At a seemingly impossible integration of franchises, Lego Horizon Adventures tries to bring the intricate post-apocalyptic world of Horizon Zero Dawn into a family-friendly Lego format. Does this interpretation of bricks capture the magic of the original? Let’s dive into this unique gaming experiment.
A New Direction for Lego Games
Unlike most Lego video game adaptations, which often take a movie franchise and turn it into a light-hearted, brick-based adventure, Lego Horizon Adventures dares to transform a mature video game into an interactive medium. On November 14th, 2024, for PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, this reboot of a complex game series by Guerilla Games, developed in collaboration with Studio Gobo, proves that the Lego gaming formula needs some shaking up.
Gameplay and Combat: An Adventure Simplified
Combat Mechanics
The game has a simplified yet fun combat system, such as:
- Bow-based combat with elements
- The three damage types are Fire, Ice, and Lightning.
- Machine weak points
- Collectible power-ups and utility items
- Whimsical and wacky weaponry, including explosive hot dog stands!
World Structure
The game is more linear than the original, as:
- Hub-based village system
- Linear mission format
- Quick, intense levels
- Optional exploration routes
- Stud collection mechanics
Building Your World
Village building is the feature that lets players:
- Customize their tribal home base
- Choose pre-built structures
- Intermix Lego themes such as City and Ninjago
- Spend studs collected during the game on some decorations
- Make a nicely personalized hub space
Technical Performance
Smooth runs of the game on all platforms are visible to the eye:
- Stable performance on PS5
- Really vibrant visual design
- Fast loading times
- Support co-op game time
- Accessible controls
The Verdict
Pros
- Family-friendly game adaptation
- Better combat as compared to regular Lego games
- Vibrant world design
- Enjoyable co-op experience
- Innovative power-ups and weapons
Cons
- Oversimplified storyline
- Weak dodge mechanics
- Mission structure tends to get pretty repetitive
- Superficial building of a village
- May disappoint fans of the Horizon series
Final Score: 7/10
Who Is It For?
Lego Horizon Adventures is in a very fascinating position. Although not a fit for the hardcore fans of the original Horizon Zero Dawn, Lego Horizon Adventures provides an accessible point of entry for:
- Young players
- Lego game enthusiasts
- Casual gaming families
- Co-op gaming partners
- All those looking for a lighter adventure experience
Price and Availability
- Release Date: November 14th, 2024.
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch
- Price: $59.99
The game represents an ambitious attempt to bridge two distinct gaming worlds, but perhaps tries a bit too hard to please both masters. While it offers moments of enjoyable moments and fun on a family level, it fails to capture that kind of depth that made Horizon Zero Dawn special.
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