Horizon Zero Dawn: 7 Ups & 3 Downs

4. A Phenomenally Detailed, Intricate Mythology

One of the biggest positives that'll immediately strike you is just how much Guerrilla don't hold your hand for any of the world mythology.

Sure, father-character Rost tells you the basics of the godlike force, All-Mother, and why your existence as an Outcast means the neighbouring Nora tribe despise you, but from there, the world is yours to soak up at your leisure.

There was literally a moment where I visited a camp, and what would've been a primary school teacher was explaining to a group of infants the history of their own world. I was totally free to run past this to the next checkpoint, but Guerrilla recorded a full five minute monologue from this character, providing the basics of where the tribes came from, some primitive thoughts on what the Machines are, and how best to go about surviving in the villages the tribes have created.

You'll learn of these various cultures, capital cities and how social hierarchy functions across the lands. You'll hear talk of past reigns from destructive former kings, of proud soldiers, or peasants and the inbuilt secular views that emerged over time. All of this exists mostly below the surface - if you just want to shoot dinosaurs, loot the wreckage and rank up Aloy whilst taking in the main campaign, feel free. But know that under the surface - like the best parts of Mass Effect or The Witcher - Guerrilla have woven an immaculately rich tapestry where each and every thread is worth pulling.