News website MP1ST says that the hit PlayStation title Horizon Zero Dawn will be getting a remake for the PS5, this has further been corroborated by well-known industry news outlet VGC.
While Horizon is a critically acclaimed game and has quickly become a PlayStation icon, many fans have reacted to this news negatively and have let their options be known online.
Remade Horizons
The primary issue users have with the remake is that the original Horizon Zero Dawn came out in 2017 for PS4, making it only 5 years old as of this article. The game, which is already considered one the most graphically impressive games on the system has also received an enhanced upgrade for the PS5 that brings the game to 60 fps, making it very up-to-date for modern consoles.
Many people feel that the primary reason to remake a game should be to adapt and modernize it for a new audience and are confused why a game that is still pretty new and relevant needs any further modernization than a remake could bring. There are also concerns about the game’s pricing as every PS5 first-party title has been priced at $70 dollars meaning that people would be paying a large sum of money for what may be an incredibly similar game.
Fans and users have posted their concerns and memes about the rumor on social media such as Twitter:
#HorizonZeroDawn before and after the 70 dollar remake #staysalty pic.twitter.com/akDaAF5s7M
— Salt King 👑🧂🎮 (@Saltiest_Gaming) October 3, 2022
Let’s remind Jim Ryan 😂 that we don’t need a remake to this already gorgeous looking GAME. #HorizonZeroDawn
Developer: @Guerrilla#VirtualPhotography #WorldofVP #VGPNetwork #ArtisticofSociety pic.twitter.com/RCbrxgkmnm— WALLY🤍 (@WallyDaGreat66) October 4, 2022
Just to be clear, I think Horizon Zero Dawn is one of last generation’s finest games. But at most it should get a PS5 update, not a (potentially) $70 remake. This isn’t a trend Sony should continue. Sets a bad precedent.
— Tony Polanco (@Romudeth) October 2, 2022
Another issue fans have is that this rumor comes shortly after the release of The Last Of Us Part I, another PlayStation remake that was criticized as being unnecessary when the original game was so new. With this in mind, some fans are worried that PlayStation will continue to release remakes of their more recent titles at full price in their future PS5 lineup.
ffs dude first The Last of Us now Horizon Zero Dawn these pointless ass remakes/remasters are the biggest waste of effort and talent I’ve seen in the industry in a long time. #HorizonZeroDawn #HorizonForbbidenWest #TheLastOfUs #TheLastofUsPartI #TLOU #PS5 #PS4 #Sony #Playstation5 https://t.co/p4rEl1vTJp
— The Lord (@NicoConlin) October 2, 2022
In Time For Television
Some however point out there may be a good or at least business savvy reason that PlayStation would want to remake Horizon Zero Dawn. It will soon be getting a live-action series, as will The Last of Us for that matter.
It can be argued that this new TV series will draw in new people who will want to play the game and that creating a new version that can act as the most up-to-date definitive version can help entice these new players to buy the game. Many critics, ours included, did agree that the PS5 remake of The Last of Us was the best way to play the game after all.
Then again, developing a remake or even a remaster isn’t cheap or an easy task so it may be stretching it to say they’re doing it just for the franchise synergy. The original Horizon Zero Dawn is also available for free the PlayStation Plus Extra owners so it is very accessible to new players.
Better Games To Remake
Many fans have also posted about this rumor to state that PlayStation should instead remake games that aren’t as accessible for newer players. The most brought up among these was Bloodborne, the From Software Soulslike that is still exclusive to the PS4. While fans don’t necessarily want a remake of the game, they would like PlayStation would bring the title to a new platform in some form, and uncap its frame rate from 30fps to 60fps.
#HorizonZeroDawn does not need a remaster or remake. I repeat horizon zero dawn does not need a remaster. Please go remaster/remake #Bloodborne instead. pic.twitter.com/TdAL4Ptx8F
— The Gaming Duo Podcast (@GamingDuoPod) October 3, 2022
Some fans have also said that if PlayStation wishes to remake their IPs they should focus on older franchises from the PS1, PS2, and PS3 eras. They could include series like Jak and Daxter, Ape Escape, Sly Cooper, and earlier Infamous games all of which saw releases on the PS3 or Vita but have not been brought to any of Sony’s newer consoles. A remake could serve as a great opportunity to bring these franchises to new audiences and reignite interest in their brands.
Even if they want to focus on newer IPs, Gravity Rush would be great series to reintroduce on PS5. The original PS Vita game is just over ten years old, and with its distinct art style, a PS5 remake made from the ground up could look absolutely stunning.
For fans, the frustration here comes from the fact that PlayStation is spending all this time and effort remaking games that are already incredibly accessible and well received by modern audiences. The Last of Us Part I is a great game however it’s not like the PS3 original or PS4 remaster aren’t incredibly playable either. It would be nice if PlayStation used these resources to remake games that would more heavily benefit from being remade with modern graphics and more quality-of-life features.
At this point, we should reiterate that the Horizon Zero Dawn Remake is still just a rumor and PlayStation has neither confirmed nor denied the rumors.
Horizon Zero Dawn is available for PS4, PS5, and PC.