- Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered promises major visual upgrades, but direct comparisons are underwhelming.
- Both versions seem largely similar, with a notable shift in art style instead of raw visual fidelity.
- PlayStation’s recently launched The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered was similarly underwhelming when compared to the PS4 version.
PlayStation has made Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered official after much speculation. The gaming giant has confirmed that Aloy’s original adventure has been rebuilt for the PS5 in an attempt to put it on part with Horizon Forbidden West’s visuals.
However, direct comparisons have not been the most encouraging. Since the first entry in this franchise was always a looker, it seems the remaster has not been able to improve much.
Why it matters: PlayStation previously remasted The Last of Us Part 2. Comparisons between the original and PS5 versions were practically identical, making this the second time the gaming giant has announced an underwhelming re-release.
A direct comparison via VGT shows that the PS5 version does not have much to offer. PlayStation seems to have made the game different for the sake of it, bringing Aloy closer to her appearance in Horizon Forbidden West.
A similar change is evident when looking at adult Aloy. However, this comparison shows an even more similar image, highlighting that perhaps fans should keep their expectations low as far as visual changes are concerned.
According to PlayStation, the remaster offers enhanced textures, shaders, and character models. Looking at the initial comparisons, it’s clear that these changes are quite subtle.
Elsewhere, this remaster boasts improved mocap and DualSense support. Therefore, die-hard Horizon Zero Dawn fans might still find a few things to be excited about. For everyone else, however, the re-release may not have much to offer.
Thankfully, PlayStation is offering Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered as a $10 upgrade for existing owners. The game will also launch day one on both PC and PS5 next month.
The initial comparison makes it clear that remastering titles made for the PS4 is hardly a fruitful endeavor. Most of the last-generation games already look good and usually need a simple resolution bump for an instant graphical upgrade.
Still, PlayStation seems to be gearing up for more remasters, with rumors pointing to Days Gone coming next.
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[Senior News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than 5 years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.
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