Horizon Zero Dawn is an open world, action/adventure game with RPG elements set in a futuristic version of North America that appears prehistoric.
Great Graphics/Art
Great Story
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Story & Themes
Horizon Zero Dawn tells the story of Aloy, a young woman who is cast out of her tribe at birth and given away to be raised by another outcast named Rost. Aloy struggles with her marginalized status and the lack of information she is given about her absent mother whose unknown actions caused Aloy's disgrace. Eventually, Rost decides to train Aloy for an event called the Proving with the idea that, if she wins, Aloy will be able to join the Nora tribe and ask the Matriarchs for the truth about her mother. Aloy competes in the Proving and manages to win, but the celebration is cut short when a group of mysterious cultists attack the tribe, killing many Nora along with Aloy's guardian, Rost.
In the wake of the fight, Aloy is finally given a few incomplete answers about her mother by the Matriarch Teersa. However, in order to discover the full truth, she must track down a man called Olin who was involved with the cultist attack and uncover the role that the technology of the Old Ones plays in this tangle of intersecting mysteries.
Save Points
The game's progress can be saved at the campfire checkpoints.
Difficulty
The game's combat can be challenging and requires a fair bit of strategy and foresight.
Heads Up!
Violence The players, as Aloy, are mostly busy killing mechanical creatures instead of human enemies. However, on occasion she is called to fight other humans or hunt real animals. When killed, these enemies bleed slightly but are otherwise not gratuitously dispatched.
Sex & Nudity The game references porn in dialogue at one point.
Strong Language Words like "b*tch" and "a*s" can be heard occasionally in dialogue.
Substance Use Characters sometimes mention drinking or smoking in dialogue, but substance use is never depicted on screen.
Conversation Starters
- What do you think of the different tribes in the game and the beliefs they hold? Which one appeals to you the most?
- Have you made an effort to uncover the tidbits of information the game provides about the distant past? If so, what do you think of the story they convey?
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