The remake of Until Dawn on the PlayStation 5 brings back the beloved horror adventure, this time rebuilt with modern visuals and enhanced gameplay mechanics. Set on a remote mountain, the story centers around eight friends who return to a lodge where two of their group disappeared a year earlier. As the plot unfolds, the characters face a series of terrifying events, and the player’s choices determine who survives the night. An essential remake of an early PS4 title, or too soon? We checked it out.
One of the standout features of this version is its use of Unreal Engine 5, which elevates the visuals significantly. From the atmospheric lighting to the detailed environments, everything has been meticulously recreated to immerse players in the eerie surroundings of the isolated lodge. The attention to detail, particularly in facial animations and dynamic character movements, makes the emotional stakes feel even more gripping. The game retains its slasher film roots, but the enhancements provide a fresh take for new players and veterans alike, giving the characters more depth and making their fates even more impactful.
Gameplay-wise, Until Dawn continues to revolve around player choices. These decisions affect not only the branching narrative but also the relationships between characters. The game manages to create tension by making every choice feel meaningful, with consequences that can lead to death or survival for the group. The new third-person camera angle is a notable change from the original, offering a more cinematic experience. It allows players to explore new environments while maintaining the signature horror feel, although the camera shift can occasionally detract from the claustrophobic atmosphere that worked so well in the original release.
The controls have also seen refinement, with smoother character movement and interaction. While some actions still feel a bit cumbersome during intense sequences, the gameplay feels more fluid, especially during the game’s numerous quick-time events. These sequences add urgency and pressure, keeping players on edge, though they might feel repetitive after a while. Still, the enhanced controls and interactions make this iteration of Until Dawn more accessible to modern audiences.
In terms of audio, the remake features an all-new score that heightens the tension throughout. The reauthored audio design helps to pull players deeper into the world, where every sound feels designed to build suspense. The voice acting, supported by a solid cast, remains a key highlight, with nuanced performances that bring the characters’ emotions to life.
But while Until Dawn remains a modern standout title in the horror game genre, it’s possible to argue that the remake does not significantly improve the core experience beyond the graphical upgrades. Despite some additions like new collectibles and environments, the core gameplay and story remain largely unchanged. For those who played the original, the question remains whether the visual enhancements alone are enough to warrant a return, as the PS4 version was already a great-looking game for its time. However, for newcomers, this version offers a polished and atmospheric horror adventure that stands the test of time.
In conclusion, Until Dawn for PlayStation 5 successfully modernizes the original’s suspenseful narrative with stunning visuals and refined gameplay. The choices you make still carry the weight of life and death, and the cast’s strong performances drive the emotional intensity. While the game could have done more to differentiate itself from the original beyond its visual upgrades, Until Dawn remains an essential experience for fans of interactive horror – we’re just not sure it’s an essential upgrade as well.
Score: 7.5/10
Press Play Media 