What I love most about Horizon Zero Dawn is that now that it's finished, I don't feel the need to look for fanfiction. I feel satisfied. I'm stoked beyond belief for the DLC, don't get me wrong - plus, I ordered the art book while the credits were rolling.
My roommate and I finished this game last night after pouring 46 hours into it. Exploring until we had nothing left to uncover. I enjoyed every moment of it.
I play a lot of video games, my dudes, and I've never felt satisfied like this after a game was finished.
The soundtrack, the acting, the scenery... Above all, the sense of wonder I felt while playing it...? I'm only disappointed that I've played it already because that means I won't be able to play it ever again with fresh eyes. It is so visually appealing, and so hopeful towards what the world could be in the event of an apocalypse... I always tend to lean towards more hopeful post-apocalyptic scenarios, like how the world will grow back in the 'life, uh, finds a way' type of mindset. Sure, the world will end one day, but the trees don't need us to maintain them. This game takes that into account, and the time spent exploring 'ancient ruins', which is something so simple as actual ruins of real places standing today in our world, is fascinating. Climbing skeletons of skyscrapers? Finding ancient artifacts which are wristwatches? Finding the metal skeletons of cars? Absolutely fascinating.
From the opening scene I was hooked. Matriarchal society? Outcast Dad-figure raising a baby into a hardened warrior who still retains her curiosity? Sci-fi universe in a post apocalyptic earth now run by tribal colonies of the humans who are left, most of whom aren't white people? Casual LGBT content that you barely notice because people are just who they are and it's no big deal? I'm in.
This game does what others haven't. Lady main character who is vulnerable, who is so scared all the time, and yet so brave. You struggle with Aloy, you cry for Aloy, you cheer for Aloy.
I can't talk about most of the story because of spoilers, and that's okay, because I want everyone who plays this game to go in knowing as little as possible. This game is an absolute masterpiece, and I am so thankful to Guerrilla Games for sharing it with us.
If you are able, I highly recommend this game. Check out the trailer here, and listen to the entire soundtrack on Spotify.
