Until Dawn Remake review

First things first, let’s talk visuals. The PS5 has clearly been put to work here. The snowy landscapes are breathtakingly crisp, the character models are far more detailed, and the lighting is absolutely spine-tingling. Remember those slightly janky animations from the original? Gone. Replaced with smoother, more realistic movements that make the whole experience feel far more immersive. You can practically feel the biting wind and the crunch of snow beneath your virtual boots. It's a definite visual upgrade, and it really does enhance the atmosphere. The developers have clearly polished every snowflake and icicle to a dazzling shine.

But prettier graphics don't necessarily make a better game, do they? Thankfully, the gameplay enhancements are more than just a fresh coat of paint. The quick-time events (QTEs), which were a core part of the original, feel more integrated and less… well, quick-timey. They flow more naturally with the action, and some new variations have been added to keep you on your toes. Missing a QTE still has consequences, of course, sometimes gruesome ones, but it feels less like a random button-mashing exercise and more like a crucial part of the narrative.

Speaking of narrative, the story remains largely the same. Eight friends, one creepy mountain, a dark history, and a whole heap of jump scares. You play as each of the teens, making choices that affect their relationships, their survival, and ultimately, the ending of the game. The butterfly effect system is still in full swing, meaning that even the smallest decision can have huge repercussions down the line. Did you pick up that discarded baseball bat? It might just save your life later. Or maybe it'll get you killed. That’s the beauty (and the terror) of Until Dawn.

Now, some might argue that the story is a bit… cheesy. And they wouldn't be entirely wrong. It's a pastiche of every teen horror movie cliché you can think of. But that's also part of its charm. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and it embraces the B-movie vibe with open arms (and probably a chainsaw). The characters are suitably stereotypical, the dialogue is often hilariously awful, and the jump scares are predictable but effective. It's like watching a classic horror flick with your mates, complete with popcorn and ironic commentary.

However, the remake does add some extra layers to the story. There are new collectables to find, which flesh out the backstory of the mountain and its inhabitants. These little nuggets of lore add a bit more depth to the narrative, and they're worth seeking out if you're a fan of the game's world. There are also some subtle changes to character interactions and dialogue, which make some of the relationships feel a bit more nuanced.

But here's the frosty bit. While the visual and gameplay upgrades are impressive, the core experience remains largely unchanged. If you played the original to death, you might not find a whole lot of new content here. It’s more of a refinement than a revolution. Think of it as Until Dawn getting a swanky new ski suit rather than a completely new mountain to climb.

And while the cheesy dialogue and predictable jump scares are part of the game's charm, they can also be a bit… well, cheesy and predictable. If you're looking for a genuinely terrifying horror experience, this might not be it. It's more of a fun, popcorn-munching ride than a truly chilling descent into madness.

So, is Until Dawn on PS5 worth your hard-earned cash? If you’re a newcomer to the series, absolutely. This is the definitive version of the game, and it’s a great way to experience this unique blend of horror and interactive storytelling. If you’re a returning player, it depends. If you’re itching to revisit the mountain with prettier graphics and smoother gameplay, then go for it. But if you were hoping for a completely new experience, you might be left feeling a little… cold.

In short, Until Dawn on PS5 is a solid remake that enhances the original in meaningful ways. It’s not a complete reinvention, but it’s a polished and enjoyable horror experience that’s perfect for a night in with friends (and maybe a few screams). That full 3,999 price tag might scare you more than anything else in the game.