Since its release in 2017, Horizon has captured the hearts of PlayStation fans worldwide, thanks to its immersive world, gripping narrative, and stunning visuals. The world of Horizon Zero Dawn, with its towering robotic creatures and captivating landscapes, has become one of PlayStation’s most beloved franchises. Now, thanks to a collaboration between Guerrilla Games, Studio Gobo, and The Lego Group, fans can dive into the same universe, but with a more playful twist in LEGO Horizon Adventures.
This new game brings the captivating world of Horizon Zero Dawn into the playful, charming world of Lego, offering a completely different experience from the original game. While the transition from a serious, action-packed RPG to a family-friendly Lego game might seem like an odd fit, it surprisingly works, delivering a lighthearted adventure that appeals to fans of all ages.
A Familiar Yet Fresh Take on Horizon Zero Dawn
LEGO Horizon Adventures takes the core storyline of Horizon Zero Dawn and retells it through the unique lens of Lego. For those familiar with the original game, this retelling is both nostalgic and fun, as it reimagines the serious tone of the original with humor, quirky pop culture references, and the light-heartedness of the Lego franchise.
In LEGO Horizon Adventures, players once again take on the role of Aloy, the young and determined hunter who embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets of her world, a world dominated by mechanical creatures and ancient technologies. However, unlike Horizon Zero Dawn’s serious tone, this version offers a whimsical, tongue-in-cheek approach to Aloy’s story. The once-menacing robotic creatures are now reduced to adorable Lego versions, with all the humor and fun you’d expect from a Lego game. These creatures still present a challenge, but their intimidating nature is softened by the playful visual style.
The game features the same open-world exploration as the original, but the emphasis is on building, discovery, and solving puzzles rather than intense combat. While there are still plenty of action sequences where you face off against the machines, LEGO Horizon Adventures encourages creative problem-solving, which is the hallmark of many Lego games. Instead of relying on complex combat mechanics, you’ll often find yourself using your surroundings to craft new tools, build structures, or find clever ways to defeat your robotic foes.
A Family-Friendly Adventure
One of the most appealing aspects of LEGO Horizon Adventures is its accessibility to a wide range of players, particularly younger audiences. The game is designed to be easy for kids to pick up and play, with intuitive controls and simple mechanics that make it accessible to players of all ages. Unlike the more mature themes of Horizon Zero Dawn, this Lego adaptation takes a more approachable tone, making it perfect for parents and kids to enjoy together.
As you journey through the world of Horizon, you’ll encounter a variety of different environments, from the lush forests of the Nora tribe to the harsh deserts and icy tundras. The world is full of puzzles, collectibles, and hidden treasures, all presented in the signature Lego style. Each environment feels familiar to fans of the original game, but the playful visual design transforms it into a fun, child-friendly version of the world.
The game also features a variety of Lego versions of the series’ famous characters, including Aloy, Erend, and Varl. While the characters retain their essential qualities, they are given new, Lego-inspired personalities that add an extra layer of charm to the game. The interactions between characters are filled with humor, with the dialogue often offering playful nods to pop culture and Lego’s signature style.
Gameplay: Building, Exploration, and Humor
The core of LEGO Horizon Adventures is rooted in the classic Lego gameplay loop of exploration, building, and puzzle-solving. The game encourages players to engage with their environment in creative ways, whether it’s building makeshift weapons, constructing bridges, or solving environmental puzzles using the pieces around them.
While the game follows the general structure of Horizon Zero Dawn, it brings a more relaxed, puzzle-oriented approach. Players are still tasked with discovering new locations, collecting resources, and progressing through the story, but the focus is shifted from combat to creativity. There’s a sense of satisfaction in completing puzzles or building structures from Lego bricks, and this is where LEGO Horizon Adventures shines brightest.
The combat is still an essential part of the game, but it takes on a much lighter tone. You’ll still face off against the robotic creatures, but instead of relying on complex combat mechanics, you’ll use your wit and surroundings to outsmart them. For example, you might need to build a contraption or use a specific Lego piece to defeat an enemy. It’s this focus on creativity that differentiates LEGO Horizon Adventures from its more serious predecessors.
The game also features a wealth of collectibles and side activities. From unlocking new Lego characters to discovering hidden areas, there’s plenty to keep you occupied outside of the main story. The exploration aspect of the game is particularly engaging, as you never know what new surprises the world has in store for you. The game encourages curiosity, rewarding players for their exploration with fun surprises and new Lego pieces to add to their collection.
Visuals: A Vibrant Lego World
LEGO Horizon Adventures brings the world of Horizon Zero Dawn to life through a colorful and charming Lego aesthetic. The environments are rich in detail, with each location rendered in the familiar blocky style of Lego, but with a surprising amount of depth and texture. The vibrant colors and whimsical designs transform the world into something entirely unique, capturing the essence of Horizon’s landscape while making it feel like a playground for creativity.
The Lego versions of the robotic creatures are also a highlight. While the original machines in Horizon Zero Dawn are sleek and intimidating, the Lego versions retain their mechanical essence but with a much friendlier, playful appearance. These creatures still pose a challenge in combat, but they’re now far less threatening, making the experience more accessible for younger players.
The animations are fluid, and the Lego characters are full of personality, with exaggerated expressions and movements that add to the overall charm of the game. The world is alive with color and movement, and the playful aesthetic makes the entire experience feel light-hearted and fun.
Mixed Reviews but a Worthwhile Experience
LEGO Horizon Adventures received a mixed response from critics. Some praised the game’s ability to capture the spirit of Horizon Zero Dawn while offering a fresh, family-friendly twist, while others felt the gameplay didn’t do enough to differentiate itself from other Lego games. The game’s simpler combat and puzzle-solving mechanics may not appeal to players looking for the intense action of the original Horizon Zero Dawn, but for those seeking a more relaxed and whimsical take on the franchise, it delivers a solid experience.
The game is perfect for families and younger players, providing a light-hearted and fun way to experience the world of Horizon without the heavy themes of the original. The humor, creativity, and charm of the Lego universe make LEGO Horizon Adventures an enjoyable journey, even if it doesn’t have the same emotional weight as its predecessor.
Conclusion: A Fun, Family-Oriented Adventure
LEGO Horizon Adventures might not offer the same intensity or complexity as Horizon Zero Dawn, but it excels in delivering a fun, creative, and family-friendly experience. The playful world, engaging puzzles, and lighthearted combat make it an excellent choice for younger gamers or for parents looking to experience Horizon with their children. With its colorful visuals, humorous tone, and accessible gameplay, LEGO Horizon Adventures offers a refreshing alternative to the more serious games in the Horizon franchise.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Horizon or a newcomer to the series, LEGO Horizon Adventures offers a delightful and engaging journey through the world of Horizon, reimagined through the whimsical lens of Lego. It’s a perfect example of how the Lego franchise can bring a fresh and fun take to even the most serious of stories.
