The gaming world was taken by surprise as an ESRB rating inadvertently revealed plans for a remastered version of Horizon Zero Dawn, set to release on PlayStation 5 and PC. This unexpected announcement has ignited discussions about the necessity and timing of such a remaster.
The Leak
An eagle-eyed observer spotted an ESRB rating for Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered on the ratings board's website. The rating provides a brief description of the game's content, confirming it as an updated version of Guerrilla Games' popular action RPG originally released in 2017.
Timing and Speculation
The timing of this leak is particularly interesting, coming just a week after Sony's announcement of the PlayStation 5 Pro console, slated for release in November. This has led to speculation that the Horizon Zero Dawn remaster could be positioned as a showcase title for the new hardware's capabilities.
Mixed Reactions
The news has been met with mixed reactions from the gaming community:
- Excitement: Fans of the series are eager to see how the already visually stunning game could be further enhanced.
- Skepticism: Many question the need for a remaster, given that:
- The original game received a PS5 update in 2021, enabling 60 FPS gameplay and 4K checkerboard resolution.
- The PC version, released in 2020, already boasts impressive visual fidelity.
Industry Trends
This remaster announcement follows a trend of Sony revisiting and updating its popular franchises. However, it also highlights ongoing discussions about the industry's focus on remasters and remakes, sometimes at the expense of new IPs or long-awaited updates to other beloved titles.
What to Expect
While specific details about the remaster are scarce, players can likely anticipate:
- Enhanced visuals taking full advantage of current hardware
- Possible integration of PS5-specific features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
- Potential inclusion of the Frozen Wilds DLC
As we await official confirmation and details from Sony, the gaming community continues to debate the merits of this unexpected remaster. Whether it proves to be a necessary upgrade or a contentious release, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is sure to draw attention when it eventually launches on PS5 and PC.