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The interactive horror game Until Dawn is set to make a comeback this fall. The genre-defining 2015 game has been overhauled in Unreal Engine 5, and the new version is coming to PlayStation 5 and Windows PC on Oct. 4.
Ballistic Moon is the developer behind the remake, as the original creator, Supermassive Games, is currently working on other projects, including The Casting of Frank Stone. That said, the studio has said that it is “focused on giving the original [Until Dawn] a cinematic update, offering the player a more intimate experience by enhancing the visual storytelling.”
What’s new in the Until Dawn remake?
Similar to its predecessor, the game is set on Blackwood Mountain, where players have to assume control of several characters who must survive the night as a mysterious figure orchestrates their movements, bent on killing them. Ballistic Moon has stated that its intention was not to alter the events of the single-player game, which resembles a classic slasher film in its story.
However, the remade Until Dawn will feature updated character models, environments, interactable props, visual effects, and animations in a bid to maximize the thriller-movie experience on both PS5 and PC. The game has been “relit” using Unreal Engine 5‘s rendering features, including ray tracing and enhanced materials, focusing on a more atmospheric and “modern horror” experience.
Until Dawn launches on PS5 and PC October 4 💀
Discover how this seminal horror game has been rebuilt and enhanced: https://t.co/K4KzBSkcK1 pic.twitter.com/48Aslr3DF6
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) August 14, 2024
The visual improvements are seen through the textures, materials, rendering, and animation performance, which have collectively contributed to the creation of higher-fidelity characters.
The game is also getting a “gory” facelift as pre-rendering simulation techniques will help to create more realistic real-time fluids and a revamped injury mask system. In addition, there are entirely new perspectives and camera angles.
The studio explained: “Blending the cinematography of the original with the introduction of a modern third-person camera, we hope to bring new life to characters and locations.” The camera’s flexibility will showcase important moments and tell the story from a view closer to the characters.
Ballistic Moon also mentions that it has added more collectibles and revamped the prologue to adjust the pacing. The studio is also adding more accessibility and usability settings to allow as many people as possible to experience Until Dawn. The game is available for pre-order beginning Aug. 21.
Featured image: Ballistic Moon
