This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:14:22
The video review of "Horizon Zero Dawn" highlights the game's compelling post-apocalyptic narrative and its protagonist, Aloy, while discussing various aspects that contribute to its lasting appeal. The reviewer appreciates the game's mystery-driven storyline, the beautifully designed world, and Aloy's combat capabilities, which include a variety of bows, tools, and the unique ability to override machines. They note similarities to other popular games like "Assassin’s Creed" and "Mass Effect: Andromeda" in terms of setting and mechanics. Despite some criticisms about the combat focus, the game’s skillful integration of stealth and tactical combat is praised.
The gameplay mechanics are explored further, with discussions on the skills and strategies required, including the effective—albeit unoriginal—implementation of common gaming elements such as stealth, crafting, and RPG-light skill systems. The game’s DLC and additional features like Tallneck missions and the dismount strike are particularly highlighted.
However, the side quests are criticized for being typical and unengaging, with non-player characters (NPCs) described as lacking personality. Notable exceptions include the character Silence, voiced by Lance Reddick, whose dynamic with Aloy is intriguing yet complicated by trust issues. The critique also touches on the limited impact of player dialogue choices, making it hard to connect deeply with Aloy despite her endearing qualities.
Ultimately, Aloy’s character—marked by her resilience, curiosity, and dry humor—keeps the reviewer invested, and they look forward to the sequel, "Horizon Forbidden West." The reviewer concludes with a strong endorsement of "Horizon Zero Dawn" for fans of open-world action games and RPGs, giving it a "big dan stamp of approval."
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the reviewer discusses “Horizon Zero Dawn,” highlighting its unique post-apocalyptic narrative and the protagonist Aloy. Despite being a five-year-old game, it remains highly praised for its story and setting. The reviewer appreciates the game’s mystery-driven storyline and stunning game world, even on low graphics settings. They compare the game’s precursor ruins and high-tech environments to those in “Assassin’s Creed” and “Mass Effect: Andromeda.” Additionally, they praise the detailed interactions within the environment and note the constant danger from killer machines, setting the stage to discuss Aloy’s combat capabilities.
00:03:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses their preference for story-driven video games over combat-focused ones, highlighting their enjoyment of “Horizon Zero Dawn” despite its combat elements. The game offers a variety of tools and weapons for the character Aloy, with a primary focus on different types of bows: warbows (elemental effects), sharp shot bows (high damage), and hunter bows (balanced). Aloy can also craft arrows with various status effects and use a focus tool to identify enemy weak points for strategic targeting. Besides bows, Aloy has a spear for melee attacks, although these are limited to simple light and heavy strikes. Additional gadgets include the Tripcaster for traps, the Ropecaster for immobilizing enemies, and the Rattler for spreadshot attacks. Aloy can set traps and use a sling for bombing. Moreover, Aloy has the unique ability to override machines, using them for mounted combat, traversal, and as allies in fights.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion focuses on the gameplay mechanics of “Horizon Zero Dawn.” The DLC introduces additional skills like the dismount strike. The combat system is highlighted for requiring skill to target weak points on rapidly moving machines, which can be very satisfying. Stealth gameplay is also discussed, comparing it to systems seen in “Assassin’s Creed” and “Far Cry,” including the use of tall grass, rocks, and silent strikes to maintain stealth. The video points out that while many gameplay elements are not original, they are well-executed and enjoyable. It draws parallels to other games, mentioning the focus tool akin to “The Witcher,” climbing mechanics similar to “Uncharted,” and outpost clearing and map unfogging like “Far Cry” and “Assassin’s Creed.” Unique features like Tallneck missions are noted as particularly engaging. Additionally, crafting and mods, as well as the RPG-light skill system, are discussed, with the game performing well in these areas despite the lack of innovation. The segment concludes by hinting at a discussion on the disparity in quality between the main and side quests.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker critiques the uninspired nature of the side quests, describing them as typical and unengaging. The NPCs are considered lacking in personality, with few exceptions like Silence, characterized as memorable primarily due to Lance Reddick’s voice acting. The dynamic between Aloy and Silence is highlighted as interesting but fraught with trust issues. Concerning Aloy, the speaker feels unable to shape her character through dialogue choices, which are seen as superficial and infrequent. Although Aloy’s background justifies her social ineptness, the speaker finds it hard to connect with her, contrasting her with other game protagonists who display a broader range of emotions.
00:12:00
In this segment, the reviewer discusses the character Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn, noting her dry sense of humor and admirable qualities such as resilience, curiosity, and compassion. Despite criticizing certain aspects of her characterization, the reviewer remains invested in her journey and looks forward to the sequel, Horizon Forbidden West. The segment briefly mentions the game’s DLC, Frozen Wilds, highlighting its additional gameplay elements and enjoyable experience. The review concludes with the recommendation that fans of open-world action games and RPGs should play Horizon Zero Dawn, endorsing it with the “big dan stamp of approval.”