Horizon: Zero Dawn - The Frozen Wilds is a cold appetizer. No need to rush

The Frozen Wilds may seem like a perfect or useless addition in five minutes. For mechanical hunters, this is a great opportunity to add to their trophy collection. If you want a competent expansion of the universe or unusual missions against the background of the main campaign, then there are almost no reasons to return.

You shouldn't go unprepared to the snow-covered region where the Banuk tribe live. Here, in particular, previously unknown mechasaurs are found. Aloy encounters both fire-breathing death machines and robotic relatives of bears. They are so agile that you don't feel safe even at the other end of the big arena. It is not difficult for a steel monster to suddenly jump and knock the girl down with a powerful blow or rush towards her, waving his hefty paws.

In certain situations, you have to first carefully sneak past opponents in order to reprogram the tower that heals the robots and deprive them of a tangible advantage. In such conditions, the tension increases, since upon detection one must either retreat or take risks, and the prospect of sitting for a few seconds in front of the tower without a chance to hide while Eloy takes over control does not allow one to relax.

Fans of difficulties are unlikely to be saddened by only three new species of mechasaurs and the need to fight them repeatedly. Each such battle forces you to remember fondly the battles with unhurried giants, as well as to be surprised and in the next second to adapt to unexpected methods of enemies. Along the way, you remember about the entire arsenal, from bows to traps. Also, local merchants manage to find combat staffs. They allow you to unleash an icy or fiery stream on robots. An effective weapon, especially against ground-bound enemies. By the way, some items unique to this region are sold only for gems, which are not easy to find.

Although most of the mandatory and secondary tasks in The Frozen Wilds boil down to the destruction of metal creatures, the individual missions delight with a combination of different activities, whether it be simple puzzles, chatting with funny characters or acrobatics. A bit upsetting is the oversupply of running from one clearing to another. Yes, the battles are good, but such a primitive and often repetitive approach is disappointing. Aloy can also clear out the bandits' base and complete several tests related to testing her hunting skills. Here, the developers did not spoil anything, but they also did without innovations.

A fourth branch of skills has also appeared, designed to simplify the process of collecting and managing resources, and at the same time expanding the possibilities associated with the taming of mechanical animals. Now the heroine, if desired, repairs wounded comrades-in-arms, obtains more components and collects valuables without getting off her faithful steed. The benefits of such abilities are hard to miss. However, the minimum of elements that directly expand combat system... Provided that you have already pumped Aloy, updates in this aspect turn into a scanty addition.

History focuses on the relationship between representatives of the Banuk tribe and not the most interesting exposition about the past of the world. The characters manage to give out a lot of useless information and at the same time remain beautiful figurines in spectacular costumes. Stretched drama and abrupt transitions from one event to another negatively affect the story of the salvation of the good artificial intelligence from evil artificial intelligence. The authors casually touch upon the biography of a hero significant for the global narrative, but, unfortunately, do not delve into this issue.

Diagnosis

For those short on the original, The Frozen Wilds is an excellent add-on worth a purchase. It is possible to stay in the new region for a half dozen hours, killing mechasaurs, gathering resources, buying a new weapon, dealing with errands and enjoying the snowfall. The plot is not happy, but it was not strong point and Zero Dawn, so it doesn't come as a shocking surprise.

• Intense battles with old and new Mehasaurs
• New weapons, armor, skills
• Stunning views of snow-covered locations

Contra:

• The story puts a lot of emphasis on boring characters and exposure
• If you're tired of killing monsters in the original, then The Frozen Wilds doesn't offer anything worthwhile.

The add-on discussion begins at the 33rd minute of the podcast

You could have expected anything, but in the end it turned out to be strong, interesting game, albeit not without flaws. The main thing is that Guerilla Games managed to create an amazingly believable world in which I wanted to stay longer. The Frozen Wilds provides us with just such an excuse. The supplement offers a dozen or two hours of new adventures for Aloy, during which we, together with the red-haired beauty, will have to unravel another secret of the Forerunners.

⇡ Through the snowdrifts, through the snowdrifts!

Since the subject of our conversation is only an addition to the main dish, and not an independent addition, you should not expect drastic changes in the gameplay from it. The tasks Frozen Wilds in the quest selection menu are located in the side section and are designed for those who have already completed Horizon Zero Dawn. In addition, the expansion requires at least the thirtieth level of the hero, but even for my fully pumped and well-equipped Aloy, it did not seem like an easy walk.

This time, the girl will go to a new region - the most beautiful snow-covered lands of the Banuk tribe. In a manner typical of Horizon, the developers did not skimp on entertaining details: you will learn a lot about the internal hierarchy of the society of the harsh northern inhabitants, get acquainted with their beliefs and traditions. In other words, you will find yourself in a living society where people want to help out of ordinary human sympathy.

It cannot be otherwise, because Guerilla Games added to the DLC not only the main storyline, but also several side quests, each of which is remembered by vivid characters. The trinity of hunters, for personal reasons, broke away from the tribe and trying to get to distant lands, a funny prankster-explorer on a dam, mistakenly accused of waving fists - in the framework of the global narrative, the heroes look like grains of sand in the desert and after your help they go about their business, but their stories turned out to be ordinary, believable and to some extent even touching.

The main quest is again associated with the technologies of people who lived in the past, but since the add-on takes place before the end of the events of Zero Dawn, there is a slight feeling that the creators are deliberately holding their horses and do not really want to reveal more details before the sequel appears. Which, however, does not make The Frozen Wilds boring - you will understand why the region has not yet taken off, why we should not have called the programs "daemon", and at the same time you can get even more information about the events of the past. Here we must once again praise the writers of Guerrilla Games - they have not lowered the bar and constantly throw up some interesting things about a dead civilization.

If everything is fine with the plot, then the gameplay is still "sick" with an overabundance of mechanics. New samples of weapons and armor have been added, but they do not play the most noticeable role. With one bow, it won't be a problem to get to the very end, and all sorts of exotic specimens that can shoot fiery projectiles over long distances will lie idle.

In addition, a fourth leveling branch has appeared, but, according to personal feelings, it is even more useless than an extensive combat arsenal. The opportunities to collect resources on horseback or to repair your mechanical "horse" are, of course, interesting, but in practice you don't use it, and out of habit you teleport between fires. The only really useful skill is the ability to disassemble items in your inventory, getting half the store value for them. As the bag is always clogged huge amount trash, then at least you can recycle it for your own benefit, and not just throw it out on the road.

But new opponents will not let you relax - many enemies on the Banuk lands are distinguished not only by increased survivability, but also by aggressiveness. Individual copies of machines do jump over great distances, hit painfully with fire and even know how to melt the earth under your feet. With a low level, it is better not to approach the supplement, but experienced hunters will find interesting, moderately difficult fights.

Unless you have to sweat on a couple of very, very, very uncomfortable little arenas that occur towards the end of the DLC. On them you fight not so much with a harsh and evil enemy, but with a camera, which is cramped in confined spaces. Because of her, any collision at close range turns into a chaotic flickering of fangs, claws and Aloy rolling back and forth, which is a little annoying and can spoil the overall positive experience.

However, some rough edges cannot hide the love with which the developers relate to their creation. Guerilla Games could well have gotten off with a standard set of tests in familiar territories, but instead offered quests that were not inferior in quality to the main game, meticulously worked on the new region and talked in more detail about the Banuk tribe. I would like, of course, to see more qualitative changes in the gameplay, but here we have to wait for a sequel. Otherwise, The Frozen Wilds is a worthy addition to a good game and a great addition for those who lack the adventure in the world of Horizon Zero Dawn.

Advantages:

• beautiful snowy region;
• still interesting story, affecting both the present and the past;
• formidable new opponents.

Flaws:

• hideous little arenas towards the end of the game ...
• ... and, as a result, poor camera performance in confined spaces;
• all the same problems with a huge amount of useless junk in inventory and stores.

The release date is the time limit after which the game is considered released, which usually means that it can already be downloaded and tested if a licensed copy is purchased. For example, the release date for Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds (Horizon Zero Dawn The Frozen Wilds) is November 7, 2017.

V Lately more and more often, developers allow you to buy a game in advance - to make a pre-order. In response to the support from potential buyers, who believe in the success of the project so much that they give money for it even before the release, the developers are sharing various bonuses and exclusive materials. It could be a soundtrack, artbook, or some mini-addons for the game.

Thus, pre-order actually allows you to buy the game before it official release, however, this does not mean that the announced release date loses its significance, since you can fully play only after the release.

Why do I need to know the release dates of games?

If only because it is more convenient to plan your time and finances this way. If you know, for example, when Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds (Horizon Zero Dawn The Frozen Wilds) will be released, then it will be easier for you to navigate: save money in advance to buy it, plan things so that you can dive into the game right away, like as soon as it comes out.

Many gamers keep track of the release dates of games using special calendars and thematic articles about the most important releases of the month or season. Both you can find on our game portal site

How do developers choose when to release?

They are guided by many factors at once. First, it is important for them to know that their target audience will be able to immediately join game process, so games are less likely to come out during the vacation season, as well as in those months when the rush is usually at work, and the students have a session.

Secondly, for a successful release, developers try to compare their plans with the announcements of potential competitors. For example, if we are talking about a shooter, then releasing it simultaneously with the new Battlefield or Call of Duty is not very reasonable.

Thirdly, the release date marks the so-called deadline - the very line after which the game is ready. This means that it needs to be completed on time. Alas, this does not always work, and therefore the release date of the game can be shifted one or even several times.

In addition to this, the release of Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds (Horizon Zero Dawn The Frozen Wilds) on PC and consoles may differ - often developers try to release one version first, and only then move on to the next.

Not rhyme, but true. Guerrilla Games has announced the release date for the first paid add-on for Horizon: Zero Dawn.The Frozen Wilds will appear, as I said, on November 7, and it will cost 1,399 rubles. FollowersPlayStation Plus will be able to purchase the add-on at a price of 1.259 rubles. Banuk Aloy PSN avatar is included with pre-order.

We do not know the subtleties plot The Frozen Wilds. It is reliably known that the DLC will have a new area, new missions, side quests and much more.Considering the snowy landscapes original game were one of its best components, it will be interesting to see what new developers will invent in terms of the environment for The Frozen Wilds.

In addition to the paid DLC, Horizon: Zero Dawn has received a bunch of free updates.Along with bug fixes and bug fixes, Guerrilla Games introduced Camera Mode, new game+, increased difficulty mode, various war paint for the face and all that jazz. Any whim for a demanding user. If they care so much about the player in the free updates, I think the paid DLC should be great at the very least.