Despite its flaws, the Until Dawn PlayStation 5 remake is a worthy addition to any horror collection—here’s why.
The Until Dawn remake for PlayStation 5 is a must-have for horror fans, blending the suspenseful storytelling of a classic slasher flick with the interactivity of a choose-your-own-adventure game. Originally released in 2015 for the PS4, Until Dawn wasn’t a huge commercial success at launch. However, thanks to its unique gameplay mechanics, gripping narrative, and cinematic appeal, it became a cult classic over time.
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Players were drawn to the game’s butterfly effect system, where seemingly small decisions could lead to wildly different outcomes, and the tension of trying to keep a group of teens alive during a harrowing night in the woods left a lasting impression. The game was also praised for its lifelike graphics at the time, which captured the terrifying atmosphere and heightened the immersive experience.
One of the reasons Until Dawn resonated with so many fans was its connection to the 90s and early 2000s era of teenage horror movies. The cast, featuring Hollywood talent like Hayden Panettiere and Rami Malek, brought the characters to life in a way that echoed films like Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and Final Destination. These movies played with the tropes of the slasher genre while adding layers of mystery and supernatural elements, much like Until Dawn does. The game’s story follows a group of friends reuniting for a winter getaway, only to be picked off one by one as they uncover a dark secret. Its narrative and characters hit all the right notes for fans of teen horror, mixing relatable drama with heart-pounding terror, and ultimately crafting a story that felt fresh yet familiar.
Even today, the original PS4 version holds up surprisingly well, with its detailed environments and highly realistic facial animations. The atmospheric lighting and eerie sound design are still impressive, and the game’s immersive world continues to captivate players. However, with the PS5 remake, Supermassive Games decided to take things up a notch. This isn’t just a remaster—it’s a full remake, rebuilt from the ground up to take advantage of the power of the PlayStation 5. The visuals are sharper, the lighting more dynamic, and the horrifying creatures lurking in the dark even more terrifying. At times, it feels like a completely new experience, and for fans of the original, it’s an exciting update.
That being said, the remake isn’t without its flaws. Unfortunately, the game launched with a few technical issues, including some frame-rate stutter and crashes that disrupted the flow of gameplay. There were also problems with character movement and animations breaking at crucial moments, which could pull players out of the immersion. These are relatively minor issues, however, and are likely to be patched in future updates, but they do stand out in an otherwise polished experience.
One of the most divisive aspects of the remake is its graphical enhancements. While the environments, lighting, and facial expressions are undeniably improved, some fans feel that the characters now have a more toon-like appearance, reminiscent of Uncharted 4 rather than the hyper-realism of Detroit: Become Human. Depending on personal taste, this could be seen as a pro or a con, but it’s worth noting that the game looks stunning overall. There’s just one major disappointment: the water physics. In a game that looks as visually impressive as this, it’s a shame that the water doesn’t react realistically, breaking the immersion when characters step into rivers or lakes.
Despite these minor setbacks, the Until Dawn remake still offers the same thrilling story with several improvements, including extra endings and added features that make it feel like a true director’s cut. It even hints at a sequel, which fans are eagerly awaiting. For collectors, there’s also the bonus of a physical copy for the PlayStation 5, making it a must-have for anyone who enjoyed the original or simply loves a good horror game.
Until Dawn on PS5 is the perfect game to revisit this Halloween season. With improved visuals, a few new surprises, and the same heart-pounding tension, it’s ideal for a spooky night in with a cup of hot cocoa and someone to cling to when things get too intense. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, the Until Dawn remake is an experience horror lovers won’t want to miss.
Editor’s note: We received a promotional copy of Until Dawn on the PlayStation 5 for purposes of this review.