Until Dawn Remake Review

Until Dawn Remake Review

As a seasoned horror game enthusiast who has survived countless virtual nights trapped in haunted houses and pursued by bloodthirsty monsters, I can confidently say that Until Dawn Remake is a thrilling journey worth taking for any fan of the genre.


In the initial “Scream” film, the protagonist Sydney Prescott is inquired about her preference for frightening movies. She expresses skepticism, stating that such films often follow a repetitive pattern involving an unintelligent murderer pursuing a girl who tends to make ill-advised choices like running up the stairs instead of exiting through the front door. Similarly, many of us believe we would exhibit enough intelligence to endure a horror movie ordeal. The interactive horror experience “Until Dawn” allows horror enthusiasts to put this assumption to the test. This 2015 original is revered as one of the finest horror games for the PS4, and now, almost a decade later, the remake of “Until Dawn” has been released on PC and PlayStation 5.

As a fan, I must admit that the initial “Until Dawn” still holds up visually, and it’s a joy to know I can revisit it on my PlayStation 5 due to backward compatibility. However, some might be puzzled about the necessity of a remake given its price tag of $59.99, especially since the original 2015 version is available for just $19.99 on the PlayStation Store. Initially, there doesn’t seem to be a compelling reason to choose the “Until Dawn” remake over the classic game. If pressed, I would suggest opting for the 2015 version if you only intend to get one. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that the remake is a poor game by any means.

Instead of contrastingly, the remake of “Until Dawn” delivers an outstanding horror gaming journey throughout. It preserves the plot, interactive decisions, and pulse-racing Quick Time Events from its predecessor, while introducing a fresh over-the-shoulder camera view. Initially, I yearned for the fixed camera angles of the original “Until Dawn,” as they evoked nostalgia for classic survival-horror games; however, after a few chapters, I embraced this new perspective change. The over-the-shoulder camera in the 2024 version of “Until Dawn” enhances immersion in the game.

The immersion is crucial in any horror game, and _Until Dawn_ is no different. For those who might not be familiar with it, _Until Dawn_ essentially functions as an interactive horror film where your choices determine survival or death. You’ll have direct control over the unfortunate characters in _Until Dawn_, and you’ll need to make tough decisions for each one if you want them all to survive. Moreover, you’ll influence the dialogue between characters, which affects their feelings towards each other. Each decision you make in _Until Dawn_ has repercussions, significantly increasing its replay value.

Choices Matter in the Until Dawn Remake

In the game “Until Dawn,” a significant idea is presented: the “butterfly effect” – the concept that a minor and seemingly trivial decision can have profound, long-lasting impacts. It’s captivating to witness this principle in action as the story progresses based on the decisions made within the game. Interestingly, “Until Dawn” boasts an engaging narrative even without the added allure that players have a hand in shaping its course.

As a thrill-seeking gamer, I’ve gotta say, stepping into the chilling world of Until Dawn was like being dropped right into a classic slasher flick. The plot twists and turns were so unexpected, they had me on the edge of my seat, heart pounding. It’s best to go in blind about the story, but here’s the lowdown: A group of friends finds themselves trapped at a remote ski lodge on an eerie mountain, only to be plagued by strange and terrifying events. What makes Until Dawn truly stand out is its top-notch performances – Hayden Panettiere, Rami Malek, and the rest of the cast make this game feel like a blockbuster horror movie straight outta Hollywood.

The reimagined version of “Until Dawn” retells the same fundamental story as the 2015 game, with minor adjustments sprinkled throughout. Some modifications in the updated “Until Dawn” include an extended introduction and a fresh conclusion that could significantly impact the series’ future direction. While I don’t believe the additional content warrants spending $59.99 on the remake if you already have the original, the new ending is still quite intriguing.

Until Dawn 2024 Brings New Content to the Table

In the remake of Until Dawn, a fresh start isn’t the only novelty; players can now gather new mystical artifacts called totems while wandering Blackwood Mountain. These totems enhance the story by providing hints about the best course of action in upcoming situations. The updated version of the totems includes a puzzle feature, where players need to rotate them and place them correctly to trigger their visions. However, this doesn’t add any significant challenge or gameplay value, only slightly increasing the time it takes to use a totem. Despite its minor impact, the inclusion of these puzzles makes the totems an intriguing addition to the game, particularly when faced with some of the tough decisions that players encounter.

In essence, the enhancements in the remake of “Until Dawn” aren’t earth-shattering, but its improved graphics truly shine. The original game was visually impressive, but for those craving a more polished visual experience, the remake might be worth the full price tag. The 2024 version of “Until Dawn” boasts stunning character models and environments that are incredibly detailed. While there can be some awkward animations at times, overall, I was greatly impressed by its visual appeal.

It’s too bad that the soundtrack for Until Dawn in this version doesn’t measure up to the 2015 one. One particularly noticeable shortcoming is the absence of the song “O Death” from the intro, which I believe was a key part of the original. It’s unclear whether there were licensing issues preventing its use in the remake, but it’s certainly unfortunate that it’s no longer included. The new track, “Out of the Shadows,” is decent, but it’s hard not to feel let down by the omission of “O Death.

In a nutshell, the original version of “Until Dawn” is more advisable due to its soundtrack change, lower price, and PS5’s backward compatibility, yet the remake remains a top-notch game with stunning visuals and an engaging storyline. It also offers some additional content worth exploring. However, at $59.99, the remake might be too expensive for some, especially for PlayStation users who may find more value in sticking with the original and discovering its new ending. On the other hand, PC-only gamers might find it worthwhile to give the remake a try.

Until Dawn is out now for PC and PS5. Game Rant was provided with a PS5 code for this review.

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2024-10-09 00:53