Lego Horizon Adventures Review: A Brick-by-Brick Masterpiece
A Collision of Worlds We Didn’t Know We Needed
When Guerrilla Games announced a partnership with Studio Gobo and Lego to create Lego Horizon Adventures, many of us scratched our heads. Horizon Zero Dawn is known for its deep narrative, realistic graphics, and intense action—not exactly what you'd expect in the cheerful, slapstick world of Lego. And yet, here we are, and surprisingly, it works. Whether you're a fan of Aloy’s original post-apocalyptic escapades or a Lego aficionado, this game aims to combine the best of both worlds. But does it hit the sweet spot, or is it just another Lego-branded rehash?
Game Information
Gameplay: Familiar Yet Fresh
If you’ve played a Lego game, you’ll find the gameplay structure of Lego Horizon Adventures instantly recognisable. Smash, build, solve, repeat—but with a Horizon twist. The game takes Aloy’s iconic tools and mechanics, like her bow, tripcaster, and focus, and translates them into simpler, family-friendly gameplay.
Combat: Strategic, But for Everyone
The robotic dinosaurs from Horizon Zero Dawn have been lovingly recreated as Lego constructs, complete with detachable parts and weak points. While the strategic combat of the original game has been streamlined, it’s still rewarding. You'll use Aloy’s tools to dismantle machines, piece by piece, collecting Lego "studs" along the way.
Parents will appreciate the ease of combat for younger players, while older fans may miss the nuanced tactics of targeting elemental weaknesses or parts.
Co-op Mode: Chaos in a Good Way
What really elevates Lego Horizon Adventures is its co-op mode. Whether you’re playing as Aloy and Erend or unlocking surprise characters (yes, there’s a Lego Rost, and he’s as hilariously grumpy as you’d expect), the experience is built for two-player fun. Teamwork adds layers of strategy to puzzles and battles, with some areas requiring cooperation to access hidden collectibles.
Graphics: A Stunning Fusion
Let’s talk about the world. The environments from Horizon Zero Dawn—sprawling forests, arid deserts, snowy peaks—have been transformed into a vibrant Lego diorama. The level of detail is stunning, with every tree, rock, and machine meticulously constructed out of Lego bricks. It’s a visual treat, and fans of both franchises will love spotting Easter eggs scattered throughout.
The robotic creatures are the stars of the show. From Watchers to Thunderjaws, their Lego counterparts are not only visually impressive but also provide satisfying destruction during combat. Watching a Sawtooth crumble into hundreds of bricks never gets old.
Platform-Specific Details
PS5/PC: Crisp 4K visuals, smooth 60fps gameplay, and almost nonexistent load times make these the definitive versions.
Nintendo Switch: While not as polished, the Switch version delivers a solid performance, with bright colours and decent frame rates making up for the occasional visual downgrade.
Latest Reviews
Narrative: The Same But Different
The core storyline of Horizon Zero Dawn is here: Aloy’s journey of self-discovery, uncovering ancient mysteries, and saving the world. However, it’s told with the lighthearted humour Lego games are known for. Emotional moments are often interrupted by slapstick gags or sight jokes. For instance, a Watcher slips on a banana peel mid-cutscene, or Aloy pulls out an oversized Lego wrench to “fix” a machine.
While some hardcore fans might cringe at the tonal shift, the humour makes the story accessible to younger players and newcomers to the franchise.
Sound Design: Playful and Immersive
The soundtrack takes the sweeping, orchestral themes of Horizon Zero Dawn and gives them a Lego remix. Think xylophones, ukuleles, and even kazoo solos—yes, kazoo solos. It’s playful without losing the epic feel of the original compositions.
Sound effects are also top-notch. The clatter of falling Lego pieces, the mechanical whirring of machines, and the snap of building bricks add a tactile layer of immersion.
Replayability: Plenty to Do, Brick by Brick
As with most Lego games, Lego Horizon Adventures thrives on replayability. Each level is packed with hidden secrets, collectibles, and challenges. Unlocking new characters and abilities encourages revisiting earlier levels to access previously unreachable areas.
There’s also a dedicated free-play mode, letting you roam the Lego-ified wilderness at your own pace, tackling side quests and finding hidden treasures.
Performance: Smooth Sailing
On every platform, Lego Horizon Adventures delivers a solid performance. PS5 and PC owners can enjoy lightning-fast load times and stunning visuals, while the Switch version, though visually pared down, holds up admirably with no major frame rate drops or crashes. The developers have clearly put in the effort to optimise the game across all systems.
Conclusion: A Match Made in Brick Heaven
Lego Horizon Adventures achieves what it sets out to do: offering a playful, family-friendly reimagining of Aloy’s world. It strikes a delicate balance between nostalgia and accessibility, creating a game that both kids and adults can enjoy. While it may not replace the original’s emotional gravitas, it’s a joyous, brick-filled adventure that’s hard not to love.
Whether you’re a seasoned Horizon fan or a newcomer looking for co-op fun, this game is well worth your time. Just don’t expect it to be as deep or challenging as its source material.
Lego Horizon Adventures is a playful, engaging mash-up of two beloved franchises, proving that sometimes the most unexpected combinations make the most delightful games.
Pros
- Delightful blend of Horizon Zero Dawn and Lego aesthetics.
- Accessible gameplay perfect for families and younger players.
- Co-op mode is endlessly fun.
Cons
- Simplified mechanics may leave hardcore Horizon fans wanting more.
- Humour, while fun, undercuts some of the original’s emotional depth.
- Combat can feel repetitive over time.
Overall Score
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