5/5 ★ – Diluted_Thought's review of Horizon: Zero Dawn Complete Edition.

When I look back at my library of games and all the games I've played I realize that video games are only getting bigger and better. Some invoke nostalgia and play with modern mechanics in a way that makes a classic series (Legend of Zelda) feel new and fresh (Breath of the Wild). Then there are new franchises that take a formula and really give it its own voice and feel. "Horizon Zero Dawn" did that for me in spades. The concept of an open world is nothing new, but the way it was treated here and designed, I couldn't help but be absolutely enthralled and mesmerized by it all. The combat and weapon mechanics all felt great to me. The ability to come at a challenge in my own way is something that I appreciated most of all. The creativity they had for a lot of these creatures was astounding and I fell in love with the idea of blasting them apart and crafting ammo and weapons out of their scattered parts. Not feeling too bad about it either since they aren't organic creatures. While I wasn't in love with all the weapons in this game I loved a majority of them and the options of when and where to best use them was so much fun. The stealth elements were also done incredibly well and picking people off from the tall grass felt good. I absolutely enjoyed exploring every nook and cranny in this game weather I found something or not, but mostly to see all the details that went into creating this mass of land. My only disappointment with this game was its soundtrack, as non of the music ever left a lasting memory. I would have to play Celtic music over my gameplay and that was honestly and amazing idea. It fit so well. Aloy's design was something I fell in love with almost immediately. I loved that they gave her a girl next door look instead of making her a sex object. That crossed with a sort of tech Viking fashion looked so damn coo! And that flaming red hair. I feel like Aloy could truly be a one of the best designed characters in recent memory. Pair that with the incredible detail with her surroundings, and not just the mountainous terrain and lush jungles but with the dilapidated buildings and new towns she visits. I can't say enough good things about how wonderful it all looks, feels and flows. The dialog and facial animations were impressive and can I get an amen when it comes to photo mode and her various poses!? I'll keep it simple. At this point I've played over 500 games throughout my life. I've loved many. Been entertained for hours and replayed some countless times. When looking through my list, I realize how rarely I've changed my top 5 throughout time. Over the last few years changes have been made and I'm surprised to say that my #1 is now a tie. Breath of the Wild and Horizon Zero Dawn, two games that came out at almost the same time, huge open worlds, tons to explore and do and both are absolutely beautiful. While I put more than 250 hours into Breath of the Wild, I did jump in and out of that game to play other, smaller games to break up the experience. But "Zero Dawn" kept me hook and enthralled and I never left the game until I rolled credits. I never thought I'd have a tie for #1 but here we are. New kid on the block who did it right the first time. Side Note: This was one of the first 2 games my wife bought me for my PS4. As it turns out it's one of the best games I've ever played and she's incredibly happy she picked it out for me.