Remaking an existing piece of art can be a challenging endeavor, sparking questions about the motivations behind such a project. The decision to recreate a film or a video game often stems from an admiration for the original. However, it can also hint at an underlying desire to refine or enhance the original’s style and substance.
Through the act of creation, one breathes life into a new vision, but to recreate suggests a contemplation of that original life, perhaps with a fresh perspective. The finest remakes manage to reimagine their source material, discovering fundamental truths within and expanding upon them, often exploring uncharted territories that weren’t addressed in the initial work.
The newly released remake of Until Dawn does not fit this mold. This survival-horror interactive video game does not reinterpret the critically acclaimed PS4 title from 2015. It refrains from delving deeper into the game’s world and characters, leaving its rationale for existence somewhat unclear. Notably, the original version remains accessible on PS5 through backward compatibility at no extra cost for PlayStation Plus subscribers. Yet, the remake doesn’t merely serve as a clone of Supermassive Games’ hit title. It boasts a substantial visual overhaul and includes gameplay modifications—some impactful, others less so—along with character and narrative updates, new locations, and an overhauled camera system, complete with fresh audio and musical scores.
The significance of these modifications is subjective. For players familiar with the original Until Dawn, the remake may not unveil radically new experiences, even if it does enhance nostalgia. Conversely, newcomers to this defining title in interactive horror might find this remake to be the most polished and cinematic means of experiencing its thrilling ride. Regardless of prior engagement, the game remains entertaining, especially for those who enjoy critiquing the poor decisions of teenagers in horror settings—“Why did you split up, you fools!?” Though some technical issues may slightly detract from the experience, the spooky narrative continues to resonate effectively even after nearly a decade.
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While the remake of Until Dawn includes a plethora of adjustments, none are as striking as the visual updates. Ballistic Moon has reconstructed the game using Unreal Engine 5, leading to enhancements that go far beyond a simple facelift. The tonal shift is notable; the original’s icy visual approach, drenched in a bluish tint, has been replaced with a warmer, more cinematic palette that emphasizes richer colors. This alteration has sparked considerable discussion among fans—many may have preferred the cold aesthetic that amplified the setting’s bleakness. The earlier blue filter presented an artistic vision, and altering it may alienate long-time supporters.
Nonetheless, the new visual approach grounds the game in a sense of realism and diversifies the color tones present in various environments. Areas like grimy basements and dilapidated mines now stand apart, showcasing distinct traits without feeling homogenous. The softer and warmer lighting lulls players into a false sense of comfort before the night’s horror takes over.
The Until Dawn remake features softer lighting and a richer color palette
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
Character models have become significantly more detailed, enhancing facial expressiveness and intensifying the emotional journey throughout the game. This evolution allows the story to convey tension and relief more effectively, relying less on dialogue—often perceived as clunky—to communicate character emotions. Improvements in textures and environmental details create a richly immersive experience, as players navigate the snowy landscape of Blackwood Mountain.
The remake introduces a third-person camera angle for certain scenes that originally featured a fixed perspective. This modification brings players closer to the action; however, it compromises the cinematic feel achieved through the original’s static camera approach, detracting from the film-like quality.
Character expressions are notably enhanced in the Until Dawn remake
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
Despite the visual enhancements, the essence of Until Dawn remains intact, chronicling the overlapping stories of eight young adults lured to a remote mountain lodge amid an unfolding horror. The game pays homage to classic teen slasher tropes, featuring character archetypes such as the charming jock, the attractive blonde, the unlikable friend, the reserved nerd, and the virtuous final girl. A year after a tragic incident from a previous gathering, the group’s return to Blackwood Mountain, propelled by Josh’s invitation, sets the stage for terror.
Commencing with a prologue that predates the main events, ten friends gather at Hannah Washington’s lodge for a party. Following a cruel prank, Hannah flees into the woods, prompting her twin sister Beth to pursue her. The sisters encounter a sinister presence and ultimately fall off a cliff. The police declare them missing after an extensive search fails to locate their bodies. The remake reworks this prologue, providing increased screen time for Hannah and Beth, thereby deepening the context behind the tragic prank.
Until Dawn weaves the narrative of eight friends reuniting in a secluded lodge
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
A year later, Josh, played by Rami Malek, invites the friends back to the lodge, burdened by the unresolved trauma of his sisters’ disappearance. While each member of the group harbors hesitations about returning, they support Josh in hopes of finding closure. The night unfolds through ten chapters, where each friend confronts their own personal horrors, ranging from a relentless killer to supernatural forces and the treachery of the mountain itself.
Each character comes equipped with predefined traits and a stat page that reflects their personality—Mike, the appealing jock, embodies charisma and bravery, while Chris, the reserved nerd, exhibits loyalty and methodical thinking. Each character’s stats evolve as they interact with others and make pivotal decisions throughout the night.
Mike is characterized as charismatic and brave
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
Complicated interpersonal dynamics exist among the friends as well. Mike and Jessica, the feisty blonde, are romantically involved, yet Mike still harbors feelings for his ex, Emily, adding layers to their interactions. However, the remake misses an opportunity to make character traits and relationships feel more dynamic. Changes in character stats due to player choices don’t translate into meaningful impacts within the narrative.
Certain details regarding characters and their individual arcs have been refreshed in the remake, but the fundamental branching storylines that intertwine the experiences of the friend group remain unchanged. This horror narrative centers on eight friends faced with deadly challenges over a single harrowing night. Players still have the power to dictate character movements within a structured set of actions influenced by contextual prompts. What players truly control are the decisions that govern their characters’ fates, impacting whether they survive or succumb to the night.
Survival depends on your choices in Until Dawn
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
This capacity for players to shape their storyline was a pivotal aspect of Until Dawn upon its initial release, and it remains a core feature of the remake. Disenchanted with a character? Make poor choices and witness their demise. Fond of a character? Make wise decisions and help them evade gruesome endings. The remake expands the storytelling experience, introducing additional details that enhance character arcs and present new outcomes, along with the exploration of various mysteries entwined within the narrative.
The game’s branching narratives reveal three distinct mysteries—the disappearance of the twins, the mountain’s sinister history dating back to 1952, and the current danger posed by a kill on the loose. Each mystery has its own line of clues that will reward intrepid players who explore the environment in search of context for the mountain’s dark past. While Washington Lodge serves as the main hub, players can explore other locations on the mountain with different characters, including the remains of a sanatorium and the ruins of Blackwood Pines hotel.
Hayden Panettiere stars as Sam, the virtuous final girl
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
Navigating these locations, however, can sometimes be cumbersome. The remake retains some clunkiness from the original while introducing its own. Even with the third-person perspective, tight spaces can pose challenges, and character movements may feel robotic and sluggish. This sensation, coupled with the removal of the ability to sprint or jog, detracts from pacing. Certain critical moments see characters breaking into a run, but such instances are fleeting, leaving most exploration sluggish and sometimes frustrating.
On the plus side, additional collectibles and new areas enrich specific locations. Among these collectibles are Totems, each an artifact hinting at future events based on players’ choices. Exploring rewards players with these valuable items, which can guide them towards success or warn them of dangers. The remake relocates some existing Totems and introduces new variants that provide context for events following the twins’ disappearance. For completionists, Until Dawn provides an engaging experience, merging exploration with meaningful discoveries that enrich the narrative.
Exploring and uncovering clues pays off in Until Dawn
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
In Until Dawn, player choices represent the most vital aspect of gameplay, influencing real-time events and the overall trajectory of the story. The game’s Butterfly Effect feature tracks decisions—both significant and minor—and their consequences throughout the narrative. The remake introduces new paths through the story, allowing for changes in significant character outcomes and a secret ending that raises intriguing questions about possible sequels.
In my playthrough of the original game, I embraced chaos, making the worst choices and leading several characters to their bloody fates. In contrast, my recent experience with the remake saw me take a more cautious approach, ultimately saving all but two characters and unlocking one of the new secret endings. I may revisit the game to explore different paths and outcomes, as the decisions made in Until Dawn provide a uniquely replayable experience.
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Your choices lead the story in Until Dawn
Photo Credit: Sony/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
The question remains: who is the Until Dawn remake intended for? Is it targeted at fans of the original game? If so, the $60 price tag (Rs. 3,999 in India) without an upgrade option for those who already own the 2015 version may discourage previous players. Significant visual enhancements and new content, including altered story resolutions, do provide additional value. However, considering the game’s age and the relatively short playtime, pricing could hinder enthusiasm. Furthermore, the remake is not devoid of bugs and some performance issues, with frame rates capped at 30 fps on PS5.
For PC users, the remake may prove more appealing as it takes advantage of advanced hardware and reaches players new to the franchise. Despite its questionable pricing, Until Dawn’s remake retains its engaging horror narrative. It successfully modernizes a beloved interactive experience, although it falls short of fundamentally refining its gameplay mechanics.
Pros
- Stunning visual upgrade
- Improved character models and facial expressions
- Engaging interactive horror narrative
- Additional collectibles and areas to explore
- New endings and character arcs
- High replayability value
Cons
- High price with no upgrade path for existing players
- Clumsy movement and stiff animations
- Character traits and relationships feel static
- Performance and technical glitches
Rating (out of 10): 7
The Until Dawn remake was released on October 4 for PS5 and PC. This review is based on a version played on the PS5.
The game is priced at Rs. 3,999 on the PlayStation Store for PS5, and on Steam and Epic Games Store for PC.
