LEGO and Horizon in the same sentence. Just a few months ago, such a collaboration would have been unimaginable. Yet, one should never underestimate the power of mash-ups, particularly when there is a well-thought-out marketing strategy to promote toy sales. This is evidenced by LEGO Horizon Adventures being released on three platforms—PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch—to cater to both adults and children alike. We had the opportunity to play the game, both solo and cooperatively, just one month before its official release. Our first impressions were formed with a controller in hand.
A GAME THAT STROKES THE EGO
What he intends to communicate is that previously, there were annual LEGO games, sometimes up to four different ones in the same year, particularly in 2013, which was the most prolific year, managed by the studio TT Games. However, it is well-known that overexertion can lead to failure, and after 15 years of rapidly producing LEGO games, public interest waned, especially since these games were quite similar, almost identical copies. For LEGO Horizon Adventures, however, the commission was not given to the English studio TT Games but instead to Guerrilla Games along with Studio Gobo. The goal for both studios was to offer something distinct from TT Games’ LEGO games, aiming to create an “interactive LEGO movie.” A crucial aspect to note is that each game element is constructed from individual bricks, meaning everything in the LEGO Horizon Adventures game can be built as a real LEGO toy. To achieve this, developers consulted master LEGO builders to ensure compliance with physical LEGO rules. This also applies to the animation style and character movement within the game, which is why the animations in LEGO Horizon Adventures are fundamentally different from typical games, especially those we are accustomed to playing. All characters were animated using stop-motion to replicate the genuine toy aspect that moves. This technique is known as ‘Toyetic.’
JOKES AND JIBES CRITICAL: LEGO and Horizon have collaborated on a new game titled “LEGO Horizon Adventures,” which is being developed by Guerrilla Games and Studio Gobo, not TT Games. Unlike previous annual LEGO games from TT Games that were similar in nature, this new title aims to offer something unique, described as an “interactive LEGO movie.” Each game element is constructed from individual bricks, adhering to physical LEGO rules, and the developers consulted master LEGO builders for authenticity. Characters are animated using stop-motion techniques to replicate the genuine toy aspect, known as ‘Toyetic.’ The game will be released on PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Another very important aspect of the creation process for LEGO Horizon Adventures is the incorporation of a comedic element that is characteristic of LEGO games. Everything was designed to make both young and old players smile, including character movements, situations they encounter, and even their dialogues. It is true that this approach starkly contrasts with the original atmosphere of Horizon Zero Dawn, where Aloy is typically portrayed as a serious young woman who rarely smiles and makes few jokes. In LEGO Horizon Adventures, however, Aloy frequently engages in blunders, gaffes, and outlandish situations, which can sometimes become quite irritating and even headache-inducing. Yet, this intentional approach ensures that even when she falls and crashes to the ground, it is done in a comedic manner, replicating the fall of a LEGO piece that might have fallen from a shelf. They quickly get back up and move away with jerky motions, as if a child were playing with a LEGO figure.
Furthermore, another aspect that the developers aimed to preserve in LEGO Horizon Adventures is the assembly element. What players cherish about building with LEGO bricks is the ability to mix and match pieces freely. This creative freedom is indeed available within the game; when you unlock the tailor’s house to customize Aloy and other characters, you can make extensive modifications. The extent of customization means that the characters may no longer resemble their counterparts in the Horizon game. This level of flexibility might be disorienting, but it aligns precisely with Guerrilla Games’ design intent.
Despite this replay of “Horizon Zero Dawn,” the main elements that constitute the essence of the license are still present, including the same environments, but viewed from a top-down perspective this time. Aloy will have access to the same weapons, including her bow, and must hide in tall grass to avoid detection by mechanical creatures. The same beasts with their behavior patterns, villages with all these inhabitants to communicate with, and the same technological tools like the Focus—which allows for scanning and identifying enemy weaknesses, as well as looting objects from chests—are all present, nothing has been omitted, but in a lighter form. The gameplay of “LEGO Horizon Adventures” is thus accessible yet allows for deeper engagement if one wishes to push it further, and the difficulty can be increased if desired. The experience system has been retained, but the most significant improvements occur automatically to simplify life.
Two is Better?
Another asset of this LEGO Horizon Adventures is the ability to play cooperatively with two players on the same screen, a significant feature of LEGO games that clearly pleases children. You assist each other during the adventure, but you can also interfere since friendly fire is permitted. Note that if your teammate shoots you, it does not affect your health points, though it still causes inconvenience. Conversely, when it comes to bonuses, they are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Visually, LEGO Horizon Adventures is quite appealing as well. If you appreciate the artistic direction and LEGO style, you will enjoy the rendering, visual effects, overall lighting, and quality of the bricks; it is very clean indeed. The main adventure is estimated to last between 7 to 8 hours on a straight path, but there’s high replay value, and if you wish to fully experience all aspects, it will take around 20 hours. That’s all I can share about this LEGO Horizon Adventures, which is set to release on November 14 for PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
