Review of LEGO Horizon Adventures for PlayStation 5

Sony Interactive Entertainment, Studio Gobo, and Guerilla have joined forces to bring us LEGO Horizon Adventures, an innovative twist on the beloved Horizon series. Dive into our review to discover what makes this fresh take stand out!

LEGO Horizon Adventures offers a unique spin on the classic series. With the Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster already capturing our attention earlier this year, this new LEGO interpretation brings a playful perspective to Aloy’s world, allowing fans to embark on their adventure solo or team up with a friend in local or online co-op—provided you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, of course!

This partnership between LEGO and the creative minds at Guerilla and Sony was initially sparked by the release of the LEGO Tallneck set. Designed for enthusiasts aged 18 and up, this intricate set lets you construct the iconic Tallneck from Horizon Forbidden West, complete with a detailed landscape base. And yes, it even comes with an Aloy mini-figure and a Watcher!

LEGO Horizon Adventures cleverly reimagines the narrative of Horizon Zero Dawn to fit seamlessly into the LEGO universe. The game is designed with a fixed camera perspective, simplifying the action and removing worries about unseen foes lurking off-screen. Borrowing elements from The LEGO Movie, characters move with the same charming animation style and share the film’s witty humor. This approach aims to broaden the audience, unlike the original and its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, which carry a T for Teen rating. LEGO Horizon Adventures is rated E10+, making it accessible to a younger audience.

For fans of Horizon Zero Dawn, you’ll be pleased to know that much of the original voice cast is back, bringing authenticity to this LEGO adaptation. Ashly Burch returns as Aloy, alongside JB Blanc as Rost, John Macmillan as Varl, and John Hopkins as Erend. Sadly, with the passing of Lance Reddick, the role of Sylens has been taken over by Tim Russ.

The game includes five difficulty modes: Story, Scout, Adventurer, Machine Hunter, and Hero. The Story mode is perfect if you’re all about the plot and exploring customization. Scout offers a slight increase in challenge, while Adventurer strikes a nice balance for those looking for a traditional experience. Machine Hunter ups the ante, requiring tactical hunting skills, and Hero is for those seeking the toughest opponents with minimal margin for error.

Compared to Horizon Zero Dawn, the controls here are straightforward, making it much easier for newcomers. Starting with the game’s Prologue, which doubles as a tutorial, players learn the ropes: maneuver with the left stick, attack with the Square button, jump with X, switch weapons with R1, pick up items using Triangle, and utilize gadgets with Circle. The L1 button activates the Focus Pulse to highlight interactable objects and enemy vulnerabilities, allowing for precise attacks. Picking up and throwing objects are handled by Triangle and Square, respectively.

Gather as many studs as you can throughout your journey! Keep an eye out for construction opportunities and hidden paths often leading to treasure chests, which can contain valuable studs or items. These studs are crucial for purchasing group upgrades, like additional experience points or increased weapon damage. Plus, they unlock character and village customization options.

LEGO Horizon Adventures boasts a comprehensive trophy list, including a Platinum trophy for dedicated players. The list features 8 Silver, 8 Gold, and 7 Gold trophies. Some unlock as you progress through the story, but others challenge you to max-level characters, gather numerous outfits and decorations, complete community jobs, collect gold bricks, and discover rare weapons and gadgets. If you need assistance, a LEGO Horizon Adventures Trophy Guide might be helpful.

Offering a fresh perspective on the series, LEGO Horizon Adventures presents a fun, more light-hearted version of Aloy’s world. Available for PlayStation 5, it retails at $59.99, with a Digital Deluxe Edition at $69.99, featuring exclusive extras like new outfits and customizations.

Disclaimer: This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Sony Interactive Entertainment.