Reborn in Horror: A Scary-Good Visual and Technical Update for the Classic ‘Until Dawn’
Until Dawn: A Thrillingly Terrifying Reboot of the Horror Classic
The original Until Dawn was a groundbreaking horror game that thrilled fans with its tense decision-making and unpredictable storylines. The new reboot takes the best of the original and builds upon it, presenting a more cinematic and immersive experience. Here, we’ll delve into the changes and features that make this a must-play for horror enthusiasts and fans of the original.
Mostly Familiar Frights
The core gameplay, story, and characters of Until Dawn remain largely unchanged from the original. You’ll take on the role of eight young adults who’ve reunited at a remote mountain estate, only to find themselves facing a bloody and terrifying night. Each character has a unique dialogue choice and quick-time event (QTE) mechanism, which determines their fate. The game’s core narrative is highly dependent on the player’s decisions, making it a thrilling experience with multiple endings.
Cinematic Slasher
The new Until Dawn boasts significant upgrades to its visuals and storytelling. The game’s new, more cinematic cutscenes and character models bring a level of realism that’s unmatched in the horror genre. The updated camera system, while still using QTEs, now provides a more flexible and immersive experience, allowing players to move freely and react to situations in real-time.
Accessibility Options
The game features an impressive range of accessibility options, including subtitles, a screen reader, and gameplay difficulty adjustment. You can also customize camera movement, content censoring, and more. These options cater to a broader audience, making the game more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
Should I Play Until Dawn?
Play it if:
- You’re a fan of the original Until Dawn or horror games in general
- You enjoy tense, story-driven experiences with multiple endings
- You’re looking for a game with replay value, thanks to its branching storylines and varied outcomes
Don’t play it if:
- You’re easily disturbed or triggered by violent or mature themes
- You prefer fast-paced action or fast reflex-based gameplay
- You’re not interested in interactive storytelling and decision-making
How I Reviewed Until Dawn
I spent approximately 15 hours playing Until Dawn, completing the main campaign and replaying parts to test the game’s decision-making systems and other features. I played on a PlayStation 5 with a DualSense Wireless Controller, a TCL 4K display with HDR, and Sony’s Pulse Explore earbuds. I also tested the game with PlayStation’s Portal, which made for a thrilling experience while playing in bed.
Overall, Until Dawn is a thrilling horror experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. While it may not bring revolutionary changes to the original, it refines the formula with improved visuals, accessibility options, and a more immersive atmosphere. If you’re a fan of horror games or the original, this is a must-play.
