to study your opponents with your focus to get a better understanding of what you will be about to face. The overall feel of the gameplay is simple but with a catch: the current 30fps limitation. While not having 60fps isn't very distracting it definitely is once you taste stable 60fps experience on your current gen console or even higher frame targets. It definitely needs that patch as the final touch to an already awesome game just to smoothen it out. I have a feeling that they shall do it sometime later just as they did for other Sony exclusives but that remains to be seen. So even if you have the PS5 for now and as of the time of this writing you are limited to the PS4 code limitations. Thats the biggest dowside to the game i only have the rest no problems at all.
As the game progresses you are faced with very challenging enemies and at times I felt like it can get unreasonably difficult in some instances. Here's the biggest tip: get the Shield Weave Armor. Its definitely without a shadow of doubt the best armor in the game. The way I got it was really weird as at one point while exploring I used a glitch within the game to acquire one of the power cells that are needed to get this armor. The glitch is entering an environment of a future mission before its time... It was a glitch worth it I wont say further as you know by now i dont want to spoil the experience for you.
Gear and weapon upgrades: this is an area where you really need to pay attention. Each enemy requires a certain weapon and approach to take it down in the best possible way. There is no one way approach here, you really need better gear and focus on the detail of what your weapon has to achieve for you. Definitely its a game changer when approaching certain machines for example some have a fire weakness and if you use a frost upgrade against them on your weapon of choice you might find yourself in a hectic fighting ordeal. Pay very good attention to this area for a better experience. Personally at first I did not understand the gear upgrades (due to playing many games at the same time) but I decided to focus on the game for some days and that helped.
Remember this, the worst enemy (according to me) is the Scorcher and I am aware a lot of people say its the Thunder Jaw but my experience felt different. So don't meet the Scorcher without good gear because it can be frustrating.
It is surely a top tier Sony exclusive and a memorable experience. While we wait for its sequel (Horizon Forbidden West) which is most probable later this year, I highly recommend you try this game if you havent. Its long provided you play each and every sub quest and gear upgrade tasks. If you love consistent action its definitely something you will enjoy. I really enjoyed this game as it stands out as something that has never been done before. Remember for best experience play the complete edition. Looking forward to your thoughts on game, cheers.
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