LEGO: Horizon Adventures – Exclusive Preview of the Upcoming Brick-Built Expedition


# **LEGO: Horizon Adventures – A Fun Spin on Aloy’s Grand Quest**

Fans of the *Horizon* franchise and LEGO games are in for a delight this year with the impending launch of *LEGO: Horizon Adventures*. Crafted by Studio Gobo in conjunction with Guerrilla Games, this fresh title brings the cherished universe of *Horizon Zero Dawn* into the vibrant and comedic space of LEGO. Scheduled for release on November 14, 2024, for PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, this game not only signifies the inaugural LEGO title issued by Sony but also incorporates multiplayer co-op into the *Horizon* series for the first time.

In this piece, we’ll explore what sets *LEGO: Horizon Adventures* apart as an intriguing and thrilling extension of both the LEGO and *Horizon* universes, based on our 90-minute hands-on experience. We’ll also highlight some concerns that arose during our gameplay and why fans should remain enthusiastic about this brick-themed journey.

## **Aloy’s Comeback in LEGO Style**

In *LEGO: Horizon Adventures*, players once again don the role of Aloy, the courageous hunter from the *Horizon* series, albeit with a fun LEGO twist. The game adheres to the same fundamental storyline as *Horizon Zero Dawn*, with Aloy setting forth on her quest to unravel the secrets of the ancient realm and engage in battles against robotic foes. However, true to the LEGO style, the narrative is laced with humor, slapstick comedy, and lighthearted instances that make it appealing to a wider audience, including younger gamers.

The settings are instantly familiar to enthusiasts of the original *Horizon* titles, yet they’ve been reinterpreted in LEGO’s characteristic blocky design. From the expansive ruins of ancient towns to the verdant woodlands and soaring peaks, the landscape of *Horizon* has never appeared so delightful. The robotic adversaries, like the iconic Thunderjaw and Watchers, have also been reimagined as LEGO figures, introducing a whimsical facet to the otherwise intense confrontations.

## **Co-op Mode – A Novelty for the Horizon Series**

One of the most thrilling aspects of *LEGO: Horizon Adventures* is the launch of a co-op multiplayer option, a first for the *Horizon* series. Players can join forces with a companion to explore the environment, solve challenges, and vanquish robotic foes collectively. The co-op mode allows for smooth drop-in, drop-out play, enabling players to join or exit the game without interrupting the experience.

Within the co-op, one player takes charge of Aloy, while the second player assumes the role of a customizable character, potentially another hunter or a tribe member from the *Horizon* universe. This introduces a fresh dimension of strategy to the game, as players can synchronize their attacks and abilities to defeat enemies more effectively. The co-op mode also includes new challenges that require collaboration to resolve, enhancing gameplay variety.

## **Traditional LEGO Humor and Gameplay**

As with all LEGO titles, *LEGO: Horizon Adventures* is packed with the signature humor that fans have anticipated. The game adopts a light-hearted approach, and even the most dramatic moments from *Horizon Zero Dawn* receive a comedic spin. For instance, Aloy’s interactions with the enigmatic Hades AI or the stoic Sylens are reimagined through playful dialogue and slapstick humor, making the narrative more enjoyable and whimsical.

The gameplay adheres to the well-known LEGO formula, featuring a blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. Players will amass LEGO studs, construct edifices, and wield Aloy’s bow and spear to defeat foes. The game also incorporates new mechanics specific to the *Horizon* universe, such as overriding robotic beings to employ them in combat or as mounts. These innovations contribute to keeping the gameplay engaging and dynamic, even for longtime LEGO enthusiasts.

## **Preview Concerns**

While our 90-minute sneak peek of *LEGO: Horizon Adventures* was predominantly positive, there were several issues we hope will be resolved before the game’s debut. One concern noted was the sporadic lack of polish in particular areas, particularly regarding the game’s camera and controls. Occasionally, the camera would become stuck or fail to adequately track the action, complicating navigation through the environment or engaging in combat. This is a frequent issue in LEGO games, but we hope Studio Gobo will refine these aspects prior to launch.

Another point of concern was the difficulty level. Though LEGO titles are typically crafted to be approachable for players of all ages, some combat situations in *LEGO: Horizon Adventures* felt a tad too simplistic, even by LEGO standards. The robotic adversaries, while visually striking, didn’t present much of a challenge, and we found ourselves gliding through skirmishes with minimal effort. It would be beneficial to see a