Chapter 1: The Horizon Series and Its Legacy

The Horizon franchise stands as Sony's parallel to Bioware's offerings or The Elder Scrolls, even if it's not always positioned that way in marketing. Sony aims to present Horizon as akin to its other acclaimed single-player titles, showcasing a captivating narrative and stunning environments. However, it also integrates a wealth of open-world RPG elements.

Had Horizon: Forbidden West not launched alongside Elden Ring, it would have easily claimed my top RPG spot for the year. Regardless of whether you play it on a PS4 or PS5, it stands out as one of the finest “next-gen” titles to date. The game boasts cutting-edge graphics, expansive landscapes, and impressively realistic character models, whether they are minor NPCs or pivotal quest givers.

Similar praises can be directed towards 2017’s Horizon: Zero Dawn. While character animations may not have aged as well as Sony might have anticipated and the world feels slightly less expansive compared to its successor, it remains one of the most visually stunning games ever created. On PS4, it runs smoothly at 30 FPS, and if you're playing on a PS5, you can experience it at a locked 60 FPS in 4K resolution, thanks to a patch released about a year ago.

Zero Dawn is undoubtedly among the best action RPGs of its time, even if its design and animations seem somewhat dated by today’s standards. Its immersive world and character mechanics still feel compelling, making it nearly as impressive now as it was five years ago. The sequel has made significant advancements in numerous areas, yet when viewed independently, the original game retains its beauty.

A recent uproar erupted online regarding the news that Zero Dawn may receive a full PS5 remake by its original developer, Guerrilla Games. Reports suggest that this new version will be a standalone remake rather than just an update to the PS4 edition. It is expected to utilize the latest Decima game engine, featuring enhanced graphics and all the accessibility options introduced in the sequel.

Chapter 2: The Remake Debate

The notion of Sony remaking a five-year-old title that already has solid PS4 and PC versions seems ludicrous. They recently pushed the boundaries of what constitutes a "respectable" remake with the $70 Last of Us Part I, which, while visually upgraded and featuring new accessibility options, arguably didn't justify a full-price release.

The situation with Horizon feels even more perplexing. The complete edition of Zero Dawn often goes on sale and is included in Sony’s PlayStation Plus subscription. Asking players to pay $70 for a game that remains relatively recent and visually appealing is indeed a tough sell.

Moreover, updating the original game's visuals to match its sequel's standards, especially regarding animations, would require extensive work from skilled artists—something that may exceed the budget for this rumored project. It’s more plausible that the remake would retain the core game while featuring improved assets and possibly some ray tracing enhancements.

Potential improvements in control, engine capabilities, and accessibility features could be substantial, but they also demand significant effort. The DualSense controller offers superior functionality compared to the DualShock 4, and Forbidden West makes excellent use of its haptic feedback. Integrating these features into the original game could be exciting. Additional accessibility options are always welcome, and I appreciate Sony's initiatives in this area. Furthermore, a full Tempest 3D audio revamp could enhance Zero Dawn’s sound design, even though the original audio remains impressive on the PS5.

Updating older titles to suit new hardware can be costly, which is why they often can't be released for free. However, several other Sony updates have followed a more reasonable approach. Both Spider-Man and the Uncharted Legacy Collection offered paid upgrade options that incorporated PS5 features without being standalone $70 releases. A similar approach for Zero Dawn would seem more sensible, given its recent history and continued visual appeal.

Chapter 3: Personal Reflections on Horizon

This entire situation prompted me to revisit the Horizon series rather than continuing with the two games that overshadowed it. I didn’t fully appreciate Horizon until the sequel's release and my subsequent acquisition of a PS5 a few months ago. I realized how much more this game aligns with titles like The Witcher, Dragon Age, or Skyrim rather than just being akin to Assassin’s Creed. Initially, I struggled with the first game, failing to recognize that it operates primarily as a stats-driven action RPG rather than merely a map completion game. Viewing it as a narrative-rich experience with opportunities for exploration and character choices enhances the overall enjoyment.

All the screenshots featured in this discussion are from my recent playthrough of Zero Dawn on the PS5. I do miss the DualSense features from the sequel, yet I wouldn’t pay full price just to experience them in this game. My enthusiasm would lean more toward a new standalone expansion than a remake. While I don’t oppose modernizing older titles with features like ray tracing, I will always prioritize the allure of new content—especially when the original game has aged so well.

In conclusion, it’s logical for Sony to aggressively develop their core franchise IPs, but introducing fresh content is often more effective than repeatedly rehashing the same material. If rumors had circulated about a new installment in the Horizon series, a smaller expansion, or a spin-off, it likely wouldn’t have sparked the backlash and extensive commentary that this potential remake has generated. Although I am aware of the rumored multiplayer component in development, that concept seems far-fetched.

Is five years too soon for a remake of a major AAA title? Did you overlook these games initially due to their unfortunate launch timing against titles like Breath of the Wild and Elden Ring? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Thanks for reading, and happy gaming!

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