Stepping into the brick-built world of LEGO Horizon Adventures is like experiencing Aloy’s journey through a playful new lens. This action-adventure game, a collaboration between Guerrilla Games and Studio Gobo, captures the essence of Horizon Zero Dawn while adding a healthy dose of LEGO charm. Imagine battling robotic dinosaurs made of LEGO bricks, solving puzzles with a quirky, minifigure version of Aloy, and exploring familiar landscapes recreated with stunning LEGO detail. That’s the magic that LEGO Horizon Adventures offers.
Now, I’ve always been a fan of both the Horizon series and LEGO games, so I was incredibly excited for this release. Having spent a good chunk of time with the game, I can confidently say that it delivers a fun and engaging experience, albeit with a few minor hiccups.
A Familiar Story, Rebuilt Brick by Brick
The game closely follows the narrative of Horizon Zero Dawn, retelling Aloy’s origin story and her quest to uncover the mysteries of the Old Ones. However, this time around, the story is infused with LEGO’s signature humor. Expect witty dialogue, slapstick comedy, and plenty of lighthearted moments that will appeal to players of all ages. While veterans of Horizon Zero Dawn might find the simplified storyline a bit predictable, the LEGO-fied presentation adds a fresh perspective to the familiar narrative.
Combat that Clicks (and Clatters)
One of the highlights of LEGO Horizon Adventures is its combat system. It’s surprisingly deep and engaging, offering a variety of weapons and tactics to take down the fearsome machines. Aloy’s trusty bow and arrow feel satisfying to use, and the game introduces new LEGO-themed gadgets that add a unique twist to the battles. Whether you’re peppering a Watcher with arrows or setting traps for a Snapmaw, the combat is consistently enjoyable.
However, I did notice some quirks in the weapon system. The game features a randomized loot system for gadgets and rare weapons, which can sometimes feel frustrating, especially when trying to complete specific challenges. It’s as if Aloy has to rummage through a LEGO bin to find the right tool for the job!
Building a Beautiful World
Visually, LEGO Horizon Adventures is a treat. The environments are stunning, with iconic locations like Meridian and Mother’s Heart recreated in meticulous LEGO detail. The character animations are smooth, and the particle effects during combat are vibrant and impressive. It’s arguably one of the best-looking LEGO games to date. Exploring this world is a joy, and the game does a fantastic job of capturing the scale and beauty of the Horizon universe.
That being said, the level design can feel a bit predictable at times. While the environments are visually impressive, the overall structure of the levels tends to follow a familiar formula. This can lead to a sense of repetition, especially during longer play sessions.
Building Your Own Adventure
One aspect I truly appreciated was the level of customization. You can personalize your Aloy minifigure with different outfits and accessories, and you can even customize the hub town of Mother’s Heart by building and upgrading structures. This adds a layer of personalization to the experience and encourages players to make the world their own. I spent hours tinkering with different outfits and building up my own version of Mother’s Heart!
A Few Missing Bricks
While LEGO Horizon Adventures offers a fun and engaging experience, there are a few areas where it could have been even better. The game lacks some of the extra content and side activities that we’ve come to expect from LEGO games. Once you complete the main story, there isn’t a whole lot to do besides collecting missing bricks and completing challenges.
Also, while the game is enjoyable in single-player, it truly shines in co-op mode. Playing with a friend or family member adds a whole new layer of fun to the experience. However, the lack of online co-op is a noticeable omission.
Final Verdict
LEGO Horizon Adventures is a charming and entertaining adventure that successfully brings the world of Horizon Zero Dawn to life in LEGO form. The combat is engaging, the visuals are impressive, and the customization options add a personal touch to the experience. While the game could have benefited from more content and online co-op, it’s still a worthwhile experience for fans of LEGO games and the Horizon series.
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