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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. bosconian87
    Aug 29, 2015
    10
    Of recent I have enjoyed Life is Strange and Everybody's Gone to the Rapture - two games of which use an extensive narrative viewpoint in their own unique ways, coupled with varied elements of gameplay to stunning effect. It has been up to this point that I have wondered how would it turn out if such stunning effect were applied to a game in the horror genre (Life is Strange is largelyOf recent I have enjoyed Life is Strange and Everybody's Gone to the Rapture - two games of which use an extensive narrative viewpoint in their own unique ways, coupled with varied elements of gameplay to stunning effect. It has been up to this point that I have wondered how would it turn out if such stunning effect were applied to a game in the horror genre (Life is Strange is largely fantasy, and Everybody's Gone to the Rapture is largely science fiction)? Until Dawn answers this question.

    In the game you follow a story that is pure classic horror, recalling such masters as Wes Craven, John Carpenter, Sean Cunningham, George A Romero and many more. The story sprawls between a number of main plot threads with you controlling a series of characters and partaking in decisions to situations that may not only have immediate ramifications, but may and will alter the outcome of the game as a total. Control of the characters is kept to a strict limit, with them effectively being a 'cursor' or 'guide' in the gameplay segments, solving simple puzzles and being involved in action sequences that use quicktime events.

    The presentation is outright stunning, the graphics detailing amazing facial reactions to the characters - a lot of the game is spent in conversation and if the graphics were not up to the task, it honestly would have suffered. Also of note are the lighting effects and the improvised 'camerawork' to action sequence and tense moments - someone's clearly done their homework and it shows, for this not only reveals an understanding of the horror genre, but in how movies work. If anything does suffer, its the occasional framerate stutter or slip, and its a (very) minor slip.

    Sound also excels with a stellar arrangement that whilst not providing any signature melodies, piles on the tension and pressure when it needs to. The voice acting is of a really high standard, and there's only an occasional bad dialogue (this is extremely rare).

    The gameplay has to rely on a combination of good plot and enough involvement to keep the player going, and thankfully it more than gives in this area. The plot sprawls and never fails to enthrall, whilst the execution of tense and action moments is beautifully executed. Then there's the added fact that the choices you make in the gameplay affect the game greatly - I'm on my second playthrough currently, and honestly there are a HUGE amount of differences in the plot.

    This of course will come down to your enjoyment of the genre, and how the game plays-out (it is effectively an interactive movie). For me, I loved the sheer offset nature of the whole game. On one hand, I am being led on a path in which I make choices to affect future actions, but on the other hand I am presented with a wide range of choices I have to make in order to try and keep everyone alive - and that also includes how I react and perform when I am asked to, with no exceptions if I get it wrong.

    A superb game that may not appeal to action junkies, but for veteran horror fans and anyone who enjoys the 'interactive movie' style of game, this is definately for you.    … Expand
  2. tokyoe_one
    Aug 27, 2015
    10
    The horror genre is probably the best for this style of game. It beats Telltale and Quantum Dreams games by far in entertaining me, which is obviously a very subjective statement and i like horror movies. Ever thought about teenagers making the wrong decisions in a slasher movie? Find out if you were right! The characters will seem cliché or stupid at start, but you will forget this fastThe horror genre is probably the best for this style of game. It beats Telltale and Quantum Dreams games by far in entertaining me, which is obviously a very subjective statement and i like horror movies. Ever thought about teenagers making the wrong decisions in a slasher movie? Find out if you were right! The characters will seem cliché or stupid at start, but you will forget this fast and grow fond of them fast, which is based on good performances, good actors and the devs talent in knowing their tools of psychological manipulation. SPOILER AHEAD - The one and only problem was myself not having any big connection to american native indians mythical or ghost stories, they fail to impress me much. Though i understand the writers choice to lay traps and try to lead you on a wrong path. Anyway, great game and also a new standard. When this game showed it's first trailers i was sure this would fail and i was very very wrong!… Expand
  3. PingasMobile
    Aug 25, 2015
    8
    A game with less interactivity doesn't make it inheritance worse than other games. Until Dawn represents this idea and executes this premise fairly well. Good horror games make the player feel rather powerless or near powerless. An easy way to do this is to make interactivity to a low so that the intrinsic moments are heightened and the player feels tension with the looming threat hoveringA game with less interactivity doesn't make it inheritance worse than other games. Until Dawn represents this idea and executes this premise fairly well. Good horror games make the player feel rather powerless or near powerless. An easy way to do this is to make interactivity to a low so that the intrinsic moments are heightened and the player feels tension with the looming threat hovering around you. It's funny how the most criticized and sh*tposted aspect of this game, the lower level of interactivity, is actually the thing that teeters the game on the good side of horror games.

    As stated with almost all reviews, this game embraces all the horror cliches in the book. Some find this endearing, some find it lazy. What's clear is that the developers understand set cliches and pay homage to it. The execution of these shticks varies, some great and others that will make you shake your head...

    So it's a mixed bag of execution, but held together with a crux that makes it unique and compelling enough for admission.    … Expand
  4. EduardoMeyer
    Sep 1, 2015
    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. Its is, however, a very shortUntil 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. Its is, however, a very short game, but that flaw is compensated by the high replay value the game has.… Expand
  5. iwhbyd
    Aug 27, 2015
    10
    I really enjoyed this game. The story starts off sort of cliche, which is intentional, but once you get a few chapters in the mystery gets really good and the story picks up. It's basically the video game version of the Cabin in the Woods movie that came out a few years ago. One of the strong points of the game is the atmosphere, and a big part of that is the lighting effects, which areI really enjoyed this game. The story starts off sort of cliche, which is intentional, but once you get a few chapters in the mystery gets really good and the story picks up. It's basically the video game version of the Cabin in the Woods movie that came out a few years ago. One of the strong points of the game is the atmosphere, and a big part of that is the lighting effects, which are gorgeous in this game. The player choice element of the game make it worth doing a second playthrough, and even beyond that, as there is more than just 2 ways to do things with branching paths leading to other branching paths. It's a genuinely fun game that keeps you guessing and wondering what will happen next. Overall, i think this is a great game and probably my favorite game this year after the Witcher 3. Would recommend it to anyone especially fans of horror movies.… Expand
  6. Molag-Bal
    Aug 26, 2015
    9
    Before I begin this review I must clarify I am not a fan of adventure, point and click, interactive sort of games. A good example on how these sorts of games can be considered mediocre and boring, just play one of David Cage's games and you will know what I mean. With the exception of Tell Tale Walking Dead Series. Usually games like the Beyond Two Souls and Indigo Prophecy in my eyes areBefore I begin this review I must clarify I am not a fan of adventure, point and click, interactive sort of games. A good example on how these sorts of games can be considered mediocre and boring, just play one of David Cage's games and you will know what I mean. With the exception of Tell Tale Walking Dead Series. Usually games like the Beyond Two Souls and Indigo Prophecy in my eyes are mediocre.

    Now I will not bore you will a long review, and state the many accomplishment Until Dawn has in it's game. But instead I will explain my reasoning on why you should purchase this game and enjoy the many wounder for yourself.

    1. It's not a corny and goofy wanna be game; as I first thought when i saw the trailer for it. To its core the game provides moments of great suspense and interesting view point on how the game will develop throughout your session. Moreover for the most part (except for 2 characters) the cast of Until Dawn are a likable bunch with their unique features to like and dislike.

    2. I am going to be honest with you if you are a fast paste, FPS, MMO, MOBA, or RTS type of gamer (like me), this game will not quite satisfy you because its an exploring game as well. Therefore you must set your mind in a way an RPG player might have who enjoys exploring and immersing yourself in. If you get that mind set you will start to enjoy the game, if you are stuck with a fast paste mind set you might hate the game or struggle through it.

    3. Simple to the point, it has many choices and they do weigh a great deal through the game. The choices in Until Dawn are not like some other games I played in which you might think it will impact the game progression but in reality it does nothing. (I'm looking at you Dragon Age Inquisition)

    4. Finally I would say you will get your moneys worth, I beat the game in about 18 hours in a relax paste, and I have no regret spending 60 dollars on it. So I would say you should buy the game and enjoy the game charm. Thank you for reading and sorry for my poor English I am not a native speaker.    … Expand
  7. zwickyuoh
    Aug 25, 2015
    7
    So this game boasts about how your choices greatly influence the outcome of the story. Here's some news that will shock no one: it won't. Sure you choose who lives and who dies, but the main premise is differed only slightly and incrementally. Not like Heavy Rain and certainly not like 999/VLR. Despite this, I still had an enjoyable time with all the campy horror nonsense going on.So this game boasts about how your choices greatly influence the outcome of the story. Here's some news that will shock no one: it won't. Sure you choose who lives and who dies, but the main premise is differed only slightly and incrementally. Not like Heavy Rain and certainly not like 999/VLR. Despite this, I still had an enjoyable time with all the campy horror nonsense going on.

    There are plenty of great games that don't have much interactivity, I don't get why these types of games get **** for that. The game should be judge based on how that level of interactivity is executed and how it serves the narrative. Considering this is a horror-based choose your own adventure, it works well. Great even. The slow initial build and generic set-up hinder the game somewhat, but shouldn't wave the players interest. We've been starved for horror games, Until Dawn does a decent job at satisfying the hunger until SOMA.    … Expand
  8. Bmaj01
    Aug 26, 2015
    10
    I must admit, I was hoping this game would be great and do well. I have thoroughly enjoyed this game. Yes it is very cliche in many instances but let's be honest, we already knew that about the game. Where i was most surprised was how good the story was. The way you learn about and essentially build the characters based on your actions was very well done. This game has many jump scares,I must admit, I was hoping this game would be great and do well. I have thoroughly enjoyed this game. Yes it is very cliche in many instances but let's be honest, we already knew that about the game. Where i was most surprised was how good the story was. The way you learn about and essentially build the characters based on your actions was very well done. This game has many jump scares, funny dialogue, and just downright predictable moments. Having said that, the music score, environments, and overall atmosphere the story creates is wonderful. Visually, this game gorgeous and truly adds to the overall experience. Perhaps a really cool feature about this game is how they implemented the Dual-Shock controller for certain things. If you enjoy horror movies, B-horror, comedy, suspense, drama, and some twists in a good story, give this game a tray. I truly think it is very enjoyable and fun all the while scaring you at random times. Very well done and possibly the best sleeper hit in the past 6 months.… Expand
  9. Kuraditosin
    Aug 30, 2015
    8
    I've just completed Until Dawn for the second time and wanted to share my thoughts.

    Until Dawn is a third-person survival horror game. Some might not even consider it a game, since your actions are very limited in nature. If you've played any of David Cage's recent games, you will know what I mean. There are fixed camera angles, tense atmosphere, interaction witch specific items and the    I've just completed Until Dawn for the second time and wanted to share my thoughts.

    Until Dawn is a third-person survival horror game. Some might not even consider it a game, since your actions are very limited in nature. If you've played any of David Cage's recent games, you will know what I mean. There are fixed camera angles, tense atmosphere, interaction witch specific items and the occasional dark humour.

    Until Dawn is definitely not for everybody. It harnesses mechanics that 99% of games nowadays don't employ. At least not to such an extent. For example there are QTE-s that translate to split-second decisions which can determine whether your character dies or lives to see another scene. This can be infuriating but also intriguing. So your favourite character dies right before completing the game...does this spike anger or motivate you to a new playthrough? Only you can decide. Just a warning - if a character dies, there are no checkpoints or reloads. That character is dead permanently until a new playthrough.

    That's the thing though. At least to me, decisions like these motivate me to give it multiple playthroughs. You're probably not going to get the same results or even the same ending. There are also loads of small clues and items you will most likely not find in your initial playthrough. They might be insignificant, but since you're already invested in the game, why not read them and get the whole backdrop.

    This is running on the Killzone Shadowfall engine with occasional frame-rate dips. That means the graphics are nice enough, but the faces and grimaces can get downright creepy at times.The voice acting and sound are superb though. Best played with headphones in a dark room. The game is also short, around 5-6 hours, perhaps a bit more on your first playthrough.

    I can totally see why some people might not even consider it. It's short, it has QTE-s, very little combat and is heavily story-driven. If you like horror, fixed camera angles, decent jump scares and witty humour then maybe you should give it a try. I did and enjoyed it. An 8/10 from me.    … Expand
  10. Mefisto_
    Aug 28, 2015
    8
    So guys, I am WRITING this review AFTER FINISHING THE GAME, must say it is beautiful. The beginning of the game is just amazing, leaves you confused as hell, trying to find the answer on what the hell is going on, exactly what any horror game needs to do, create curiosity.

    Character introduction is very good as well, by that they are trying to hook you up and make you feel emotionally    So guys, I am WRITING this review AFTER FINISHING THE GAME, must say it is beautiful. The beginning of the game is just amazing, leaves you confused as hell, trying to find the answer on what the hell is going on, exactly what any horror game needs to do, create curiosity.

    Character introduction is very good as well, by that they are trying to hook you up and make you feel emotionally attached to the protagonists, and I must say that losing Sam for me would have been a rap, I was really trying to save her and as the story goes you feel like that towards all the characters, even **** ones - you are still gonna feel like you must save them because they are your friends. Moreover, true personalities will be revealed as well which will change your attitude to these people because everyone will be under severe pressure making life mattering choices, and as the story went on I had no regrets having Sam as my favorite one!

    Do the choices matter? Hell yeah they do, minor things can mess the whole story up, even though some events(very few) are going to happen anyways(does not relate to the ending, the lives of the friends are entirely in your hands! Even being too slow while crossing a river may mess the situation up!

    As the story reaches its middle things get a bit less tense(may be different for you, everyone reacts differently), but emotional connection to protagonists keeps you feel stressed and involved cause after hours you played trying to keep them alive you don't want to make a mistake which will waste your efforts. There are many hints in the game which may help you to make right choices(danger, fortune totems) and I want to tell you straight away - if you pick up death totem that does not mean the character is going to die anyway, it is just a possibility, everything is in your hands!

    This is an amazing game, goes to one of my favorites, don't understand people who are very critical about it, if you question price tag just think about how much work has been done of finishing paths for all different choices and the beautiful graphics this game has. You feel sorry that this game is only for PS4? There are games for PC or Xbox or Wii U only as well, don't be hating.

    So why I give it an 8? In my eyes, ending made it look so so. I was expecting much more emotions in the end, something that will make you very happy after all the difficulties you have overcome. Friends hugging, loving couples(of which there are 2 in this game) rejoining, kissing each other, that kind of stuff. However, game ends less emotionally, just going to the titles with video interview of survivals, I think it is a bit wack for such tense and emotional game, should have done it better.

    Nevertheless, great game, seeing some people giving 0 to this game is just nonsense, this title has definitely achieved great success in making choice based horror game. RECOMMEND IT!    … Expand
  11. Mewthree
    Aug 29, 2015
    8
    Some people say that this game is more like a movie than a game and they are not completely wrong. Despite this, I urge everyone to try the game out and I'm willing to bet that if you like (or rather don't dislike) the concept you will enjoy this game, provided you're into horror games of course. It feels like a movie, in which you make the decisions. It's nice to have an experience likeSome people say that this game is more like a movie than a game and they are not completely wrong. Despite this, I urge everyone to try the game out and I'm willing to bet that if you like (or rather don't dislike) the concept you will enjoy this game, provided you're into horror games of course. It feels like a movie, in which you make the decisions. It's nice to have an experience like this once in a while.

    I played the game through with my friends during the weekend and the game wasn't that scary, to me at least. My friends said that it was somewhat scary, but not on the same level as Outlast, for example. Though we didn't use headphones or a surround home theater and obviously we had each others' company and support. Jump scares are something the game has a lot of though, especially in the beginning. I'd say there's even too much of them, although the game is supposed to pay homage to the old horror films with the cliches included. That is something you have to keep in mind while playing the game.

    Unfortunately the game has some pacing issues. Sometimes you walk around for a good while before anything happens. The occasionally awkward camera angles don't really help either. However this doesn't detract from the immersion and tension too much. The game makes up for its issues with great characters with marvelous voice acting, a tense atmosphere and an intriguing, if a bit predictable, plot. Also, don't let the QTE's scare you away. They are well done and keep you on the edge of your seat. The graphics are also good, but could be better on some parts. Animations can be a bit jerky and over-done at times, but all in all they are good.

    If you are wondering whether your choices really have an effect in the game, let me assure you: they do. Tough choices and the intriguing plot really makes you want to keep on playing. I really enjoyed my time with the game and, despite its flaws, it is a must-play for horror fans. Also, Hayden Panettiere. 'Nuff said.    … Expand
  12. Saint_Satan
    Aug 26, 2015
    9
    When I first heard about Until Dawn, I was a bit worried. Here we have a game that was supposed to come out on the Playstation 3, and yet it is just now coming out as Playstation 4 exclusive. This is almost never a good sign, as games made under these conditions generally tend to have outdated graphics and sub-par gameplay. It leaves one wondering why and how the game got stuck inWhen I first heard about Until Dawn, I was a bit worried. Here we have a game that was supposed to come out on the Playstation 3, and yet it is just now coming out as Playstation 4 exclusive. This is almost never a good sign, as games made under these conditions generally tend to have outdated graphics and sub-par gameplay. It leaves one wondering why and how the game got stuck in development hell. Topping it all off, Until Dawn is another "movie game", like The Order 1866; 1866 was met with a lot of mixed reviews, most less than flattering. All that being said, I am a big fan of horror, and so I decided to preorder it anyway. I went to GameStop in the morning to pick up my copy. "You look like you're here to pick up Madden" the GameStop employee said as I walked up to the counter...; the horror had already begun. Sports games!? My worst nightmare! As soon as I got my copy of Until Dawn I fled GameStop, then rushed home to give it a try. I delved into Until Dawn with an open mind, despite all of my worries. Right off the bat my worries began to fade. This doesn't look like a Playstation 3 game at all! The graphics are phenomenal; some of the best I've seen. The characters are very well rendered with superb acting behind them, and the storyline was immediately engaging. I braced myself for a long day of gaming. Oh boy here we go...

    This review will have no spoilers, with the exception for some very minor things from the first 15 minutes of the story. Until Dawn has it's tongue in it's cheek from start to finish. The game is intentionally silly, with dumb characters who want to explore strange noises alone. It includes cliches from teen horror movies ranging from the 80s to present day.

    The story starts off with a group of 10 friends who are going to a remote cabin retreat. A prank is played on one of them, and she becomes upset. In her bout of anger, she runs out of the cabin in disgust, with her sister trailing her. The duo never return, and their bodies are never found despite a search of the area. Fast forward to one year later. The eight remaining friends return to the cabin on the one year anniversary of their friends death. Upon arriving at the cabin, there is one thing on their minds - to put the past behind them, seek forgiveness, and have a good time. Too bad for them there is some maniac stalking them, wanting to kill them all. Who is this person? Is this the same person responsible for their missing friends one year ago? How many leave the cabin alive is up to you; you end up choosing how many of them survive; all, none or any variant therein. This ability within the game leads to many possibilities for the player, allowing each player can make the gameplay their own. I thought that was pretty neat, as well as effectively encouraging multiple play-throughs.

    Until Dawn is a "movie game". There is minimal gameplay; mostly quick time events and making difficult choices that affect the outcome of the game. You also get to explore some atmospheric areas and there are some elements of combat as well. Despite the minimal gameplay it's still a lot of fun and a roller coaster ride from start to finish. It's always intense, scary as all hell, and out to get you. Until Dawn is well paced, and by well paced I mean you'll be **** your pants every 10 seconds. The sound design and music are nothing short of top notch. The music will make you clench your butt cheeks. Every creepy sound will increase your heart rate and anxiety level. For the full audio experience, headphones are an absolute must when playing Until Dawn. The graphics, as I said before, are incredible from both a technical and artistic standpoint. The cabin is creepy and the snow drenched mountain wherein it lies is beautiful. You will, of course, explore a lot of other areas; but that would be spoiling it for you. Speaking of spoilers, there are a lot of good twists and turns within the game. Most of them are very smart, despite the aforementioned overall silliness of the game.

    I stayed up until dawn playing Until Dawn. I simply couldn't bring myself to stop until it was over and the credits rolled. When it was all over, which took around 7 hours, I was left wanting more. I never expected Until Dawn to be anywhere near as good as it is. It really shouldn't be this good; it's just another "movie game" like The Order: 1866. But it is obvious that the developers had a clear image in their mind of what they wanted the game to be, and they brought that vision to life. Their success even makes games like Heavy Rain seem somehow lacking in comparison. A lot of people will talk badly about all of these "movie games" but if they're learning from Until Dawn then bring 'em on. So was Until Dawn a Playstation 3 port as I first expected? Nope. Not even close. Until Dawn is a complete next gen experience from start to finish that is just as fun to watch as it is to play.    … Expand
  13. justmatt
    Aug 30, 2015
    9
    A fantastic horror game, where you get to determine the outcome of your own movie. The characters are likeable once you get to play them (except Emily, who will die on my next playthrough.....). The story, environments and plot twists are tributes to the slasher film genre...and more. The jump scares are expertly intermingled with tension, gore, and flat out dread. You are NOT readyA fantastic horror game, where you get to determine the outcome of your own movie. The characters are likeable once you get to play them (except Emily, who will die on my next playthrough.....). The story, environments and plot twists are tributes to the slasher film genre...and more. The jump scares are expertly intermingled with tension, gore, and flat out dread. You are NOT ready for how dark this game will get....but like a good horror flick, it breaks the tension with moments of humor and levity (Cabin in the Woods, anyone).

    There is a huge amount of replay value as the outcome is absolutely impacted by:
    Your ability to react to the QTEs
    The decisions you make in navigating your character(s)
    The dialogue choices you make....antagonize someone too much and they will get in the way of your survival
    How much you explore....many of the clues and totems you find are NOT obvious and you have to take the time to poke around
    Whether you remember the premonitions offered by the totems
    I got five people out alive -- you better believe I am going to come back in a few days to try for seven (forget you, Emily)
    People knocking this game about how your decisions dont impact the outcome are so off target it isnt funny. The only issue I have is I am used to an inverted Y axis and you do not have that control option. Otherwise I would give this a 10. It is that good. Of course, I am a horror game fanatic. On the PS4 I have Outlast, the Whistleblower expansion, Alien Isolation, Evil Within and White Night (the weakest of the bunch). I will grab SOMA when its out. Pls, if you are a horror genre fan do not let this one pass you by or wait until a price drop. It is worth the $$ and developers like this need to be supported.    … Expand
  14. Hectorplz
    Aug 29, 2015
    9
    It's not a masterpiece, but it's certainly way above average. I can only see three reasons for someone giving it less than 7: watched a video and didn't like it/Sony hater, dislikes horror experiences, extreme loathe to QTEs. Now back to the review: this game is seriously intense, the QTEs are not annoying and certainly help the game a lot. It's intense, the decisions are even moreIt's not a masterpiece, but it's certainly way above average. I can only see three reasons for someone giving it less than 7: watched a video and didn't like it/Sony hater, dislikes horror experiences, extreme loathe to QTEs. Now back to the review: this game is seriously intense, the QTEs are not annoying and certainly help the game a lot. It's intense, the decisions are even more intriguing, the characters begin as poorly written characters that are obviously a tribute to all typical horror movies, but they all grow so much on you, that it gets to the point where you're afraid to go forward because you don't want them to die. The psychologist's segments were also very intriguing, as he would apparently break the fourth wall to evaluate your choices and progress. This game certainly is way above average, while it is no GOTY, it certainly deserves the praise and love it's been getting… Expand
  15. Beery
    Aug 28, 2015
    10
    Chilling, well acted and with a lot of jump scares. It's just like watching a scary '80s-'90s horror movie (very much an homage to classics such as Scream, Ravenous, Saw, or modern movies like The Cabin In The Woods), but you control the action, and this "movie" is over 8 hours long.

    The first few minutes really gets you emotionally involved in the plot, and while the reunion is a bit    Chilling, well acted and with a lot of jump scares. It's just like watching a scary '80s-'90s horror movie (very much an homage to classics such as Scream, Ravenous, Saw, or modern movies like The Cabin In The Woods), but you control the action, and this "movie" is over 8 hours long.

    The first few minutes really gets you emotionally involved in the plot, and while the reunion is a bit (a lot) forced, it works in terms of the scary movie genre that the game is paying homage to. The tension starts right away, and it does not let up for a moment. Even in quiet moments you're worried about what might be around the next corner. The game really gets the atmosphere right. Also, you care for each character, and while it's true that some of them are not wholly likable (in horror movie tradition, some are immature and they can be unkind, self-centered or unthinking), you really feel as if you want to get them all through the horror that is about to overtake them.

    The game controls are intuitive and effective, movement is smooth and unlike a few other games that have appeared recently, the characters move effortlessly from one place to another, without getting annoyingly caught up on furniture or architecture.

    The clues and collectibles in the game are very effective, and the in-game menus work well to help the player assess how well or poorly the game is going. During the action sequences, the player needs to make split-second decisions and controller inputs, and in my opinion (speaking as an older but experienced gamer) these are perfectly balanced to appeal to players of most abilities.

    The graphics are amazing, from the facial textures to the snowfall, lighting and shadows, this game really uses this latest generation of consoles to bring out detail and atmosphere. Music is very atmospheric and extremely well integrated well into the action.

    Replay value is wholly focused on survival, not on a branching plot. This is not a bad thing: while the overarching plot remains fixed, the fate of each character is very much decided by your actions and choices: any character or all of them can die. Conversely, any or all can be saved, but saving everyone is very hard: I only saved two of the eight characters the first time around (Sam and Emily). I'm looking forward to restarting in the hope that I can somehow get at least a few more people through "until dawn".

    The most innovative aspect of the game is what the developers call "The Butterfly Effect": a build-up of small, seemingly insignificant changes that may have devastating consequences down the line. This feature shows itself even in the first play through, as an in-game menu screen tells you which decisions you've made and gives subtle hints as to how you're doing. It's not just the illusion of choice - if you mess up too often, people's allegiances change and their options may narrow, making it harder for them to survive. Sometimes, a small mistake will be recoverable, but the mistakes do mount up, and sometimes the choices made leave no way out. At the game's end the sun rises, but who will be there to see it is up to you.

    My only criticisms so far (all are very minor):
    1: The camera sometimes doesn't feel as if it's showing enough of the scenes, and it can make movement tricky in darker areas, but then again, that may be a conscious decision because of the need for a survival horror game to be claustrophobic.
    2: The scenes with the psychiatrist take the player out of the action to some extent, but on the other hand, they do offer the player a break in what might otherwise be a very tense game, at least until later on, when even these scenes acquire some tension.
    3: There is some very minor image freezing that lasts a split second, usually when performing an action (I think I noticed three examples throughout the whole game).
    4: The voices are occasionally slightly out of sync with the characters' mouth movements (again, I noticed this maybe three times).
    5: The characters' heads seem kinda wobbly at some points (whenever it's a close-up and two or more characters are close to each other and talking). It's very subtle, but it is noticeable.
    6. There is no way to adjust the screen size in the game - on my TV it's still playable, but some items on the screen edges are clipped.
    7. I would have liked a little more humor to break the tension at some points - it's a very tense game (I think I mentioned that).
    8. The pre-order DLC is just a small inconsequential scene tacked on to the end of chapter 2. It's almost like a deleted scene in a movie and it kinda messes with the pacing. I was kind of expecting a little more.

    Altogether, I had a blast with this game, and I think a lot of other players will too, even if this type of game is not their usual fare. For me, this is not just one of the best survival horror games I've ever played, but if it were a movie, I'd say it would be the best horror movie since The Cabin in the Woods. Yeah, it's that good. I will be very surprised if this game doesn't gather a few of the most prestigious Game of the Year awards.    … Expand
  16. TheMarine316
    Aug 29, 2015
    10
    I wish more games like this were made these days, a game that feels like a movie, I just finished it earlier today and I thought the story cohesion was perfect for this type of game, atmosphere and genre, this is supposed to be a cheesy 90's style horror film so the characters need to do cliche things and make poor decisions or it wouldn't fit the genre.

    For me the game got even better    I wish more games like this were made these days, a game that feels like a movie, I just finished it earlier today and I thought the story cohesion was perfect for this type of game, atmosphere and genre, this is supposed to be a cheesy 90's style horror film so the characters need to do cliche things and make poor decisions or it wouldn't fit the genre.

    For me the game got even better in the second half, it went away from those earlier cheap jump scares once the real threat was revealed and took on a different tone, the last few chapters felt like an episode of Supernatural, early Supernatural's monster of the week stories, I loved that.

    Going back to the second half of the game, the first and 2nd half of the game do feel like different games but I feel that's something that should be in the plus column and not a negative, the first half was a great misdirect, something that's lacking in games and movies of this genre these days.

    I know it's all subjective and everybody has their own opinion but I just thought I'd share mine, This game is getting mostly positive reviews but I still feel even in those reviews it's being undersold, for me it's a 9.5 but for this scale based on my enjoyment i'll give it a 10 on this scale since you can't (.5) anything.    … Expand
  17. AverageMan
    Aug 30, 2015
    10
    The surprise hit of 2015 Until dawn has arrived and I was left gasping for more after my first sitting.
    The story follows a small group of (some more stereotypical then others ) teens attending a reunion on the mountain two friends mysteriously disappeared from the following year.
    The game has stunning visuals among the best ever seen in a video game and I was surprised of exactly how    The surprise hit of 2015 Until dawn has arrived and I was left gasping for more after my first sitting.
    The story follows a small group of (some more stereotypical then others ) teens attending a reunion on the mountain two friends mysteriously disappeared from the following year.
    The game has stunning visuals among the best ever seen in a video game and I was surprised of exactly how much variety the game has in exploration of some very beautiful areas you end up visiting based on your choices and decisions up to the point of seeing them.
    There are multiple routes and options for you to choose from and depending on your decisions entire cutscenes can change from big to small, I would like to point out I have steered clear of these point and click type games I never played the Walking deads or the Heavy rains so I went in unsure what to expect and cannot comment on how it compares to those games but my drive to save certain charcters after making mistakes and a furious sitting which I forced myself to stop at near 2:00am not because the game was finished but because I needed to get some sleep only to lay wondering if I did certain things different how it woul play out and if I could save characters clearly shouted to me this game was something special.
    In terms of the gameplay you may of been put off by E3 Footage in thinking it has very little to offer other then QTEs and talking but I can safely say you would be wrong the gameplay does a phenomenal job of immersing you into the feeling of doom as in it can put you in a situation where you have but a few seconds to make a call or you are dead unlike other games that character is gone for good which really adds to the horror aspect another cool feature it has is having to hold the Dual shock still in order to hide or remain calm the crazy thing about this is the controller will vibrate like crazy causing you to grip and inhale until the scene is played out it really is vital I found when I didn't hold my breath I would be caught and killed I find this really does create so much more tension and give the game a powerful punch.
    The games also has a pretty damn good story with some interesting plot twists you didn't see coming but if you came across some of the clues in the game just as the protagonist pieces the clues together you find yourself shocked at how well everything had fitted together up till the very end and trust me at the very end you will be left feeling stunned at how you missed the signs and clues.
    The voice acting is also great off course you have Hayden the big hollywood star but other voice actors are also top notch some more so then others but regardless some very solid work from the team you will be surprised how much you end up liking a few of the characters and hating others which on first look you may of looked at as just another generic Horror stereotype stats can increase or decrease depending on decisions the once caring character may by the end become a heartless selfish scumbag or the character you thought as annoying and spiteful may become a heroic likeable member of the team it is all up to you.
    The game is VERY polished I have played many games at launch throughout my life ever since the 7th gen game quality has usual been noticeably bad at launch compared to a week to a month later but this game I came across just the one glitch throughout my two playthroughs and the glitch was only a character going through a piece of wood during a cutscene,The game runs steady with no noticeable framerate drops and there wasn't anything that looked out of place in comparison to other pieces in the environment the textures looked amazing throughout the character animations and deaths looked very realistic and the attention to detail was rock solid.
    At the time of this release we have MGS5,Fifa and Madmax all coming in a matter of days but I am advising you if you cannot afford to spend on multiple titles pick up Until Dawn first I have played countless games this year that failed to keep my attention I do believe Quality is sometimes better then quantity and Until Dawns Quality is above the majority's all though the games story is roughly 9-10 hours you WILL be replaying this game you will want to see characters you saw die survive and characters you saw survive die yes you could look it up on youtube but you owe it to yourself to attempt to do so yourself and to see exactly how much impact small decisions you made the first time around shape the story on the second play through.
    10/10    … Expand
  18. jwewan
    Aug 25, 2015
    10
    One of the best Games on ps4.
    PROS:
    Simply amazing. The graphics are phenomenal and the gore and horror is brilliant. The actual game is not about what you think. Also the butterfly effect is fantastic.
    CONS: Dr Hill I just don't understand his role?
  19. virtuask
    Aug 27, 2015
    10
    You get exactly what you thought, and more!

    You want a fun and scary horror experience with (seemingly) cheesy horror movie characters and storytelling, a lot of blood, gore, atmosphere and jump scares? You got it! But Until Dawn offers you much more on the way: Sure you can enjoy the game on the surface, make quick decisions, see bloody deaths and have a good laugh now and then    You get exactly what you thought, and more!

    You want a fun and scary horror experience with (seemingly) cheesy horror movie characters and storytelling, a lot of blood, gore, atmosphere and jump scares? You got it!

    But Until Dawn offers you much more on the way:
    Sure you can enjoy the game on the surface, make quick decisions, see bloody deaths and have a good laugh now and then with the dialogue (actually funny stuff)! That's all good.

    But you can also dig into the story, help develop characters and for once really influence the game with what you decide.
    On a certain level the game plays like Heavy Rain, with it's decisions, quick button pushing but the thing is: in Until Dawn there are lots of paths, lots of choices that really change the course of the story and not only by presenting a different part of the story but actually by changing the characters, their relations with each other or the environment and your choices may even kill the characters you came to like (which can actually happen quite often if you make bad decisions).

    This is much more than just a horror game, this is the ultimate horror movie experience, in which you decide if people do stupid stuff and die, or you can bond with your characters, try to let them survive, develop their personality, their relations with each other and much more.

    Check this one out because you won't regret it!    … Expand
  20. Tyree09
    Aug 31, 2015
    8
    Until Dawn is one of those games that you have to see/play firsthand to really understand the hype (or maybe even lack thereof in this case). As a lover of horror movies, when I found out I could play through one, I was setting aside the cash months in advance to be sure I was ready for this gem when it came out.

    I wasn't disappointed. Until Dawn puts you in control of 8 friends who    Until Dawn is one of those games that you have to see/play firsthand to really understand the hype (or maybe even lack thereof in this case). As a lover of horror movies, when I found out I could play through one, I was setting aside the cash months in advance to be sure I was ready for this gem when it came out.

    I wasn't disappointed.

    Until Dawn puts you in control of 8 friends who reunite at a mountain retreat a year after a horrible event. These character range from the typical "geek", the prom queen/king archetype characters, the jock and the rationale girl who, in a typical horror movie, you would deem as the "final girl". The great thing about this game is that anyone can be the "final girl/guy" and any of them can die.

    And because this game is filled with characters that you will undoubtedly grow to like and some you will despise (yes, I had one in particular), it may be in your best interest to put your personal feelings aside because this game may tempt you to let some meet their fates, but in doing so can seriously impact the progression of the story.

    This game uses a Butterfly Effect system. Much like the horrible Ashton Kutcher movie, this means that choices you make as one character during one scene can impact that character later on either positively or negatively. But it can also have an impact on other characters in scenes later in the game. This, of course, makes the replay value that much higher. It will make you want to go back and play through again and make different choices to see the various outcomes. Beware though. This game constantly saves (almost like it's recording it as it you play). This means if something goes wrong, there is no reloading the last checkpoint in an attempt to do-over. If your favorite character meets their grisly fate, oh well. Better latch on to a new character and do your best to keep them alive.

    The story is pretty cliché in its execution. A bunch of crazy kids go to a mountain retreat to have what could be their last hoorah after a tragic event from the previous year left them all somber. Horror ensues, people die, love can blossom and stupid dialogue is spoken. The acting is decent, considering some of these people are relatively unknown, and some even outshine the more well-known actors (yes, Hayden Panettiere, you needed to do better in some scenes). The maniac stalking you wears a creepy mask and, of course, the game provides decent jump scares.

    As far as the actual action of the game, much of it involves walking and exploring the really graphically beautiful areas looking for clues as to who the madman is as well as why the events of the previous year took place. When real action takes place, it's mostly cinematic with you having to perform quick time events to keep the scene moving along. Beware, these buttons pop up in various areas of the screen and can be hard to see sometimes. A mess up doesn't always mean game over, luckily. But too many stumbles by character A, could lead to them not being able to rescue character B in time, just for an example. But if that happens, again, the game keeps moving. Shed a tear or even a smirk at that character's death and keep on trucking.

    The PS4 was a great console for this to be released on. The graphics are stunning. Using facial capture, the characters look just like their actor counterparts and the details are insane. Pause the game when playing a character and see what I mean. You can use the R analog stick to move their faces to get a good look at the details.

    Until Dawn is not a game everyone will enjoy. As a player, you take a backseat to most of the action which for some isn't what they look for in a game. But if you enjoy a good narrative and like to have a bit more control over said narrative, then this game is worth a try. Those people who enjoyed Heavy Rain a few years back and even Indigo Prophecy from a decade ago (I enjoyed both) will definitely love this game. And the horror factor, especially during the first play-through, will keep this game interesting. Since many won't be able to save every character during the first play-through, it can be a game that can be on constant rotation for months!    … Expand
  21. Fr0sti3
    Aug 25, 2015
    9
    This is a great game for people who enjoy good atmosphere and story narrative. The decisions you make with character interaction will change the outcome and the kiddy gloves (or the ability to save/restart choice that removed my favorite toon) which many games offer is not available here in order to force the story progression forward and have you contend with the decisions made. UntilThis is a great game for people who enjoy good atmosphere and story narrative. The decisions you make with character interaction will change the outcome and the kiddy gloves (or the ability to save/restart choice that removed my favorite toon) which many games offer is not available here in order to force the story progression forward and have you contend with the decisions made. Until Dawn really takes advantage of the Dual Shock 4 motion sensor to immerse you (the player) even further into the story which caught me off guard the first few times because of how often I forget these controllers are functional Play Station Move devices. Having grown up when the choose your own adventures series of books ran rampant and still do I suppose... I am always happy to play a multimedia version of said assembly. I am enjoying this game as much as I enjoyed Heavy Rain or Beyond Two Souls on the PS3 though the facial expressions miss their mark at times (LA Noire had amazing facial reads). I look forward to playing it through many multiple endings and I hope the Developer Supermassive Games (Start the Party PS3 Move - My Daughter and I lost many hours to this game) continues to bring the gaming immersion. Maybe release another Start the Party for PS4 :)… Expand
  22. zeusward
    Aug 25, 2015
    10
    muito bom o jogo valeu cada centavo, tanto que o jogo é muito bom, historia igual aos filmes de terror dos anos 90, a jogabilidade de escolhas muito boas
  23. Yautja_Warrior
    Aug 25, 2015
    8
    Excellent horror game, that uses it's source material (B movie horror films) very well. If you enjoy Interactive Movie Games like Heavy Rain and love Horror Movies then this game should be right up your street. Think Cabin in the Woods but as a video game.

    The game gives you choices at certain points that will create a butterfly effect, that change the story and who lives or dies and    Excellent horror game, that uses it's source material (B movie horror films) very well. If you enjoy Interactive Movie Games like Heavy Rain and love Horror Movies then this game should be right up your street. Think Cabin in the Woods but as a video game.

    The game gives you choices at certain points that will create a butterfly effect, that change the story and who lives or dies and all 8 characters can be killed or survive by the end of the game, so it offers good replay value, as you can play again to try and save someone that may have died last time.

    This definitely turned out much better than most people expected.

    A solid 8/10    … Expand
  24. PaxPsych0sis
    Aug 26, 2015
    10
    I a 31 yr old Horror nut, and Until Dawn was a love letter to Horror fans, in all its campy glory. Stunning visuals, top notch voice acting, and great story. I picked it up after work and sat there from 7pm-430am playing it non stop. I just couldn't put it down! This game was made for me. I have started my second play through and I can see how the choices you make effect the game.I a 31 yr old Horror nut, and Until Dawn was a love letter to Horror fans, in all its campy glory. Stunning visuals, top notch voice acting, and great story. I picked it up after work and sat there from 7pm-430am playing it non stop. I just couldn't put it down! This game was made for me. I have started my second play through and I can see how the choices you make effect the game. Bravo Supermassive games. I really hope there is some DLC in the future.… Expand
  25. C3realkillah
    Aug 25, 2015
    9
    Glad to see this game has done well and people love it. Maybe the sales will be good enough to spawn a sequel or more games like this. I loved heavy rain and beyond two souls and I knew what I was getting into when I got this game unlike some ppl who just pick it up without any knowledge. The game itself is fantastic and I haven't beat it yet but the story, characters, and graphics are topGlad to see this game has done well and people love it. Maybe the sales will be good enough to spawn a sequel or more games like this. I loved heavy rain and beyond two souls and I knew what I was getting into when I got this game unlike some ppl who just pick it up without any knowledge. The game itself is fantastic and I haven't beat it yet but the story, characters, and graphics are top tier. Even though this game pays homage to 90s horror I took it way more seriously and unlike most horror movies, actually cared for the characters. The choices in this, much like telltale's series of games, actually matter here. You choose who will live and die it's entirely up to the player. You are director in this horror movie and can change the plot on a whim. Some choices won't show up till later but when **** hits the fan it hits HARD. I think all horror fans who grew up loving cheesy 90s cliche horror will LOVE this game and it deserves it. We need more games like these out there and supermassive with their impressive beautiful talent at creating tension, dread, death and beauty in this world of consequence, need to seriously make horror games in the future. The only downside I had was the length, it seemed short to me but is replay able since you won't understand the full story being told on the first play through. Supermassive have a sleeper hit on their hands and now that the game is out it's time to revel in this magnificent horror experience 9.5/10… Expand
  26. Masatshi
    Aug 25, 2015
    9
    My wife and I simply couldn't stop playing and while we were away from the game, our thoughts circled around the things we experienced and what we might change the next playthrough. If a game manages to do that, it certainly is a very good game, don't you think?
  27. maxvis
    Aug 25, 2015
    10
    Throughout the game, players will make difficult decisions during ethical or moral dilemmas, such as sacrificing one character to save another The Butterfly Effect system blurs the line between right and wrong decisions and it is possible for players to keep all eight characters alive as well as having all eight of them die>>>>
  28. CaycePollard
    Aug 25, 2015
    10
    Awesome game! 10/10 without a doubt.
    Great graphics, very atmospheric, and full of tension and jumps. Found it hard to put down controller, was so engrossed i even forgot to blink! Very clever storyline, Will definitely be playing it a few times with different choices to see outcomes. Forget horror movies, you finally get to make those choices you’re always shouting at the tv to do!
  29. Elitist1945
    Aug 26, 2015
    10
    Pros: - Borderline photo realistic graphics (seriously)
    - Excellent voice acting/motion capture
    - Great writing (there is more to this than it seems) - Choices are plentiful, and meaningful; a plethora of outcomes - Replayability (ties into the above point) - Bonus features (think special features you'd find on a Blu-ray movie) Cons: - Some people may find it a bit short (my first    Pros: - Borderline photo realistic graphics (seriously)
    - Excellent voice acting/motion capture
    - Great writing (there is more to this than it seems)
    - Choices are plentiful, and meaningful; a plethora of outcomes
    - Replayability (ties into the above point)
    - Bonus features (think special features you'd find on a Blu-ray movie)

    Cons: - Some people may find it a bit short (my first playthrough took me around 7 hours)

    10/10    … Expand
  30. bennibop
    Aug 25, 2015
    10
    Really fun game and totally different to all the open world/ shooters that currently flood the gaming scene. This is the first game my girlfriend has ever sat down and played more than 10mins (she was playing for 2 hours yesterday and wants to continue today!)

    Highly recommended!!!!
prev
Page:

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 »