The recently released PS5 remake of Until Dawn is facing significant criticism from fans and reviewers alike, many of whom claim the new version fails to capture the magic of the original. While remakes typically promise improved visuals and enhanced performance, this release seems to be offering neither. Many have pointed out that the game’s atmosphere, one of the key elements that made Until Dawn a cult classic, has been altered drastically—mostly due to changes in the game’s lighting.
Fans have noted that the lighting in the PS5 remake is far brighter and less moody than in the original. The gloomy, tense atmosphere that players loved is replaced with a far lighter and less immersive environment. Comparisons between the original and the remake show stark differences, with some scenes appearing almost as though they were set in completely different times of the day. This shift has not gone unnoticed, with numerous players expressing frustration that the lighting alone has significantly affected the horror experience.
The criticism doesn’t stop at aesthetics. Fans are also reporting that the PS5 version of Until Dawn is plagued by performance issues. Reports of frequent bugs, crashes, and technical problems have surfaced across social media, with many calling out the game’s instability. Some players have experienced stuttering, screen tearing, and inconsistent frame rates, making the remake feel more like a step backward in terms of gameplay quality.
Adding insult to injury, the remake is being sold at a steep $60, without any discounted upgrade options for owners of the original game. Unlike other recent remakes, such as Horizon Zero Dawn, Until Dawn offers no $10 upgrade path for previous players. This means that fans who already own the original version are forced to pay full price for a game that, many argue, is inferior to its predecessor.
The backlash has been swift, with user reviews on platforms like Steam quickly dropping to mixed or negative ratings. Players are venting their frustrations, not just about the technical problems but also about the lack of any real improvements in the remake. The consensus seems to be that Until Dawn was a game that didn’t need a remake at all—especially given that the original is still fully playable on PS5 and less than a decade old.
Ultimately, it appears that Until Dawn may join the ranks of recent remakes and remasters that fans feel were unnecessary and poorly executed. Without meaningful upgrades in visuals or performance, and with a host of new technical issues, this remake has left players disappointed and questioning why it was released in the first place.
