Review for Horizon Zero Dawn. Game for PlayStation 4, PC and Steam, the video game was released on 28/02/2017
Horizon Zero Dawn was undoubtedly one of the best titles in that first half of 2017 so full of important releases, a game that made us fly Guerrilla Games thanks to the fair global recognition for his quality work, including that of our enthusiastic review. With such success on their hands, it was foreseeable that the authors would return to develop and expand the new IP: while fans keep their fingers crossed for a sequel, it is now possible to return as Aloy in The Frozen Wilds, expansion of the main adventure.
Winter is coming
First of all, it is good to point out the concept that we are not facing a short DLC mission, but a real expansion of the game. In the map, a whole new hitherto unexplored game area has been unlocked in the far north - accessible more or less from the second half of the main adventure of Horizon Zero Dawn - in which it will not be wise to enter before reaching level 30.
Arriving in this freezing area, Aloy meets a garrison of Banuk, a lonely and nomadic tribe that only respects strength and survival by culture. From them we learn of the presence in these lands of a demon, which is taking control of the machines making them more threatening. Obviously, our protagonist will immediately launch herself in the direction of danger to thwart this new threat.
The narrative arc of The Frozen Wilds will shed light on a mystery that will connect directly to the main plot, all in ten hours of adventure. Plot writing is good, but not great nor particularly exciting (one of the few limits in common with the original work), but Guerrilla Games must be recognized for a good job of characterizing Lore of the Banuk and their culture, as well as in outlining the personalities of the supporting actors of the adventure tribal chief Aratak and the shaman Ourea. Also noteworthy is the directing work that, during the non-interactive scenes, knows how to enhance the moments with dynamism and visual power.
Don't let yourself get cold
The basic gameplay structure has remained substantially the same as the original adventure, nevertheless there are still some innovations: first of all the structure of the mountainous territory imposed Aloy's new adventure much more about athletic exploration and platforming than ever before, however, giving a less recycled and fresher footprint than the great outdoors already seen in the rest of the game world. It's just a pity that the game lacks a bit of precision in the commands and movements of the protagonist to keep up with these new sessions.
The new exploration footprint is also underlined by the new "Traveling" skill branch available for the expansion, which consists of eight new skills that will make things more interesting and decrease certain limits, such as the ability to attack or collect resources without disassembling from a mount.
In the new area of Lo Squarcio there will be five new types of zoomorphic machines, all definitely dangerous and capable of giving us a hard time, especially in cases in which they will attack us by surprise or attack us in conditions of reduced visibility during snowstorms. Fortunately, along with the new enemies, new equipment available from Banuk merchants are also introduced, in particular the new short and medium range weapons, which will make you face with different tactics the clashes. This last they will always be excited and will test our alertness and aim to knock out the dangerous metal beasts. It's just a shame that sometimes the fights will be so lively that the camera will struggle to show you the right shot for the situation.
With the new area there are also new secondary and collectible quests scattered around the unprecedented play area. There is enough to keep completists busy at least 15 hours of gameplay.
The queen of the ice
The technical sector has remained practically unchanged from the however impressive base game, ed it is a real pleasure to see the Decima Engine again at work, which now shows us a very spectacular reproduction of the snow. Always accompany an excellent quality of lighting, depth of field and visual cleanliness.
To technical prowess is accompanied by a simply spectacular artistic direction, which gives us exhilarating natural views and an inspired and compelling design of machines and technological ruins.
The Frozen Wilds expands the experience of Horizon Zero Dawn admirably. The story has a tepid impact on the overall picture, but it is still interesting in relation to the many mysteries yet to be revealed in the game world. With a whole new play area, new enemies, skills and gear, the expansion doesn't just deliver us a new adventure as Aloy, it improves the overall gameplay experience. If you've enjoyed your time with the main adventure, The Frozen Wilds is definitely an experience we recommend you don't miss.
► Horizon Zero Dawn is an Action-RPG type game developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony for PlayStation 4, PC and Steam, the video game was released on 28/02/2017
