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Horizon Zero Dawn, a 2017 Game of the Year contender, marked a triumphant return for Guerrilla Games. Their bold departure from the Killzone series delivered a captivating adventure that exceeded all expectations. After a short hiatus, Horizon Zero Dawn returned at E3 2017 with a snowy, wild teaser showcasing the fearsome Thunderjaw and announcing a DLC expansion, The Frozen Wilds. This review explores whether this icy journey lives up to the hype or simply offers a fleeting winter distraction.

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A Captivating Journey Through the Frozen Wasteland

The Frozen Wilds whisks Aloy to The Cut, a treacherous region inhabited by the Banuk tribe and teeming with unfamiliar machines. Aloy’s initial encounter with the Scorcher, a fierce, feline machine, serves as a stark warning: this will be a challenging and perilous journey.

The narrative of The Frozen Wilds enriches the Horizon Zero Dawn universe while crafting a complex, standalone story within the Banuk tribe’s unique culture. It seamlessly integrates with the main game’s lore while raising intriguing questions and hinting at future installments. The Banuk tribe’s emphasis on survival and unwavering loyalty contrasts with a subtle yearning for connection and community. This duality is cleverly woven throughout the quests, where characters outwardly express independence yet frequently rely on Aloy’s assistance. This dynamic raises the question of whether future games might feature a permanent companion for Aloy.

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The DLC’s storytelling is multifaceted, blending humor, hardship, tenderness, and melancholy. The narrative surpasses the base game in its emotional depth and character development, both for primary and supporting characters. The pacing is expertly managed, creating a journey that feels intimate and impactful. Even the side quests are thoughtfully crafted, offering layered narratives and unexpected twists. One example involves investigating a flooded cellar, leading Aloy to a derelict factory and uncovering an interconnected side quest that explains the flooding. This design philosophy echoes the intricate narratives found in games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Even familiar activities, such as scaling a Tallneck to unlock the map, are reimagined with a fresh, breathtaking perspective. Collecting animal figurines and pigments is more than just a means of acquiring better gear; it unveils fascinating lore and enriches the world-building.

One minor criticism is the lack of dialogue choices that affect the storyline, a feature present, albeit rudimentary, in the base game. While the linear narrative contributes to a more focused and personal experience, the absence of player agency in key moments feels like a missed opportunity.

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A Visual and Auditory Masterpiece

Guerrilla Games further elevates the already stunning visuals of Horizon Zero Dawn. The Cut is arguably the most vibrant and detailed region in the entire game. While not expansive, it’s meticulously crafted, featuring towering mountains, crumbling ancient structures, and steaming geothermal pools reminiscent of Yellowstone National Park. The artistic direction imbues The Cut with a captivating atmosphere, from snow swirling in the wind to the crunch of Aloy’s footsteps in deep snow. Even Aloy’s clothing accumulates snow, and she shivers in the cold. These details, absent in the base game, enhance the immersive experience. However, the lack of similar upgrades to snowy areas in the base game creates a slight visual disconnect.

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Addressing criticism of the base game’s facial animations, Guerrilla Games has significantly improved character expressiveness. Aloy displays a wider range of emotions, and both main and supporting characters benefit from more nuanced animations.

The Frozen Wilds boasts a stellar original soundtrack and impressive voice acting. Each area within The Cut has its own distinct melody, complementing the environmental sounds and creating a captivating auditory experience. The voice performances are exceptional, further enhancing the impact of the characters’ stories.

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Fighting for Survival in The Cut

Gameplay in The Frozen Wilds largely mirrors the base game. Corruption zones are replaced by areas emitting a purple haze, Hunter’s Lodge offers new challenges, and Tallnecks reveal the map. Bluegleam serves as the new currency, replacing metal shards. Four new machines, including the Scorcher, introduce new combat dynamics. These machines are not only aggressive but also resourceful, absorbing components from Aloy’s arsenal. Familiar machines return with enhanced aggressiveness in the purple haze zones. Towering machines emit waves that disable even the powerful Shield Weaver armor, adding a new layer of challenge. New weapons and armor, along with skill tree expansions, offer fresh tactical options. The constant threat of dwindling ammunition encourages strategic weapon switching and emphasizes exploiting machine weaknesses.

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Lingering Shortcomings

Some new skills, like increased inventory space and the ability to collect items while mounted, feel like features that should have been included in the base game. While other skills add tactical depth, more significant gameplay innovations would be welcome in future installments. The lack of post-DLC content is also disappointing. Adding random encounters or mini-games could have extended the replayability.

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Conclusion

Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds is a must-have expansion for fans of the base game. It delivers a compelling narrative, stunning visuals, and challenging gameplay that seamlessly expands the Horizon Zero Dawn universe. While a few minor shortcomings prevent it from achieving perfection, The Frozen Wilds stands as a testament to Guerrilla Games’ commitment to quality and their ability to craft truly captivating experiences. The chilling beauty of The Cut awaits.

alt text showing Aloy in the snow