LEGO Horizon Adventures – A Lighthearted Brick-Based Journey Through a Familiar World
LEGO Horizon Adventures made its debut, courtesy of the combined efforts of Guerrilla and Studio Gobo. Departing from the usual PlayStation exclusivity of the Horizon series, this entry launched on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This imaginative title reimagines the Horizon universe through a humorous LEGO lens—complete with familiar characters and the signature LEGO charm.
But does this blocky reinvention do justice to the original franchise—and more importantly, is it actually fun? Let’s dive into our spoiler-free review to find out.
A Stunning World, Reimagined in Bricks
One of the standout features of Horizon games has always been their lush and expansive environments, and LEGO Horizon Adventures carries that tradition forward—in a totally different art style. Despite its playful design, the game offers some of the best visuals seen in any LEGO-based title to date.
Players traverse a variety of landscapes—from dense jungles to icy peaks and vast deserts—each constructed with care. Rather than feeling like a set of disconnected LEGO kits, the world is cohesively built to reflect the tone and wonder of the original games.
For PlayStation 5 players, the game offers two visual options: a Fidelity mode that prioritizes resolution and a Performance mode that ensures smoother gameplay. The latter maintains visual appeal while delivering a better frame rate, making it the ideal choice for fluid combat and exploration.
A Comical Spin on a Familiar Story
LEGO games are known for putting a whimsical spin on familiar stories, and this one is no different. The game loosely adapts the journey of Aloy and her companions as they confront a dangerous cult led by the fanatical Helis—and something even more menacing lurking in the shadows.
While not a direct retelling of Horizon Zero Dawn, the game draws from its core themes. That said, the storyline can sometimes feel hurried, with jokes taking precedence over meaningful plot progression. Certain side plots—like Erend’s inexplicable obsession with donuts—detract from the emotional weight.
Still, there are some heartfelt moments, especially in scenes exploring Aloy's identity and Varl's growth. These add some much-needed narrative balance to the otherwise humor-heavy script.
Simple Structure, But Depth for Fans
Gameplay primarily follows a linear path. Players explore, drop into combat zones, and face waves of enemies. While there's some branching exploration, most paths lead to collectibles like coins or crafting items. The game isn’t difficult to follow, which makes it suitable for casual players and younger audiences.
That said, newcomers to the Horizon franchise might miss out on many of the game’s in-jokes and references. A basic familiarity with Zero Dawn will enhance the experience significantly.
Combat Variety with Playable Characters
Unlike previous Horizon games where Aloy is the sole playable character, this LEGO spin-off allows players to switch things up. Each character—from Aloy and Varl to Erend and Teresa—has a unique playstyle and weapon set. Varl uses a spear, Erend smashes enemies with a hammer, and Teresa deals explosive damage.
Players also gain access to a variety of weapons and gadgets. Some are pulled straight from the original games, like the Tripcaster, while others—like a weaponized hot dog cart—lean fully into LEGO absurdity.
The game also makes great use of environmental interactions. Water can be electrified, tall grass can burn, and barrels explode with devastating impact. This adds a strategic layer to otherwise simple fights, and even introduces light stealth mechanics, complete with goofy visual cues (your character literally becomes a LEGO weed when hiding).
Play With a Friend for Double the Fun
Co-op is where LEGO Horizon Adventures really shines. Sharing laughs and coordinating attacks with a friend enhances the overall experience. The game dynamically adjusts difficulty when playing with others, which makes co-op feel more engaging than a standard tag-along feature.
In solo play, you choose your character before entering a level, but cannot switch mid-mission—so choose wisely.
Loads of Customisation, No Microtransactions
Customization is another big draw. Players can change outfits, upgrade their base, and decorate the in-game hub area, known as Mother’s Heart. Outfits range from Horizon-inspired looks to wacky options that you'd never see in the mainline games. The game even lets you transform your base into a mini amusement park or futuristic city using LEGO pieces from other franchises.
Thankfully, all upgrades and cosmetic items are unlockable through in-game currency—there are no real-money transactions required. As players upgrade their base, they’ll receive bonus coin payouts simply by walking past decorated areas.
While character progression is relatively light—mainly focused on gadget enhancements and basic stat boosts—the upgrade system is enough to keep players invested throughout the campaign.
A Worthwhile Adventure for the Right Audience
LEGO Horizon Adventures is priced at ₹3,999 for PC and PS5, matching most LEGO titles. The core story takes about 10 hours to complete, with another 6 to 8 hours of content for completionists.
Whether or not it's worth the price depends on your taste. Fans of Horizon will appreciate the fan service and clever twists, while LEGO enthusiasts will enjoy the creative freedom and slapstick tone. However, newcomers might find the humor and references less impactful without prior knowledge of the universe.
Final Thoughts
LEGO Horizon Adventures blends action and comedy into a vibrant, brick-based reimagining of the Horizon saga. While its story could benefit from more depth, the game excels in visuals, character variety, and fun co-op gameplay. It may not reinvent the wheel, but it’s a solid entry in both the LEGO and Horizon lineups—especially for fans of either.
