LEGO Horizon Adventures: A New Chapter in Aloy’s Journey
A fresh twist on the beloved Horizon series is arriving soon for gaming enthusiasts. "LEGO Horizon Adventures," set to release on November 14 for both PS5 and PC, offers a delightful reimagining of Aloy’s initial journey, presenting the world through the creative and colorful lens of LEGO. In collaboration with Guerrilla Games and Studio Gobo, The LEGO Group has embarked on a mission to bring this unique experience to life, combining storytelling with playful creativity. This post will delve into the intricate process of translating the Horizon universe into the charming world of LEGO, providing insights into the game’s development and what players can expect from this exciting new title.
Behind the Scenes of LEGO Horizon Adventures
The journey to create "LEGO Horizon Adventures" began with a brainstorming session at The LEGO Group’s headquarters in Billund, Denmark. Guerrilla Games and Studio Gobo teamed up with LEGO to blend the serious and immersive world of Horizon with the playful essence of LEGO bricks. According to Kat Woolley, Senior Producer at Studio Gobo, the project was infused with layers of talent, passion, and sheer joy. "Working on a LEGO game is a unique experience," she notes. "We aimed to inject humor, light-heartedness, and silliness into Horizon’s serious narrative to craft an enjoyable adventure."
Stephane Varrault, Design Director at Guerrilla, highlights the game’s thematic focus. "Horizon is centered on the mystery of origins, particularly for Aloy," he explains. "In LEGO Horizon Adventures, we sought to replicate this theme, where every character embarks on a quest to find family, build a home, and forge connections."
Constructing Aloy’s World Brick by Brick
One of the standout features of "LEGO Horizon Adventures" is that everything within the game is crafted entirely from real LEGO bricks. This means players can potentially recreate elements from the game, such as machines, treasure chests, and even the iconic Mother’s Heart, using their own LEGO collections. Lucas Bolt, Guerrilla’s Senior World Artist, emphasizes the importance of replicating Horizon’s stunning natural landscapes in LEGO form. "The vast and beautiful landscapes are a core pillar of the original game," he states. "We had to ensure these elements were captured in the LEGO version as well."
Joe Kyde, Senior Model Designer at The LEGO Group, adds that the attention to detail is what brings the world to life. "You can see every tiny element and how it contributes to the overall experience," he explains.
The creative process involved visualizing the Horizon world in LEGO form, as described by Roy Postma, Art Director at Guerrilla. "We initially built realistic Old World structures from the Horizon series," he recounts. "Then, incorporating official LEGO sets, like a LEGO gas station, it dawned on us that this playful integration could work brilliantly."
Crafting the Machines
An integral aspect of Horizon’s appeal is its intricate machines, and "LEGO Horizon Adventures" is no different. Joe Kyde shares his excitement about the machine design process. "Watching the builds evolve is my favorite part," he says. "It’s fascinating to see teams collaborate to solve design challenges, ensuring the movement and appearance align with our vision."
Studio Gobo’s Game Design Lead, Toño Gonzalaz, explains their approach to designing machines for the LEGO universe. "We started by envisioning how each machine would look in LEGO form," he reveals. "We assessed the traits and behaviors of each machine to determine how best to recreate them with LEGO bricks."
The Shell-Walker, a crab-like machine featured in the game, exemplifies this process. "Its personality was crucial," Toño explains. "Despite its defensive nature, we wanted to portray it humorously."
Frédéric Andre, Creative Lead at The LEGO Group, elaborates on the building process. "We began with the machine’s skeleton and added details, similar to Guerrilla’s original approach," he says. "Adding unique personalities and attacks for each machine creates dynamic and entertaining combat scenarios."
Embracing Player Customization
Customization plays a significant role in "LEGO Horizon Adventures," allowing players to express themselves creatively. From outfits inspired by Aloy’s first adventure to existing LEGO sets, the options are vast. Stephane emphasizes the importance of player freedom as a core pillar of the game. "We designed systems to ensure each combat scenario is unique," he explains. "We also wanted players to have open-ended ways to customize characters and the world."
Kat Woolley shares how different outfits can transform the tone of in-game interactions. "Serious conversations can become hilarious if you’re dressed as a pig or a llama," she notes. "The customization options maintain the Horizon experience while making it feel more liberating and enjoyable."
A Cooperative Experience
The cooperative element of "LEGO Horizon Adventures" enhances the gaming experience, encouraging players to collaborate and face challenges together. "We wanted players to navigate the wilds together, experiencing both triumphs and troubles," Toño shares. Stephane adds, "Whether playing on the same screen or online, having two players interact in the same world adds a new level of engagement."
Conclusion
"LEGO Horizon Adventures" promises to be an exciting addition to both the Horizon and LEGO gaming franchises. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Aloy’s journey or new to the series, the game offers a fun and creative experience with endless possibilities for character customization and combat sequences. With its release on November 14, players can look forward to exploring a world where mystery and playfulness intertwine, all built one brick at a time.
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