Until Dawn Remake Receives Mixed Reactions: What’s Gone Wrong?

A Long-Awaited Remake or an Unnecessary Re-release?

When Supermassive Games announced a remake of Until Dawn, many fans were caught off guard. The original game, released in 2015, was already considered a cinematic masterpiece in the survival horror genre. It’s a cult classic with a devoted following still dissecting its intricate plotlines and choice-based mechanics. So why remake a game that didn’t seem to need it? Well, Until Dawn Remake launched on PC and PS5 yesterday, and the fanbase has been quick to express its displeasure. From underwhelming visual changes to missing beloved features, the remake seems to have missed the mark for many. Let’s dive into the details and uncover why this re-release has garnered “Mixed” reviews on Steam and what the players are saying.

Visual Downgrade: Does the Remake Look Worse?

One of the first red flags raised by fans was the game’s appearance. Strangely enough, despite being a remake, many players claim the game looks worse than its original PS4 counterpart. Complaints of washed-out textures, odd lighting choices, and an aspect ratio that introduces black bars on the screen have surfaced on gaming forums and social media. This has left a lot of players scratching their heads. How could a game that’s supposed to be an upgrade feel like a downgrade?

What makes matters worse is the remake’s inconsistent visual presentation. Certain moments, particularly the darker, more atmospheric scenes that Until Dawn is known for, have lost their edge. Gamers have noted that the remake’s lighting choices have stripped away the moody, eerie ambiance that made the original so tense. It’s like walking into a haunted house where someone forgot to dim the lights it just doesn’t hit the same.

The Soundtrack Swap: Music That Misses the Mark

Perhaps the most glaring omission, and one that has riled up fans significantly, is the alteration of the original soundtrack. The iconic “Oh Death,” which played a critical role in setting the tone for the game, has been removed from the remake. This change has been met with widespread disappointment, with players lamenting how the absence of the haunting opera theme has lessened the game’s emotional impact.

Soundtracks are often the backbone of horror games, creating tension and adding depth to critical moments. But in the remake, the music feels flat, even misplaced at times. Take the scene where Emily finds Beth’s head, for instance. In the original, the strings built up to a crescendo of fear and dread, setting the stage for a heart-stopping reveal. Now, players are greeted with a cutscene accompanied by quiet, unremarkable music, making the moment feel far less impactful. It’s like watching a horror movie with the volume turned down still scary, but not bone-chilling.

PSN Requirement: A Strange, Unpopular Addition

Another major complaint stems from the inclusion of a PlayStation Network (PSN) login requirement. Despite Until Dawn being a single-player game, players are forced to log into PSN, even on Steam. This issue isn’t exclusive to Until Dawn, as other recent PlayStation-to-PC ports, like Helldivers 2, have faced similar backlash. PC gamers have taken to Steam reviews to express their frustration, calling out the unnecessary requirement. It seems trivial, but in the age of digital gaming, forcing players into unnecessary sign-ups can feel like a cash grab.

Imagine sitting down for a solo horror experience, only to be interrupted by a “please log in” prompt. It completely breaks immersion. Gamers, especially those who love PC, want freedom freedom from logins, freedom from online obligations. Instead, this remake feels more like an obligation, and that’s definitely not what fans signed up for.

Bugs and Performance Issues: The PC Nightmare

As if visual downgrades and soundtrack swaps weren’t bad enough, the remake suffers from poor optimization on PC. Players have reported an array of technical issues, including progression bugs, crashes, screen tearing, and performance dips. Some users are experiencing frame rate drops that dip below 30 FPS unacceptable in 2024 for a game that’s been “remade” for modern hardware. The situation is even worse for those with lower-end PCs, as the game seems to demand more from machines than the original ever did.

These performance issues have left many questioning the purpose of the remake. How is it that a game re-released in 2024, with supposedly improved tech, can’t run smoothly on current systems? The original Until Dawn was praised for its cinematic presentation and smooth gameplay, yet here we are almost a decade later staring at bugs that weren’t even in the original version. If anything, these technical problems make it hard to recommend the remake to anyone who hasn’t played Until Dawn before.

The New Ending: A Glimmer of Hope?

Not everything about the remake is a letdown. One notable addition is a brand-new ending that has sparked rumours about a potential sequel. The new scenes tease the possibility of a follow-up to Until Dawn, potentially featuring some of the original characters. Firesprite Studios is rumoured to be the ones working on this future project, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

For some fans, the new ending offers a silver lining amidst the disappointment. It gives the impression that this remake was more than just a simple cash grab there’s intent behind it. However, the additional content is slim barely 30 minutes of new material leaving some questioning whether it’s enough to justify the game’s $60 price tag. The promise of more Until Dawn in the future is enticing, but is it worth playing through an arguably inferior version of the game to experience it?

Community Reactions: Divided Over the Remake

Fan reactions have been nothing short of polarizing. While some appreciate the chance to revisit the Until Dawn universe with enhanced graphics and fresh content, others feel burned by the remake’s shortcomings. Reddit forums and Steam reviews are filled with passionate discussions about the game’s flaws, with players debating whether or not this re-release was even necessary in the first place.

Some diehard fans believe that the remake tarnishes the legacy of the original game, while others, more optimistic, hope that future patches can fix the glaring issues. Ultimately, it seems that this remake has become a topic of debate was it a genuine attempt to breathe new life into an iconic horror title, or was it simply a rushed cash grab?

Is It Worth the Price?

One of the most common complaints revolves around the price point. Many feel that the remake isn’t worth its full $60 AAA price tag, especially considering the limited new content and performance issues. Players have voiced that the original game, which can often be found on sale, offers a more polished experience at a fraction of the cost. This leaves the remake feeling like an expensive curiosity rather than a must-have addition to your gaming library.

If you’re a fan of the original, the remake may feel like a cash grab. However, if you’re new to Until Dawn, it could still be an enjoyable experience just be prepared for some bumps along the way.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity?

The Until Dawn remake had the potential to reignite fans’ love for one of the most beloved horror games in recent history. But with its questionable visual changes, a soundtrack that falls flat, unnecessary PSN login requirements, and performance issues, it’s clear that this re-release has stumbled out of the gate.

While there’s hope that future updates could address some of these problems, the remake’s current state leaves a lot to be desired. If you’re a fan of the original, you might want to stick with the classic. If you’re new to the game, proceed with caution there’s still a fantastic story waiting for you, but you might have to wade through some frustration to enjoy it.