The Truth Is Just Over The Horizon

---

In a world where society and over population are nonexistent, there still exists several small tribal groups and strange animal robots. Horizon: Zero Dawn puts you in the shoes of one a girl named Aloy, who is born an outcast, searching for the truth of her past. Aloy is a badass chick who stands apart from the rest of her people with her exceptional skills of hunting, killing and her ability to use long forgotten technology. In this chaotic environment where humans are not only threatened by mechanical beasts, but themselves. Aloy must find her own path and discover more about her past, as well as make her own future for herself in a world where there are dangers at every corner.

(Aloy receiving her name)

The first portion of the game is played when Aloy is still only a child. As an outcast in a world where there are only small nomadic tribes it means that the environment is incredibly hostile. So, I began my training in combat, hunting and foraging for resources. One day, when Aloy was off on her own, separate from her guardian, Rost, she ends up falling into a tomb that was once a science lab. These forgotten ruins scattered around the map are taboo to the people of the game, specifically Aloy’s tribe, The Nora. The people of the past (presumably us from the present day) are called The Old Ones. Their technology and secrets are shunned and forbidden from being used by The Nora. But me being the curious person that I am had to find out more. Conveniently enough for me Aloy was just as intrigued by The Old Ones as I was.

(Aloy discovering the Focus)

After going deeper into the ruins of the lab, I stumbled upon a charred human corpse. On it’s head was some strange device that when put on lit up the area around Alloy. It seemed to be some sort of augmented reality device that provided information on anything from a person, to the weaknesses of certain enemies. This device, called a Focus would end up being a valuable part of Aloy’s arsenal and perhaps the most crucial tool for almost any situation.

(Meeting the Nora Warcheif outside Nora lands)

After several cutscenes full of moments that had me wondering more about Aloy and the world she was in, I couldn’t help but admire the incredible graphics in Horizon: Zero Dawn. On many occasions in my playthrough I have been forced to stop, take in the lush scenery and even the excellent lighting that surrounded me. For the first time in years I was absolutely breathtaken by the raw power of the graphics of a game. However, for me, this wasn’t the best part of Horizon: Zero Dawn. What got me deeply engaged into it was Aloy and her story.

(Rost saving Aloy just barely)

I’m personally a sucker for a story of struggle and hardship, especially when I, as the player, can make choices that impact it. There are several instances in the game that allow you to make decisions as Aloy. These decisions don’t impact much of the overall story. However, these choices do affect Aloy and how she carries herself over the course of the game. I ended up mostly making choices that I felt would do the best for others. I thought that Aloy would be a kind, caring and empathetic character, especially because of all the hardship she had gone through in her life.

(The first of many choices for you and Aloy)

I wanted to do whatever I could to be compassionate and if given the opportunity, to help others. I felt that Aloy would relate well to people in need and would want to do everything she could to help them. So, after the beginning portion of the game where she grows up, I began my quest of doing good in the world.

(Being hunted by a Sawtooth, one of the mot dangerous creatures in the game)

My first goal was to compete in an event called The Proving. If I managed to complete the competition, then Aloy would be allowed to join The Nora and no longer be an outcast. I met Rost outside of the gates of the city and was given a dialogue choice. Whatever I went with would be the way Aloy addressed him as he was leaving forever since there was no way for him to become a member of the tribe. This was the man who raised Aloy, despite all her troubles with him, mainly regarding her use of technology, he was the most important thing in her life. So, after pondering over the best choice, the clear one was the sentimental option. As they both parted ways, it was apparent that to find out about her past, Aloy would have to win The Proving and ask the leaders of the tribe more about her family.

(I mean, c'mon, we all knew she was going to win)

On arrival, I met up with someone from Aloy’s past, a young man who she had saved as a child. As thanks for saving him he made her a new set of armor with more durability and advantages. So, now more prepared for her test, Aloy headed to a crowded area where people had gathered to her someone speak. What peaked both mine and Aloy’s interest the most was that someone of to the side also had a Focus. At this point, there had yet to be anyone else who had one, I had to learn more about the technology and The OId Ones, so I quickly made my way over to him and began asking questions. Unfortunately, he was extremely abrasive and was uninterested in telling me anything about his knowledge of his Focus. I was incredibly disappointed, but there was nothing I could do.

(This oart honestly just reminded me of Tangled)

After sending a lantern into the sky for a ritual for Proving contestants, I made my way to the lodgings for the night. When I arrived Aloy was instantly targeted by the man guarding the building who proceeded to shun her for being an outcast. Once inside the house, there was more ridicule to receive. A boy from Aloy’s past who had hit her in the head with a rock was there and was antagonizing her, reminding her what he had done. When I first began Horizon: Zero Dawn, I didn’t expect the depth it had to offer. I mean this in both its story and how it connects the player to Aloy emotionally. At times, you are so tied into the story that you can’t help but feel connected to Aloy, understanding what she is going through and doing your best to help her on her journey.

(The first huge turning point in the game, a moment where nothing will ever be the same for Aloy again)

I want to end this post here as shortly after the events I had just mentioned some spoiler level events happen. I don’t want to ruin anything for people who might be interested in playing this game. I personally recommend playing it if you enjoy open world exploration games and if you enjoy games with a great plot and characters that are truly relatable to. I have already logged countless hours into Horizon: Zero Dawn, completing every quest that I happen upon and taking in as much of the game as possible. This has been the first game in quite some time that I’ve found myself so strongly connected to the protagonist and for me, that’s something that’s not easily done.