Story. That’s the strongest point ofUntil Dawn. If there’s any reason to play this game, it’s for the masterful storytelling. Imagine watching an A-rated horror/suspense flick where you control the fate of every character. The game consists of ten chapters, a prologue, and intermissions between each chapter.
The quick prologue serves as a tutorial, introducing the characters, controls, and how decisions impact the story. It sets the tone and establishes the stakes.
Chapter by chapter
The first chapter does a great job of introducing the characters and their relationships. I could see how everyone is distinct from each other; their unique perspectives and insights guided my choices. Whenever I faced a major decision, I’d think about what this character would do, rather than what I would do, which I think was exactly what the developers intended. My first playthrough made me feel biased toward some characters, naturally affecting my decisions.
Chapters two and three build suspense with jealousy, threats, abductions, loss, and deception, one after another. Questions start piling up—who did this, why did that happen, and what’s going on? This is also where I began to form my own theories, constantly trying to piece things together.
Chapters four to six are the most gripping parts of the story. Some questions are answered through notes, evidence, and clues scattered around, though each answer often brings more questions. The pacing between different characters’ stories is exceptionally done, keeping the tension high.
The final chapters are amazing. They wrap up the story satisfyingly, answering my questions and debunking my theories. Although I was disappointed, I couldn’t save one particular character at the end, the conclusion felt rewarding.
Overall, I enjoyed the emotional highs and lows of the story. The jump scares were intense—my wife, watching beside me, would slap my arm every time one popped up. It’s like an interactive mix of Cabin in the Woods, IT, and Saw.
Visually haunting
I played the PS5 remastered version and it’s gorgeous. The breathtaking views of Blackwood Mountain left me in awe, and the attention to detail throughout the game is incredible. From falling snow particles to drenched clothing and realistic footprints in the snow, every element adds to the atmosphere.
The character redesigns are especially well done. Bloody cuts, scratches, and dirt accumulate realistically, and even their clothes become tattered, stained, and soaked over time, which is a great touch. I was particularly impressed by the finer details, like how blood interacts with characters’ hair, the misty fog that you see when the character breathes in and out the cold air, the visible veins on their hands, and even the subtle fuzz on the fabric. Each of these small details really enhances the sense of realism.
In one memorable scene, a character is taking a bath, and the water effects on their skin are surreal. When the scene transitioned to gameplay, I was surprised to see that effect persist, with the light catching droplets on their skin, making them glimmer. This level of detail is truly commendable.
Sound’s scary
The audio in this game is incredible. The voice acting is top-notch; Rami Malek’s portrayal of Josh is impressive, Hayden Panettiere performance is noteworthy, and Peter Stormare is iconic. The casting is spot-on.
The music does a great job of setting the mood and intensifying the atmosphere of each scene. It may not be memorable in terms of a traditional soundtrack, but it certainly makes your heart pound.
The sound effects—screeches, footsteps, gusting wind—all enhance the game’s polish.
Each decision carries weight
If you’ve never played an interactive novel before, you might wonder: did I really play the game, or did I just watch it while occasionally pressing buttons?
Until Dawn’s gameplay combines QTE (quick-time event) cutscenes and third-person exploration. It might sound a bit dull, but when you realize that every decision you make impacts the story, even small choices feel significant. The weight of each button press is intense when a single decision could mean life or death for a character.
Sure, the game may only ask you to press L2 or R2, but when L2 could kill your love interest and R2 could kill your childhood best friend, those buttons start to feel pretty meaningful.
This is where the game truly shines. The decisions you have to make feel important. Sometimes you have ample time to consider your choice, but other times you only have seconds. Then there are moments when the only real choice is not to choose at all.
Premonition totems
One feature I’m not entirely a fan of is the premonition totems. These collectible totems are scattered throughout the game, showing you premonitions of future events—death, fortune, and other significant outcomes. While I enjoy collectibles in games, knowing a potential death scene in a game where decisions matter feels like it influences my choices or pushes me to avoid certain outcomes. Plus, the characters don’t react to these visions, making me think the premonitions are shown only to the player.
For instance, there’s a death totem where a character is shot, and when I reached that decision, I was torn. The totem seemed to suggest I should shoot her, but I still had the choice not to. Even though I disliked the character and wanted her to die, the premonition made me feel as though her fate was already sealed.
Is this your GameMatch?
Until Dawn isn’t just a game; it’s a thrilling, interactive horror experience that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The story, graphics, and audio all come together to create an intense journey where every decision matters. If you’re a fan of horror, this game is well worth your time.
