The highly anticipated 2024 remake of “Until Dawn” has arrived, breathing new life into the beloved horror classic that captivated audiences nearly a decade ago. This reimagining retains the core elements that made the original a standout in the interactive storytelling genre while introducing significant updates that enhance the overall experience.
Originally released in 2015, “Until Dawn” is an interactive drama horror game developed by Supermassive Games and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. In January, Sony announced plans to port “Until Dawn” to PC and PS5, assigning the task to the UK studio Ballistic Moon. The remake was released on Oct. 4, making it available on PS5 and PC, unlike the original, which was PS4 exclusive.
The game follows a group of eight friends who reunite at a remote mountain lodge one year after the traumatic disappearance of two sisters, Hannah and Beth. The group plans to reconnect, but as night falls, they become increasingly aware that they are not alone.
The 2024 remake of “Until Dawn” revitalizes one of the most iconic interactive horror games, enhanced with modern technology and fresh content. The original “Until Dawn” pioneered choice-based gameplay and popularized immersive, high-stakes cinematic storytelling. The remake effectively retains the core elements of the original while modernizing it with new features and improvements.
One of the most immediate differences is the graphical overhaul powered by Unreal Engine 5, a game engine used in the development of popular titles like “Silent Hill 2” and “Fortnite.” Every inch of Blackwood Mountain, from its eerie, snow-covered forests to its claustrophobic cabin interiors, has been polished to an impressive level of detail. The characters and creatures, especially the wendigos, look more terrifying and lifelike, adding to the game’s already intense atmosphere.
A standout feature of “Until Dawn” is its iconic cast, which includes talented actors such as Hayden Panettiere, Rami Malek and Ashly Burch. Their performances add depth and authenticity to the characters, elevating the emotional stakes of the narrative.
The remake shifts from the original’s fixed camera angles to a new over-the-shoulder perspective, enhancing exploration and aligning the game with modern third-person horror experiences. This subtle change heightens tension as you peek around corners or face threats up close, while the occasional use of fixed cameras – a nod to the original – maintains suspense in certain scenes.
The core gameplay remains largely the same, with Quick Time Events leading the action and the signature “butterfly effect” system shaping the story and endings based on player choices. However, there are minor additions, like expanded prologues and new endings that hint at potential future content. One intriguing update is the introduction of “hunger” totems, which adds more insight into one character’s horrific transformation.
Despite these improvements, some may find the changes too minor to justify the $60 price point, especially since the original is still available at a much lower cost. While newcomers will likely appreciate the enhanced visuals and additional content, longtime fans may wonder if the remake does enough to set itself apart. Some updates, such as the new soundtrack, fall short of the original. Although the jump scares and atmosphere remain effective, they lack the original’s haunting musical flair.
Ultimately, the 2024 “Until Dawn” remake is a solid effort to revamp a classic, breathing new life into an already gripping story of survival, horror and moral choice. While it may not be a must-buy for returning fans, it’s a worthy introduction for newcomers or PC players experiencing the terror in updated form. Additionally, the new content and hints throughout suggest exciting possibilities for future “Until Dawn” content.