The introduction of LEGO Horizon Adventures to the Nintendo Switch came as a surprise to many, especially considering the game is also available on more powerful platforms like the PS5 and Windows PCs. While it does not offer the complete experience found on PlayStation and PC, this iteration brings a unique charm to Nintendo’s versatile console. The game, developed by Studio Gobo in collaboration with Guerrilla Games, takes the intense and rich world of Horizon and transforms it into a playful, LEGO-themed adventure.
The story and characters from the original game, including Aloy, Rost, Teersa, and Sylens, are all brought to life with LEGO’s iconic style. Voice actors from the main series return, adding an authentic touch to the characters. The game overall adopts a brighter, more humorous tone compared to the original series, which typically has a more serious atmosphere. This shift is highlighted by Ashley Burch’s vibrant portrayal of a more lighthearted Aloy, bringing a fresh perspective to the familiar heroine.
Gameplay in LEGO Horizon Adventures revolves around venturing from a central hub area called Mother’s Heart. This area serves as a starting point where players can customize and enhance buildings, access different outfits from LEGO’s various themes, and upgrade characters' abilities. Although it initially presents a charming world enriched with customization options, the constant need to return here between missions becomes somewhat cumbersome, making the hub feel more like a forced checkpoint than a part of the immersive world.
The game shines brighter during its missions, fueled by dynamic combat and striking graphics. LEGO Horizon Adventures is visually impressive, particularly when played in docked mode on the Nintendo Switch. The lighting effects and depth-of-field create a visually appealing world, on par with some of the best games available on the console. The performance remains stable even during intense action, maintaining a solid frame rate throughout.
Combat is simplified, as expected in LEGO video games, focusing more on accessibility and less on complexity. Players can choose from four playable characters, each with unique weapons that can harness elemental powers like fire and ice. The combat feels impactful, especially when exploiting the vulnerabilities of robotic enemies, which are highlighted during battles. New gear and abilities like Gravity Bombs and Boost Boots add an extra layer of strategy to confrontations, allowing for satisfying multi-enemy takedowns.
However, the level design does not match the quality of the visuals and combat. Most levels follow a very linear progression with repetitive structures: pathways lead to treasures, ziplines, and climbable areas, concluding in battle arenas where players clear waves of enemies. This repetitive cycle detracts from the game's initial appeal, making the gameplay experience feel monotonous over time.
Another disappointing aspect is the underwhelming implementation of stealth mechanics, which are a cornerstone of the mainline Horizon series. In LEGO Horizon Adventures, stealth is overly simplified and not particularly effective, encouraging direct confrontation over strategic enemy engagement.
As players delve deeper into the game, ‘Apex Hunts’ provide more challenging combat scenarios, targeting specific powerful adversaries, which adds needed variety and excitement to the gameplay. Unfortunately, the game does not allow these missions to be replayed, missing an opportunity to extend its replay value and enjoyment.
LEGO Horizon Adventures on the Nintendo Switch offers an engaging blend of action and adventure, wrapped in the playful charm of LEGO. While it successfully adapts the Horizon series into a format suitable for younger audiences and LEGO fans, it falls short in terms of depth and variety, hampering its potential to be as compelling as its more mature counterparts. The game is a noteworthy visual accomplishment on the Switch and provides enjoyable combat experiences, but its repetitive nature and lack of robust gameplay mechanics may not hold the attention of all players for long.
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