Who would’ve thought that LEGO would take on one of PlayStation’s heavyweights with LEGO Horizon Adventures? Transforming Aloy’s intricate sci-fi world into a playful, plastic adventure was always going to be a challenge. The original games layered serious themes with complex mechanics, making the transition to an all-ages format seem daunting. Yet here we are, with a mix of moments that both charm and puzzle us.
This iteration transforms Horizon Zero Dawn into a bite-sized action platformer that’s perfect for family play. The recognizable LEGO style lends itself well to a lighter, sillier narrative. It actually fits surprisingly well; many narrative complexities are brushed aside, allowing the game to humorously poke fun at both the story and its characters. The voice actors, many of whom return for this version, really enhance the experience with their more playful performances. Fans of Horizon will likely find this alternate, amusing take quite enjoyable.
LEGO’s iconic aesthetic isn’t just for show—it’s fundamental to the game’s design. With Studio Gobo and Guerrilla Games using true-to-life LEGO bricks for everything—explosions, water, even background buildings—this commitment to the theme is commendable. Thanks to realistic textures and a clever tilt-shift camera effect, the game looks impressive. We did notice, however, that while playing in Performance mode, some animations appear a bit jerky, which can be distracting.
Mother’s Heart, the central hub of the game, acts as your base after each level. Here, you have the freedom to unlock upgrades for Aloy and her friends, change costumes, and even customize parts of the village. As you progress, the hub grows, offering more customization options with LEGO elements from Horizon and beyond. A job board with optional objectives adds another layer of depth, encouraging you to return and keep moving forward.
But it’s within the linear stages that the game starts to falter. Each level feels like a straightforward romp across beautiful backdrops interrupted by combat zones and the occasional boss fight. Unfortunately, the levels themselves are quite simplistic. They lack meaningful exploration and platforming elements. Scattered here and there are side paths leading to treasures or small LEGO builds, but these offer little incentive since the game’s currency, studs, is plentiful anyway.
Initially, the simplistic level design is understandable as the game eases you into its rhythm. However, it quickly becomes apparent that there’s not much increase in difficulty or complexity. While there are some fun mechanics, like using arrows to burn away vines, these are rarely extended upon. Even with entertaining cutscenes and battles, the levels often lack substantial content.
Where the game shines is in its combat. Though stealth feels unnecessary and battles with cultists are average, the machine fights are where the thrill lies. Each machine boasts unique abilities and weak points, echoing Horizon’s strategic combat. Destruction of these parts deals heavy damage and can disable attacks. Simplified as it may be, this version maintains strategic depth, especially with elemental effects and diverse weapons like exploding sausages. Depending on your choice of difficulty, it can be challenging, marking combat as a standout feature.
The game allows you to control four characters: Aloy, Varl, Teersa, and Erend, each equipped with a unique weapon. Their distinct combat styles, combined with unlockable special weapons and a myriad of costumes from various LEGO sets, maintain a good level of variety. While having just four characters seems low compared to other LEGO titles, their differences provide enough diversity.
Levels usually culminate in apt boss fights and are concluded with amusing cutscenes. However, one downside is the inability to replay stages or select levels once completed. This means exciting battles or beloved story moments are not easily revisited—an odd decision for a game primarily targeted at younger audiences.
After finishing chapter levels, Apex Hunts get unlocked, offering more challenging combat situations. Completing these opens Free Mode, enabling revisits to environments, objectives, and more stud earning. The level layout randomness on replays perhaps explains the somewhat vacant feel of core stages.
In the end, LEGO Horizon Adventures is a mixed bag. It’s a delightful, family-friendly take on a cherished Sony series, capturing the essence of the story and combat within the LEGO universe. However, the novelty fades as the repetitive level design fails to engage with the anticipated platforming or puzzles. Despite its fun combat, some basic design choices ultimately hinder the overall experience.
