Until Dawn review

Until Dawn review

As a seasoned gamer who’s been through the horror genre’s gauntlet, I can confidently say that Until Dawn on PS5 is a chilling reminder of why I fell in love with interactive terror tales. Nine years might have passed since its initial release, but this Unreal Engine 5 remake still manages to freeze my blood and test my nerves like nothing else.


Among console horror games, the PS4 edition of Until Dawn stood out as one of the most innovative. Unlike typical slasher films where teenagers are hunted and killed in gruesome ways, this game placed us in a position of power, allowing us to make decisions that could lead to their untimely demise. Recently, Ballistic Moon has revamped the original using Unreal Engine 5. Although it introduces some changes to give it a fresh feel after nine years, the core tense narrative remains, and the visuals are significantly enhanced.

To begin, you find yourself in a secluded forest cabin (with an updated introduction), where a motley crew of teenagers, each fitting their respective stereotypes, reside. Reflecting on my past, I can’t help but find many of these characters grating and exasperating. Despite my intention to ensure their survival, I must admit that I wasn’t disheartened when one met an untimely demise. The narrative is riddled with unexpected plot developments, and the outcome changes based on decisions made. Consequently, certain aspects of the story might be overlooked during a single playthrough, necessitating multiple replays to uncover every detail.

Until Dawn review

As a gamer, I must admit, though the narrative remains quite similar, there are subtle differences and fresh twists along the way. New endings hint at future installments in the series, which was intriguing to experience. However, these changes alone wouldn’t compel me to purchase it over the 2015 version. The original game continues to shine even after nearly a decade, making it challenging to justify choosing this newer release. But let me assure you, the visual upgrades in this edition are truly impressive and definitely worth appreciating!

The character animations are remarkably lifelike, featuring convincing facial expressions and movements. The lighting enhancements are so dramatic that the game almost feels like an enticing brochure for a winter vacation in a picturesque mountainous location, rather than a horrifying slasher movie. To fully enjoy the visuals, a new camera angle over your shoulder has been introduced, enabling you to delve deeper into the settings. The rotating camera allows for comprehensive exploration, although there aren’t many interactive elements; it’s still enjoyable to move around more freely in Until Dawn.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that the character movement feels a bit heavy at times, giving off an unsteady vibe, as if some characters are tipsy or under the influence. Roaming around freely can feel like navigating through a world inhabited by slightly inebriated characters. Scattered throughout Until Dawn, you’ll come across Totems that can be manipulated to reveal a tiny beam of light, hinting at possible outcomes for future events in the story. These outcomes often depict a character’s demise.

Until Dawn review

Listening to teenagers babble might be a distraction, but the spine-tingling moments are absolutely captivating. At certain points, gripping the controller tightly instills a sense of fear, and missing out on quick-time events can lead to serious consequences. Despite some enhancements from the original, it retains those nerve-wracking and thrilling sequences that remain just as effective today. Let me clarify, you’ll still derive the same enjoyment from the original, but the refinements by Ballistic Moon add depth and make the experience even more immersive on modern gaming platforms.

On PS5, diving into Until Dawn feels like stepping into a more visually stunning world, and the revamped camera angles add a fresh layer of immersion. However, I found the controls a tad less responsive than desired. A dash button would’ve made navigating the game faster and more fluid. Most characters don’t exactly win your heart, but Rami Malik’s performance is nothing short of remarkable. If you missed out on this game initially, it’s tough not to endorse the remake. But even if you’re a returning player, Supermassive’s 2015 classic still offers a rich gaming experience that’s hard to ignore.

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2024-10-11 16:16