Horizon has its own merits which makes it stand out. Enemy design or better said the machines are among the best enemies ever created in an open world game. Also where the main quest is linear the game gives you a lot of freedom how to deal with enemies, it's not just shooting or slamming them with a stick and every option is always available.
A Thunderjaw would make a good boss fight in most games, Horizon just have them as a regular enemy. The story is pretty interesting and characters have much more character than in HZD. Comparing this game with Elden Ring and Zelda is pointless because they are massively different.
Story wise Zelda and Elden Ring don't offer much, unless you count a few cutscenes and a recycled plot (within the same franchise) as a good story. Combat is an area where mostly Elden Ring is very successful, but in a totally different way. Where Horizon offers freedom galore in ways of taking enemies down, you specialise a build in Elden Ring to take down enemies with either Heavy slow weapons, Light and fast weapons or with magic.
Each of these games have their own pros and cons. Horizon doesn't offer much in puzzles and mostly relies on its combat, story and presentation. Elden Ring and Zelda go for freedom. Elden Ring has its difficulty and learn by doing concept nailed it's tough, but also fair. Zelda relies much more on its puzzles and exploring. Each great games in their own regard.
Please excuse my (probally) poor grammar
