A child-friendly adaptation of the acclaimed Horizon: Zero Dawn, Lego Horizon Adventures emerges from the collaboration between Guerrilla and Studio Gobo, published by PlayStation Publishing LLC. Priced at £59.99/.99, this title aims to capture the essence of the original game while presenting it through the playful lens of Lego. However, the execution raises questions about its necessity in the gaming landscape.
The Build Up
Lego Horizon Adventures loosely follows the narrative of Horizon Zero Dawn, focusing on the journey of the hunter Aloy as she confronts the cult leader Helis and unravels the mysteries of the “old world.” Yet, much of the depth and nuance that characterized the original story seems to dissipate in this adaptation. Aloy’s struggles with her outcast status, a theme ripe for exploration, is reduced to a mere joke, hinting at a missed opportunity for meaningful storytelling.
The humor throughout the game often falls flat, reminiscent of the overused tropes found in many animated films. While the writing may resonate with younger audiences, it risks losing its charm even before players reach the campaign’s conclusion, which is notably brief.
Mental Block
In a departure from typical Lego games, where characters often serve merely as skins, Lego Horizon Adventures offers unique abilities for each playable character. Aloy wields a bow for ranged attacks, while her companion Erend employs a hammer for close combat. However, the levels themselves lack variety, with missions often feeling repetitive and uninspired. Players may find themselves questioning whether they have inadvertently replayed a mission due to the striking similarity of tasks and environments.
The combat mechanics mirror the simplicity of assembling basic Lego bricks, leading to a monotonous experience where players primarily spam the attack button. While the introduction of new enemy types adds a layer of challenge, the overall combat remains simplistic, failing to sustain interest throughout the campaign.
Expand Your Horizons
In an era dominated by expansive RPGs and live service games, a concise adventure can indeed hold its appeal. However, Lego Horizon Adventures struggles to find its footing, presenting a repetitive experience that lacks creativity within the Lego formula. Completing the game in a single day raises concerns about its value, especially at a price point of , which may not engage its intended audience for more than a few hours.
Even for fans of the Horizon series, the game may prove tedious after just a couple of hours. The target demographic—children who enjoy both Lego and Horizon—may find fleeting enjoyment, but the game’s limitations could leave them wanting more. On a positive note, the visual presentation is commendable, showcasing smooth character animations and vibrant particle effects, making it one of the most visually appealing Lego games to date. Performance on PC is generally stable, with only minor stutters during intense moments.
Ultimately, Lego Horizon Adventures may appeal to those with a penchant for virtual Lego creations or die-hard fans of the Horizon franchise, but it risks leaving many players unsatisfied with its shallow gameplay and lack of depth.
