The Unexpected Success of Horizon Zero Dawn | Retrospective

LazerzZ・2 minutes read

Horizon Zero Dawn, released in 2017 by Guerrilla Games, transitioned from FPS to open-world RPG in a new universe, following protagonist Aloy's quest for answers about her past. The game's rich narrative, exploration, and combat mechanics culminate in Aloy confronting Hades in a post-credits hinting at potential conflicts in the sequel.

Insights

  • The development of Horizon Zero Dawn was a risky transition for Sony and Guerrilla Games, moving from FPS to an open-world RPG in a new universe, with a budget of around forty-three million euros, showcasing the risks and challenges involved in creating a groundbreaking game.
  • Aloy's journey in Horizon Zero Dawn is not just about personal growth and exploration but also delves into complex themes like political landscapes, societal prejudices, and the impact of technology on humanity, adding layers of depth and intrigue to the narrative that resonate with players on multiple levels.

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Recent questions

  • What is Horizon Zero Dawn about?

    Horizon Zero Dawn follows the protagonist Aloy, an outcast raised by a caring man, as she embarks on a quest for answers about her past and participates in a tribal rite of passage called the proving. The game features a vast open world with intricate narratives, exploration, and strategic gameplay elements.

  • Who are the main characters in Horizon Zero Dawn?

    The main character in Horizon Zero Dawn is Aloy, a strong and intelligent outcast seeking answers about her origins. Other significant characters include the Sun Kings, Ursa, Aaron's sister, Dr. Sobeck, Silence, and various tribal leaders and NPCs encountered throughout the game.

  • What are the gameplay mechanics in Horizon Zero Dawn?

    Horizon Zero Dawn features a variety of gameplay mechanics, including exploration, combat, crafting, resource management, and character progression. Players can engage in strategic battles against different machines, complete side quests, level up skills, and uncover mysteries within the game's vast open world.

  • How was Horizon Zero Dawn received by players and critics?

    Horizon Zero Dawn received critical acclaim for its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, stunning visuals, and immersive gameplay mechanics. Players and critics praised the game's open-world design, narrative depth, and the protagonist Aloy's compelling journey, making it a popular choice among fans of action RPGs.

  • What additional content is available for Horizon Zero Dawn?

    The Frozen Wilds DLC for Horizon Zero Dawn introduces new quests, characters, challenges, and a storyline centered around a rogue AI named Hephaestus. Players can explore a new region, acquire new weapons, and uncover more mysteries related to the game's overarching narrative.

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Summary

00:00

Horizon Zero Dawn: Open-world RPG adventure.

  • Horizon Zero Dawn was released on February 28th, 2017, as a PlayStation exclusive by Guerrilla Games, known for the Killzone franchise.
  • The game was a risky venture for Sony and Guerrilla Games, transitioning from FPS to an open-world RPG in a new universe.
  • Development of Horizon Zero Dawn began during Killzone 3, with over 40 ideas pitched, leading to the most risky idea becoming the game.
  • John Gonzales and Ben McCaw joined as narrative director and lead writer, respectively, after the completion of Killzone Shadowfall in 2013.
  • With a budget of around forty-three million euros, development officially started in 2014, with the game's codename, Horizon, leaked in September of that year.
  • The game was revealed at E3 2015, generating excitement, especially after positive reviews from industry figures like Colin Moriarty.
  • The protagonist, Aloy, is introduced as an outcast raised by a caring man, establishing the game's world and narrative intricacies.
  • Aloy's childhood experiences shape her character, showcasing her curiosity, intelligence, and impulsiveness through dialogue options.
  • Aloy's quest for answers about her past and her desire to participate in the proving, a tribal rite of passage, drive the game's narrative.
  • The game's systems, including economics, crafting, and resource management, encourage exploration and strategic gameplay, enhancing the player's experience.

18:21

"Exploring Noora Lands: Side Quests and Discoveries"

  • Explored Noora lands, focusing on side quests and off-the-beaten-track exploration
  • Discovered side quests often hidden in exploration, enhancing the game's depth
  • Gathered weapons, completed side quests, and defeated a sawtooth before tackling the proving
  • Entered Mother's Heart, experiencing a vibrant village and diverse cultures
  • Learned about the political landscape, including the tyrannical 13th Sun King and the 14th Sun King Avadh
  • Encountered Aloy's similarities with a woman in a focus, sparking questions about her origins
  • Became a seeker of the Nora, leaving the Sacred Lands to explore the larger world
  • Overcame a Corrupter machine, unlocking the ability to override machines like Striders and Broadheads
  • Climbed Tallnecks to reveal more of the map, enhancing exploration and discovery
  • Explored Cauldrons, optional side quests with unique challenges and rewards, adding depth to gameplay and world-building

34:18

"Protagonist overcomes prejudice in thrilling quest"

  • People were impressed by the protagonist fitting in well initially, but later, her outfit was deemed out of place.
  • Heading to the Hunters Lodge, a significant area in the game, introduced after the new king allowed women and Outlanders to join.
  • The head of the lodge, a bigot, requires the protagonist to become the Thrush of a hawk named Talana by taking down machines and bringing back trophies.
  • Combat shines in this area, with detailed strategies required to defeat various machines, each with unique strengths and weaknesses.
  • Completing lodge quests leads to a final battle against a powerful machine, Redmaw, with a thrilling boss battle.
  • The protagonist's success in this quest leads to a significant change in the lodge, eliminating sexism and prejudice.
  • Exploring the vast world, completing side stories, and leveling up significantly enhances the protagonist's skills and resources.
  • Unraveling mysteries involving the Sun King, Ursa, and Aaron's sister adds depth to the story and characters.
  • Discovering the truth about the Faro robots, Project Zero Dawn, and Dr. Sobeck raises more questions and adds layers to the narrative.
  • Meeting Silence and progressing to the Grave Hoard reveals more about the past world, the metal devils, and the ongoing mysteries.

50:47

Operation Enduring Victory: Aloy's Mission Unveiled

  • Dr. Sobek and team complete a file containing the war plan for Operation Enduring Victory.
  • Dr. Silva secures a decommissioned orbital launch base in Bryce, Utah, as the staging area.
  • A list of alpha and beta candidates, mostly foreign nationals or corporate subjects, is provided.
  • The orbital launch base, located beneath the palace at Sunfall, is the next target.
  • Aloy must take down the focus network to infiltrate the Eclipse territory.
  • Aloy encounters Hades at the decommissioned Tallneck hosting its signal.
  • A chase sequence ensues as Aloy escapes from machines and Shadow Carja.
  • A new desert region with unique machines and landscapes is discovered.
  • Aloy gains access to the orbital launch base, starting a lengthy exploration section.
  • General Harris reveals the truth about Zero Dawn and the hope it offers for the future of life on Earth.

01:12:26

"Aloy's Mission: Defeat Metal Demon, Save World"

  • Aloy is tasked with lifting a curse and killing a metal demon by a mysterious figure.
  • She is directed to go to Meridian to fulfill this mission.
  • Aloy is determined to carry out this task despite initial rejection.
  • The Frozen Wilds DLC introduces new quests, characters, and challenges.
  • Aloy acquires new weapons through blue gleam found in frozen piles.
  • The DLC storyline revolves around a rogue AI named Hephaestus.
  • Aloy must stop Hephaestus from causing a volcanic eruption.
  • Aloy learns about Silence's past and his involvement with Hades.
  • Aloy obtains the Shield Weaver armor by collecting power cells.
  • Aloy heads to Meridian to confront Hades and save the world from destruction.

01:33:00

"Empower with intelligence, serve life, instill compassion"

  • Mother advises Elizabeth to use her intelligence to make the world better, emphasizing the importance of serving life over death and instilling compassion in her hypothetical child.
  • The post-credits scene in the game Horizon Zero Dawn hints at potential conflicts in the sequel involving the character Silence, who seeks knowledge and control, possibly leading to a confrontation with Hades and unveiling more mysteries in the storyline.
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