Horizon: Zero Dawn
Best RPGs of Q1 2017
We’ve all secretly wanted a game where we hunt down and ride robotic dinosaurs and animals in a post-modern civilization world, whether we knew it or not. Horizon: Zero Dawn has one of the most unique worlds ever visited and equally enjoyable gameplay that complements the enthralling story Guerilla Games has created.
In Horizon, something mysterious has happened to the old world of technological marvels and the remainder of humanity society has devolved down to smaller tribes with primitive beliefs. You take control of Aloy, a young girl raised by an outcast of the Nora tribe trained to be the ultimate hunter. After her world comes crumbling down, Aloy embarks on a journey to discover where she comes from and to right those who have wronged her. While Aloy is certainly cunning out in the wilds, it’s through her interactions with the denizens of the world that you truly get a feel of where human belief stands in the world of Horizon and just how much Aloy tends to disagree with it.
Using a bow has never been more fun than in Horizon: Zero Dawn. Taking down large-scale robotic beasts is an absolute blast both figuratively and, more often than not, literally as you use pinpoint accuracy to shoot off important components of the creatures. Aloy also has a number of other tools at her disposal, such as the ability to create explosive tripwires or rope-tying enemies down to the ground. Each beast has its own weaknesses and strengths so it’s very important to study your prey and prepare before trying to take them down. Elemental effects play a big role in combat as well. If an enemy is fast, use shock weapons to put it into a stunned state. If they have a lot of health, be sure to freeze it in order to double your damage output. Aloy also has various skill trees to you can put points into upon leveling up which can add serious bonuses like nocking multiple arrows at once, looting more items off downed enemies, or switching out modifications on weapons and gear.
The world of Horizon: Zero Dawn is exceptionally crafted and Aloy is, without a doubt, one of the strongest main protagonists gaming has seen in a very long time. With fine-tuned gameplay, a mysterious story, and strong lead, Horizon is quite possibly one of the best gaming experience you’ll likely play all year.
