Aloy Returns in Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered Edition

Guerrilla Games has announced a comprehensive remaster of their critically acclaimed action RPG, Horizon Zero Dawn, set to launch on October 31st, 2024, for PlayStation 5 and PC.

A short announcement trailer was released on YouTube which you can view below:

This enhanced edition aims to bring the 2017 title up to par with its visually stunning sequel, Horizon Forbidden West.

Jan-Bart van Beek, Studio Director at Guerrilla, revealed that the remaster goes beyond mere visual upgrades. The project, developed in collaboration with Nixxes Software, includes over 10 hours of re-recorded dialogue and motion capture, significantly enhancing the game’s cinematic quality.

Key enhancements include:

• Visual Improvements: Upgraded character models, textures, and environments to match current-gen standards
• Audio Overhaul: Revamped sound mix supporting PS5 Tempest 3D Audio Tech and Atmos rendering
• DualSense Integration: Custom haptics and adaptive trigger support for immersive gameplay
• Accessibility Features: New options including haptic cues and remappable controls
• Performance Boosts: Native support for PlayStation 5 Pro, with improved framerates and graphical features

PC players will benefit from additional features such as ultra-wide resolution support and compatibility with NVIDIA DLSS 3 and AMD FSR 3.1 technologies.

These upscaling technologies are cutting-edge solutions that dynamically improve performance while maintaining high visual fidelity.

DLSS 3 uses AI to generate additional frames, boosting framerates without sacrificing detail, while FSR 3.1 offers similar performance enhancements for AMD users.

These features will allow Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered to run smoothly on a broader range of hardware configurations, ensuring it remains accessible to both high-end and budget PC setups.

This is a significant upgrade from the original PC port, which lacked these advanced optimisation options.

Save Compatibility and Accessible Pricing

Importantly for existing players, save game compatibility has been maintained. Van Beek encourages fans to revisit the game, stating:

“This is a great opportunity to dive into New Game+ or get back into Photo Mode with all your previously unlocked outfits and customisations.”

This emphasis on save game compatibility is a welcome feature, as it addresses a common concern in remasters.

With the original Horizon Zero Dawn boasting a substantial completion time (averaging around 60-100 hours for 100% completion), many players have invested significant time into building their progress and customisations.

The ability to seamlessly carry over save data means veterans of the series won’t have to start from scratch, while also encouraging them to explore the enhanced visuals and new features with their fully equipped Aloy.

The remaster will be available as a $9.99 upgrade for current owners of Horizon Zero Dawn on PS4, PS5, or PC, including those who claimed the game during Sony’s Play At Home initiative. New players can purchase the complete package for $49.99.

Play At Home Participants’ Advantage

For players who participated in Sony’s Play At Home initiative in 2021, this remaster represents a particularly appealing offer. During the pandemic, Horizon Zero Dawn was one of several titles made available for free, and many users took advantage of this.

By allowing these players to upgrade to the remastered version for only $9.99, Guerrilla Games is offering a low-cost way for them to revisit the title with all the latest improvements.

This move aligns with Sony’s broader efforts to promote value for long-term PlayStation users, echoing their approach with remastered titles like Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut.

While initial reactions to leaks about the remaster were mixed, the extensive improvements detailed in this announcement may sway public opinion. The remaster not only enhances Aloy’s origin story for newcomers but also offers veteran players a fresh perspective on the beloved title.

This remaster serves as both a celebration of the franchise’s legacy and a bridge to its future, ensuring that Horizon Zero Dawn remains a benchmark in action RPG gaming.