The highly anticipated remake of the horror game Until Dawn is set to release on October 4 for PlayStation 5 and Windows PC, and it comes with several exciting updates that go beyond mere graphical improvements. Developed by Ballistic Moon, this 'rebuilt and enhanced' edition of the original 2015 game promises a cinematic update that elevates the visual experience, along with a new ending that has sparked speculation about a potential sequel.
New Ending and Character Fates
One of the most significant additions to the remake is the new ending, which offers an alternative fate for Josh, a character portrayed by Rami Malek. In the original game, Josh's fate was sealed as he became a wendigo after being trapped underground. However, in the remastered version, Josh remains isolated but human, with a voiceover from his psychiatrist, Dr. Alan Hill, suggesting a path to redemption.
Additionally, the remake includes a new epilogue set years after the events of the game, focusing on Sam, played by Hayden Panettiere. The epilogue shows Sam living in Los Angeles, struggling with post-traumatic stress or anxiety, as indicated by medications on her nightstand. She also has a persistent wound resembling a wendigo bite, which refuses to heal. These scenes hint at the long-lasting impact of the events in Until Dawn and may foreshadow future developments in the series.
Enhanced Graphics and Gameplay
The remake features revised cinematography using a combination of fixed and over-the-shoulder camera views, enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes. The new prologue gives the Washington family extra screen time to explore their close family bond, and some original scenes have been reframed to provide better context around the infamous prank. Built using Unreal Engine 5, the game boasts updated character models, environments, interactable props, visual effects, and animations. New accessibility and usability settings, including an alternative to the 'Don't Move' mechanic, have also been implemented.
Speculation on Until Dawn 2
The new ending and epilogue have fueled speculation among fans that a sequel to Until Dawn might be in the works. Job postings from Firesprite Games, a subsidiary of Sony, hint at a 'AAA narrative-driven horror-adventure game' utilizing Unreal Engine 5, which some believe could be Until Dawn 2 . Firesprite Games is known for titles like Horizon: Call of the Mountain , and their involvement in a new branching-adventure game linked to a pre-established IP has further fueled the speculation.
Additionally, a live-action film adaptation of Until Dawn is in production, directed by David F. Sandberg and featuring Peter Stormare reprising his role as Dr. Hill. This multi-media approach suggests that Sony is investing heavily in the Until Dawn franchise, which could include a sequel to the game.
The original Until Dawn was developed by Supermassive Games, known for their branching horror-adventure titles. While Supermassive Games has shifted focus to other projects like The Quarry and the forthcoming Directive 8020 as part of their Dark Pictures anthology, the success of the remake and potential sequel could revitalize interest in the series.
For fans of the survival horror genre, the Until Dawn remake offers a fresh take on a beloved game, with enhanced visuals and new narrative twists. The hints at a potential sequel and the ongoing development of related media projects make this release particularly exciting. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, remakes like Until Dawn serve as a reminder of the enduring appeal of classic horror games and the potential for new stories within established IPs, much like the survival horror genre as a whole.
