Originally released in 2015, Until Dawn marked a generation of gamers with its cinematic approach to interactive horror. 9 years later, the game is making a comeback, remastered for PlayStation 5 and PC. This remake, developed under Unreal Engine 5, promises unprecedented visual immersion while remaining faithful to the spirit of the original game.
Beautiful graphics…
With Until Dawn on PS5, we find what makes the original game so special: a survival story with multiple branches, in which each choice can lead to more or less negative consequences (more or less death, in fact). The experience is enriched with an improved graphics environment, where light and raytracing effects create an atmosphere close to what we see in certain horror films. The settings are sumptuous, offering a level of detail that fits well with the capabilities of the PS5. However, despite the finesse brought to the character models, we still see some imperfections: the faces can seem frozen and certain elements, such as the teeth, lack realism.
…but laborious travel
The game retains its side interactive cinema from the 2010s, but it’s a bit dated compared to today’s standards, especially what games like The Last of Us. However, he knows how to capture attention. The game mechanics, on the other hand, reflect their age: moving a character to interact with an object is sometimes laborious and the lack of fluidity is felt. This is an aspect that fans of the original game will recognize, although it may frustrate those used to faster, more responsive gameplay. Note that this edition offers new customization options, such as the “Stay Calm” mode which can replace the original “Don’t Move”, a welcome addition for those preferring a different challenge or using peripherals without a gyroscope.
A story full of clichés
The story, for its part, draws on classic horror codes: between the clichés with twists and turns of the films slasher as Scream and more fantastic elements, Until Dawn manages to maintain sufficient tension, even if fear sometimes gives way to a smile in the face of the stereotypes of the characters. The prologue has been revised to give more depth to the Washington family and strengthen character attachment, while new totems and hidden areas encourage exploration.
Conclusion
Until Dawn PS5 version offers a nice dose of nostalgia for fans and renewed pleasure for new players. This graphic facelift, without revolutionizing the experience, allows us to rediscover this horrific adventure in a modern light. A thrill still there, despite the slightly aging mechanics.
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