Until Dawn

 PlayStation 4
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Aug 25, 2015
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3764 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,056 out of 3764
  2. Mixed: 462 out of 3764
  3. Negative: 246 out of 3764
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  1. Kansler
    Aug 24, 2017
    7
    A middle way between Telltale's adventure games and the survival horror of Resident Evil. A very engrossing story and presentation, although full of horror cliches and some annoying teenage characters. Despite the branching nature of the story, I didn't feel the need to go back and play it again, but the first run was very memorable. Unlike many other "choose your own adventure" titles,A middle way between Telltale's adventure games and the survival horror of Resident Evil. A very engrossing story and presentation, although full of horror cliches and some annoying teenage characters. Despite the branching nature of the story, I didn't feel the need to go back and play it again, but the first run was very memorable. Unlike many other "choose your own adventure" titles, Until Dawn definitely makes you feel like your actions have consequences. Some really horrific ones...… Expand
  2. Tal_Kalon
    Nov 1, 2015
    7
    I rented this game and finished over the course of three days. I'm not big on horror movies / games, but I wanted something to play for Halloween and this fit the bill. I think its a solid rental choice but not worth 60 dollars.

    Game has incredible environments and fantastic character models. The character's faces are definitely uncanny valley stuff, but from a distance I'd swear they    I rented this game and finished over the course of three days. I'm not big on horror movies / games, but I wanted something to play for Halloween and this fit the bill. I think its a solid rental choice but not worth 60 dollars.

    Game has incredible environments and fantastic character models. The character's faces are definitely uncanny valley stuff, but from a distance I'd swear they were footage of real people, just very well done.

    At the beginning I felt like I was piecing together a mystery, and it my main drive to continue playing. That said, as the game progressed and the story came together I just wanted it to pick up the pace and end.

    I still don't understand why these teens go on vacation to a lodge during a harsh Canadian winter and never turn on the heat or one single light, except late in the game when they're told its a bad idea. They also wade through rivers up to their waists.

    There are times when the story just made no sense to me, but I won't spoil anything. Characters make some insane choices that you have no control over. I mean, if you were told to stay put for one more hour till its daylight, would you choose to go out into the dark alone where people have died? I understand the game would be pretty boring if you just waited out the danger but at least give me a plausible motive for decisions like this, and the classic "let's split up" bit.

    The game has a stats in the form of characteristics as well as a relationship status bar. These play
    no role in anything, so far as I can tell.

    I can't really provide much insight into just how important your choices are, other than determining who lives and who dies, as I have only done one play through. The game is roughly 10 hours long, and I don't feel like doing another play through - the Red-box is still picking rummaging through my wallet.

    Once beaten, the game does allow you to start at various chapters to try and alter the story.
    I don't know how much the endings vary; only two people survived in my play through.

    I know I've mostly went on about the issues I've had with the game but its well worth a rental if you're in the mood for Quick Time Event, choose your own adventure horror.    … Expand
  3. Markos-
    Oct 13, 2020
    8
    This one flew under my radar for a long while until I gave it a try by pure chance. What a great surprise!
    It's intense and scary, requires of steel nerves and will put your reflexes to test, too.
    Visually is fairly great considering it was released in 2015. Totally recommended if you have run out of ideas for a fun game to play with your partner (it's not coop but you can take turns    This one flew under my radar for a long while until I gave it a try by pure chance. What a great surprise!
    It's intense and scary, requires of steel nerves and will put your reflexes to test, too.
    Visually is fairly great considering it was released in 2015.
    Totally recommended if you have run out of ideas for a fun game to play with your partner (it's not coop but you can take turns with the controller as we did), and are in for a scary one :)    … Expand
  4. RealMuthaF
    Feb 25, 2019
    8
    A pretty good interactive movie quite on par with David Cage’s better works like Heavy Rain. Special props for the motion controls, which work surprisingly well and increase the immersion a bit. My only gripes would be the predictability of some plot twists (not all, though) and the fact that the game is just not scary at all. It can get a bit tense, but that’s it, UD only relies onA pretty good interactive movie quite on par with David Cage’s better works like Heavy Rain. Special props for the motion controls, which work surprisingly well and increase the immersion a bit. My only gripes would be the predictability of some plot twists (not all, though) and the fact that the game is just not scary at all. It can get a bit tense, but that’s it, UD only relies on incessant annoying jump scares to frighten you, which rarely work. Still, enjoyed this one and looking forward to what Supermassive Games will do next.… Expand
  5. vervain
    May 23, 2019
    8
    Highly satisfying for fans of cinematic-style survival horror (like me!) The action is downplayed somewhat n favor of establishing ambience, but when it does happen, it grips you like a chill-wind slap in the face. The characters, overall, are well crafted, superbly acted and made me care about the storyline.
  6. Jack97
    Sep 9, 2017
    7
    Until Dawn is undoubtedly a unique gaming experience. It's tributes to the horror genre are cool and it's visually appealing. I like the decision making and how it altered certain things, but that's the thing - it only alters certain events within the story. The story will always be the same only with maybe some character deaths and some revelations into their feelings. I was a bitUntil Dawn is undoubtedly a unique gaming experience. It's tributes to the horror genre are cool and it's visually appealing. I like the decision making and how it altered certain things, but that's the thing - it only alters certain events within the story. The story will always be the same only with maybe some character deaths and some revelations into their feelings. I was a bit disappointed that you can't REALLY alter the story with your choices. I don't think the game fully capitalized on it's potential but for what it is I enjoyed playing it but I don't see myself playing it again.… Expand
  7. iKen
    May 22, 2020
    8
    Played on PS4 Pro.
    Gameplay: GOOD
    Graphic: GREAT
    Story: GREAT
    Music/Sound : GOOD
    Dialogue/Voice Acting: GOOD
  8. StriderKiwi
    Mar 13, 2022
    10
    One the best PS4 exclusives, and easily the best game Supermassive has made. I don't understand why they never did a full sequel. This game is terrifying and creative. It does a better job than most of the David Cage games and other choose your own adventure style games. While the characters aren't as fleshed out as TellTale's early Walking Dead and Wolf Among Us games, they change basedOne the best PS4 exclusives, and easily the best game Supermassive has made. I don't understand why they never did a full sequel. This game is terrifying and creative. It does a better job than most of the David Cage games and other choose your own adventure style games. While the characters aren't as fleshed out as TellTale's early Walking Dead and Wolf Among Us games, they change based on how you make them act early on which is cool. This game is good playing solo or with friends (trading off with characters). Graphically it still looks good too. One of the last great horror games (at least until the Dead Space remake comes out). The game is cheap now too. Seriously just buy it you won't regret it.… Expand
  9. Prequel
    Oct 23, 2019
    7
    Story starts off cliched, then stops being cliched only to be ridiculous.
    Split second forced key prompts shape the story in the most unjust way and there is no way to change them without replaying whole chapters. Player doesn't get to see the consequences of their choices, they get to see the consequences of their button pressing skills. Whoever still thinks this is a good idea to shape    Story starts off cliched, then stops being cliched only to be ridiculous.
    Split second forced key prompts shape the story in the most unjust way and there is no way to change them without replaying whole chapters. Player doesn't get to see the consequences of their choices, they get to see the consequences of their button pressing skills. Whoever still thinks this is a good idea to shape a story needs to be fired.

    And the locked camera is terrible with this game. 80% of the time you are expected to move a character looking at them 10 meters away, from the ground. It's impossible to see what's ahead. If they thought this type of camera was really important to the game when it really isn't, they should've done a better job directing them.    … Expand
  10. sd11
    May 20, 2018
    10
    One of my favourite ps4 games this gen. A change of pace from other games and highly recommended to all. Your actions in game have a profound effect on the story and characters which off great replay value. Can you save them all?
  11. mijan
    Jan 8, 2020
    8
    I was really surprised with this game, didn't expect much yet I had great time playing the game. Game is beautiful, some mechanics are kinda awkward but game is fun and story is interesting till the end.
  12. HipsterMonster
    Sep 27, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Really good atmosphere combined with a good story is always a good sign. The only thing I didn't like about this game is how cheap the butterfly effect is. Don't get me wrong, it was pretty well designed. The problem is that it only affected who lived or died, but it did not change progression of the game whatsoever. And even where you had the chance to choose sometimes there was nothing you could do about it (SPOILER: When Josh "dies" for the first time).… Expand
  13. houyi111
    Jun 29, 2016
    8
    A very unique game with an amazing presentation that exceed my expectation. I think the impact of the choices has actually weight here and I like the cheesy horror setting combined with decent storyline and twists. Hopefully they will make another game like this.
  14. SaberEdge
    Jan 26, 2019
    8
    Until Dawn is a great game. Easily one of my favorite PS4 exclusives. I guess my enjoyment of this game is related to my love of Choose Your Own Adventure books as a kid. The story is awesome and your decisions have major consequences on how the story plays out. You can play it several times trying out different choices and seeing the results. Anyway, this game has a great spookyUntil Dawn is a great game. Easily one of my favorite PS4 exclusives. I guess my enjoyment of this game is related to my love of Choose Your Own Adventure books as a kid. The story is awesome and your decisions have major consequences on how the story plays out. You can play it several times trying out different choices and seeing the results. Anyway, this game has a great spooky atmosphere and is a blast to get lost in.… Expand
  15. czg
    Nov 20, 2021
    5
    Paid 17 quid for this overhyped game, even that was too much.

    The story and the clue gathering could be interesting, but... - Characters are dumb, annoying, one-dimensional teenager jocks and drama queens. - Jumpscares. - QTEs WITHOUT A RELOAD FEATURE. Missed one button prompt? Too bad, the likeable character is now dead and you will have to play through the entire 5-hour game with    Paid 17 quid for this overhyped game, even that was too much.

    The story and the clue gathering could be interesting, but...
    - Characters are dumb, annoying, one-dimensional teenager jocks and drama queens.
    - Jumpscares.
    - QTEs WITHOUT A RELOAD FEATURE. Missed one button prompt? Too bad, the likeable character is now dead and you will have to play through the entire 5-hour game with the rest of the **** cast. No, there is no reload. I'd like to send a heartfelt **** you to the designers.
    - Oh wow, the visuals! Not bad, I'd say, I just can't understand why every character has a full set of dentures from the whitest porcelain.

    Good for you: if you like trash horror and mediocre gamedesign.

    Overall, it will worth its price when it's in the £3 bargain bin.
    Tip for the designers: flashing the word 'intelligent' next to a character will not make them so, they have to act like that through the story.    … Expand
  16. Mahdiar
    Feb 12, 2016
    6
    Gameplay : 5
    Graphics : 8
    Story : 7
    Sound : 8
    **********************************************************************************
    Overall : 6
  17. FreedomFighters
    Feb 5, 2018
    8
    Never, and I mean EVER, have I been more conflicted about rating a game in my life. "Until Dawn" was a game that managed to grab me in ways that few other games have. It sucked me in to the point where I didn't want to put the controller down (and if it wasn't for a massive headache I had gotten from playing the game for 5 hours straight, I wouldn't have put the controller down). Based onNever, and I mean EVER, have I been more conflicted about rating a game in my life. "Until Dawn" was a game that managed to grab me in ways that few other games have. It sucked me in to the point where I didn't want to put the controller down (and if it wasn't for a massive headache I had gotten from playing the game for 5 hours straight, I wouldn't have put the controller down). Based on how much fun I had playing the game and my engagement with the story and my choices, I would LOVE to give this game a perfect 10, but unfortunately, that would indicate that I loved the game in all aspects, and unfortunately, I don't want to look biased. That said, this is one of the few games where I can safely say that the final score the game receives will GROSSLY undersell just how fun the game is to play.
    "Until Dawn" has plenty of things to like: choices that actually matter, photorealistic visuals, a great soundtrack, wonderful acting, and an outstanding parodic approach to the horror genre. More importantly, it's just plain fun. As silly as the story can get, it's incredibly engaging, and it makes you feel excited for just how much the tiniest choices can impact the way the plot unfolds.
    Unfortunately, it's not a perfect experience. While the visuals are mostly stunning, some of the character's faces and animations are a little off-putting. Not only that, but the story starts to veer off into ridiculousness in the second half. The first half is absolutely impressive, but the story loses some of its luster late in the game, and unfortunately just becomes less exciting. Not only that, but from a gameplay standpoint, it's not super-exciting either. The game is filled with scripted cinematics, meaning you'll be watching a decent bit of the game instead of playing it. This has been done a lot before and it can be off-putting for some gamers.
    Overall, though, don't let my 8 out of 10 rating for the game raise ANY doubt, "Until Dawn" is a lot of fun and it's a game I feel horror fans and PlayStation 4 owners should absolutely not miss out on. If you have a PlayStation 4 and you've been ignoring this game, you need to stop doing that. Do yourself a favor and play this game. It's a worthwhile edition to any PlayStation 4 collection.
    Final rating: 8 out of 10 "Great"    … Expand
  18. rjmacready
    May 24, 2020
    10
    Two things that are really hard to pull off:

    a. "Plot twists" that actually make sense.

    b. "Interactive novel"-style games in which your choices genuinely affect events.

    The highest kudos to the developers of Until Dawn for pulling off BOTH of these feats, and creating a highly entertaining product besides.
  19. DeusXCom
    Aug 18, 2017
    7
    Pretty solid horror experience. Audio/visual quality and the overall presentation is quite high and there is no shortage of scary or shocking moments which is what you mostly want from a horror. There might be a little too many typical teen cliches thrown in but at least it changes pace in the second half, the entire thing also escalates a little too quickly to my taste, I always enjoyPretty solid horror experience. Audio/visual quality and the overall presentation is quite high and there is no shortage of scary or shocking moments which is what you mostly want from a horror. There might be a little too many typical teen cliches thrown in but at least it changes pace in the second half, the entire thing also escalates a little too quickly to my taste, I always enjoy horrors at the beginning when the tension is building up before it gets all crazy and that's cut pretty quickly here. In terms of gameplay it's just some basics, with various QTE thrown in, this is more about the story and decisions you make than the actual gameplay, but in terms of horror experience you get from it, it works pretty well. 7/10… Expand
  20. wheels_of_fire
    Jun 20, 2020
    8
    I picked this game up quite some time ago with little to no expectations. But oh boy, this turned out better than I anticipated.

    Until Dawn is a love letter to horror movies. You can get anything you can expect from a horror story in this game. Creepy locations, wonderful visuals and lighting, a nice mystery and well-rounded cast. Everything works the way it should. If you like    I picked this game up quite some time ago with little to no expectations. But oh boy, this turned out better than I anticipated.

    Until Dawn is a love letter to horror movies. You can get anything you can expect from a horror story in this game. Creepy locations, wonderful visuals and lighting, a nice mystery and well-rounded cast. Everything works the way it should.

    If you like horror stuff, play this gem at night. Turn the lights off and have fun.    … Expand
  21. jazzythechef
    Dec 18, 2016
    8
    A pretty good game, atmospheric, good voice acting, story line is ok as far as cheesy teen horror goes. I played it through twice to try different things and there is a reasonable amount of variation in the results, As an ageing gamer I have come to appreciate the interactive movie style of game, I'm really over shooting stuff to be honest. overall I found this to be a satisfying escape.
  22. SoftwareLibre
    Mar 8, 2016
    8
    I just picked this game up on a PSN flash sale. Until Dawn is somewhat similar to Quantic Dream's "Heavy Rain" or Ready at Dawn's "The Order 1886" in that the game graphics look amazing and there are a lot of quick time events, but the way it plays, it is more accessible and easy to get, like e.g. a Telltale Game. The character's unfortunately frequently fall into the Uncanny Valley (likeI just picked this game up on a PSN flash sale. Until Dawn is somewhat similar to Quantic Dream's "Heavy Rain" or Ready at Dawn's "The Order 1886" in that the game graphics look amazing and there are a lot of quick time events, but the way it plays, it is more accessible and easy to get, like e.g. a Telltale Game. The character's unfortunately frequently fall into the Uncanny Valley (like in Heavy Rain).
    It's really fun, atmospheric, with a lot of jump scares. I like how the decisions that you make in the game have a consequence how the story plays out and who survives. On the other hand, when I finished the game, I was not really motivated to play it again. Overall a nice and recommended entry in this genre.    … Expand
  23. Meth-dude
    Nov 4, 2016
    10
    It's easily one of the best games I have ever played. The story was good, the graphics were amazing, it was violent and the acting was good. The fact that the choices you make really do matter makes this game even better. I highly recommend it.
  24. Hack
    Apr 2, 2016
    7
    Good story, great cast, extremely atmospheric and scary but it has the worst performance of any game I've played on PS4 and it really hurt the experience for me. Even if you don't normally notice frame rate issues I'd be surprised if you don't notice how poorly Until Dawn runs as it's that bad, it spends most of the game under 30fps, with a lot of the time in the low 20s and even lower, itGood story, great cast, extremely atmospheric and scary but it has the worst performance of any game I've played on PS4 and it really hurt the experience for me. Even if you don't normally notice frame rate issues I'd be surprised if you don't notice how poorly Until Dawn runs as it's that bad, it spends most of the game under 30fps, with a lot of the time in the low 20s and even lower, it felt incredible choppy throughout which killed the immersion for me. I had to knock a whole point off due to this issue as it hurt the game so much for me. The game would have been much more enjoyable had they either optimised it better or knocked the visuals down a little to maintain 30fps throughout.… Expand
  25. MaxPayneIsGod
    Jan 17, 2016
    10
    Easily the biggest surprise and sleeper hit of 2015.
    Until Dawn is pretty much the perfect horror game. Everything from the tense build up through to the climax is expertly designed. The story is clichéd but feels unique at the same time. The characters are effective stereotypes, none are the same and they all have very different personalities.
    The sound and graphics have to be up there    Easily the biggest surprise and sleeper hit of 2015.
    Until Dawn is pretty much the perfect horror game. Everything from the tense build up through to the climax is expertly designed. The story is clichéd but feels unique at the same time. The characters are effective stereotypes, none are the same and they all have very different personalities.
    The sound and graphics have to be up there with the best ever.
    How the narrative changes with your actions, well its probably the best and most noticeable in any game bar maybe Walking Dead Season 1.
    If you own a PS4 you need to play this game, its just another sign of why Sony is dominating the new consoles.
    If you like a good story, shocks, frights, gore and getting in the heads and being along for the ride with the characters you control I can't recommend this game enough.    … Expand
  26. Stafmeister
    Jan 10, 2016
    9
    Thoroughly enjoyed this, good graphics, interesting tongue-in-cheek story. The butterfly effect was well implemented, played through all possibilities and a relatively easy Platinum for those that like to collect Trophies!
  27. Joe614
    Jan 5, 2016
    9
    This game is amazing! The game is well written. Until Dawn does an excellent job making you feel as if you are truly in a horror movie. Every decision you make comes with a consequence. That consequence can either good or bad. The graphics are great and the story line is just as good. I was not a fan of the camera angles. That is the only reason I felt I could not give the game a 10.
  28. Tinagowtfay12
    May 2, 2016
    10
    Alright, I enjoyed this game a lot. I enjoyed the story and I really liked how the choices you make write the story. You choose who dies and who lives. I was unsure whether or not to buy the game because i've never been a huge fan on how the camera follows you. Its just weird to me, but it worked so well in this game. I loved playing through it and it had some very great jumps. There areAlright, I enjoyed this game a lot. I enjoyed the story and I really liked how the choices you make write the story. You choose who dies and who lives. I was unsure whether or not to buy the game because i've never been a huge fan on how the camera follows you. Its just weird to me, but it worked so well in this game. I loved playing through it and it had some very great jumps. There are some character you come to hate and some you come to love. I killed one of these characters I really enjoyed on accident and I quit the game for like a week. Its very well done, the story is unique, and it was a very fun, cinematic experience.… Expand
  29. jelikey
    Mar 30, 2017
    8
    Until Dawn is a great game, not perfect, but great. The story is a genuine homage no old teen horror movies and doesn't try to be nothing more, it respects what it is. As many have been saying, the game feels more like a interactive movie than a game and that works perfectly, as the gameplay with QTEs and decisions made throught the story feels really organic.
  30. tonyneculai
    Feb 11, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very good story, nice graphics, very scary at times, very well done and surprising. I didn't give a 10 as it was a bit bad built the situation with Matt. I wanted to keep the flare gun but didn't get the option. It was not clear at all that he'll shoot the flare like an idiot based on the discussion with Emily.
    Anyway, great game    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best PS4 Game of 2015
9
#9 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2015
10
#10 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 103 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 103
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 103
  3. Negative: 1 out of 103
  1. CD-Action
    Nov 14, 2015
    65
    A barely interactive horror film about typical American teenagers. You know, with a cabin. In the woods. And a psychopath. We’ve all seen that, we’ve heard these dialogues, we all know these characters. Still Until Dawn has a pretty good story and is a nice homage to horror flicks and despite being a collection of simple QTE’s can both engage and surprise. [11/2015, p.44]
  2. SpazioGames
    Oct 28, 2015
    80
    It's tense, smart, and able to arouse the player's curiosity until the end. Some design choices are a bit controversial, and the acting is not always spot on, but it's definitely a great homage to horror movies.
    Read full review
  3. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Oct 16, 2015
    80
    Gameplay-wise, not exactly a killer app, but anybody who looks at those visuals will be dead impressed. Short, but plenty of reasons to replay, and it’s the spookiest game since Alien: Isolation. [November 2015, p72]
See all critic reviews »