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. tigerfan814
    Sep 9, 2015
    10
    Simply put: One of the best pure horror games (verbatim) on current gen hardware. I was genuinely scared for the 9 hours this took me. And I truly felt like my decisions really mattered in the grand scheme of things. One of the PS4 truly must haves for horror fans. I feel Quantic Dreams finally may have hit their stride.

    Pros: +Fantastic atmosphere +Great, yet subtle, soundtrack ( I    Simply put: One of the best pure horror games (verbatim) on current gen hardware. I was genuinely scared for the 9 hours this took me. And I truly felt like my decisions really mattered in the grand scheme of things. One of the PS4 truly must haves for horror fans. I feel Quantic Dreams finally may have hit their stride.

    Pros:
    +Fantastic atmosphere
    +Great, yet subtle, soundtrack ( I love Danny Graves)
    +Great acting and voice over work
    +Superb twist
    +Awesome effects
    +/- Not a lot time to catch you breath after chapter 3
    +/- Once you make a decision, that's it. Your stuck with it. (so trad lightly) :)

    Cons:
    - Minor frame rate issues on the rarest occasions    … Expand
  2. tnometac
    Jan 4, 2016
    10
    I was reluctant at first due to reviews, but this turned out to be quite entertaining. I love the story and the scariness definitely keeps you on your toes.
  3. SbSnake
    Dec 14, 2015
    10
    Excelente, tenia pensado darle un 8 o 9, pero sinceramente no se me ocurrio una sola cosa negativa de este juego.
    Logro todo lo que un videojuego tendria que hacer, divertido, totalmente atrapante, con mucha innovacion, y esto ultimo lo logra aunque la historia sea nada mas que todos los cliches de una pelicula de terror, juntos en un solo guion.
    Lo termine en muy poco tiempo, pero solo    Excelente, tenia pensado darle un 8 o 9, pero sinceramente no se me ocurrio una sola cosa negativa de este juego.
    Logro todo lo que un videojuego tendria que hacer, divertido, totalmente atrapante, con mucha innovacion, y esto ultimo lo logra aunque la historia sea nada mas que todos los cliches de una pelicula de terror, juntos en un solo guion.
    Lo termine en muy poco tiempo, pero solo por el hecho de que no podia parar de jugarlo, siempre queria saber como seguia la historia.
    Muy importante, cada decision afecta de forma pequeña o inmenza, hasta un botoncito de los quick time events errado, te puede dar un final totalmente distitno.
    Se merece todo lo bueno y malo que puedan decir de este juego, y sobre todo, se merece todas las recomendaciones.    … Expand
  4. Bitek
    Nov 26, 2016
    10
    great game. i wish there are more games like that. i do admit this is more like interactive movie than typical game but is is highly enjoyable and fun to play. this is a must for anyone who enjoys horror style games.
  5. Honelith
    Aug 31, 2015
    10
    I don't own a PS4, I'm not a fan of Sony but I watched someone play this game and I was left very impressed! A mishmash of horror, drama and thriller, this game has almost every kind of horror with it's mixture of popular movie themes but it's all executed with absolute panache! All its main characters can get killed or be saved with its butterfly effect game mechanic so replaying the gameI don't own a PS4, I'm not a fan of Sony but I watched someone play this game and I was left very impressed! A mishmash of horror, drama and thriller, this game has almost every kind of horror with it's mixture of popular movie themes but it's all executed with absolute panache! All its main characters can get killed or be saved with its butterfly effect game mechanic so replaying the game to see the different outcomes is a must. This game was pretty damn good, I really enoyed the 7-8 hour first time playthrough and would expect many more days of play seeing all the different paths in the game. Filled with good actors using face capture technology which was incredible to see, the whole game was interesting from beginning to end and the visuals were impressive. Peter Stormare was fantastically odd as always.

    The story hooks you in and there's no boring bits as it switches between the groups of friends often creating some tense viewing!

    Recommended!    … Expand
  6. Leram504
    Oct 29, 2015
    10
    Spectacular! Been gaming since 1991 and nothing has scared me enough to get me to look away from the TV screen since the Resident Evil and Silent Hill series on PS1 but Until Dawn did. Amazing graphics, atmosphere, performances, score--the list keeps going!!
  7. redsuns
    Aug 28, 2015
    10
    Very amazing well done game. Great atmosphere. Plenty of scary moments. Great graphics and voiceovers. Good pacing throughout the game that makes you keep playing to see what happen next. Several plot twists/reveal near the end. I love this game. Its a MASTERPIECE. Its perfect. One of the best games on the ps4.
  8. Tha_Lowkey_One
    Feb 25, 2016
    10
    Masterfully designed, scripted, and acted horror game. You are basically playing through an interactive teenage horror film. Everything you do will change the outcome of the story. The graphics are the best I've seen on any video game to date. Outstanding graphics that show the power of the PS4. Playing through this game gave us more thrills than many scary movies that have been coming outMasterfully designed, scripted, and acted horror game. You are basically playing through an interactive teenage horror film. Everything you do will change the outcome of the story. The graphics are the best I've seen on any video game to date. Outstanding graphics that show the power of the PS4. Playing through this game gave us more thrills than many scary movies that have been coming out lately. Definitely a chilling game I hope they make more of them. A must play if you have a ps4… Expand
  9. Carlitoxic
    Apr 11, 2016
    10
    An amazing and fantastic surprise. I have been waiting this type of horror game so many time that now, that I have finished I need more. Until Dawn is a great game with amazing look, photorealist sometimes, is a confortable and terrorifing form of play a classic movie of B series. Quantic dream must play this game and learn.
  10. yuricloud3
    Aug 25, 2015
    10
    at first i tough it was a heavy rain, rip off, but this game keeps me wake until dawn, loving every part of it so far, greatly surprise d by how the butterfly effect works
  11. AlexanderVallin
    Nov 1, 2015
    10
    Awesome game - and my favorite cinematic adventure game that improves greatly from games like Heavy Rain or Beyond Two Souls.

    As a huge horror buff, the setting and characters are simply perfect. The game has great acting (for the material they are given and the characters they are supposed to be). The game also does a good job with the Butterfly effect / decision making system which    Awesome game - and my favorite cinematic adventure game that improves greatly from games like Heavy Rain or Beyond Two Souls.

    As a huge horror buff, the setting and characters are simply perfect. The game has great acting (for the material they are given and the characters they are supposed to be). The game also does a good job with the Butterfly effect / decision making system which adds some replay value.

    Really hoping for a sequel.    … Expand
  12. 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
  13. PolYGam3
    Aug 25, 2015
    10
    If you have loved Heavy Rain or Beyond: Two Souls like me, you will fall in love with this game.
    Amazing actor performance with a incredible sound ambiance.
  14. wesker2012
    Sep 3, 2015
    10
    One of the best horror games ever made! I've been waiting and waiting for a horror game like this one that harkens back to the old school horror camera angles. Everything is top notch in this game...characters, music, sound effects, plot, action, mystery, horror, etc. I wasn't expecting this game to be as scary as it was. I couldn't stop playing it until I beat it, it was so fun...beat itOne of the best horror games ever made! I've been waiting and waiting for a horror game like this one that harkens back to the old school horror camera angles. Everything is top notch in this game...characters, music, sound effects, plot, action, mystery, horror, etc. I wasn't expecting this game to be as scary as it was. I couldn't stop playing it until I beat it, it was so fun...beat it in 2 sittings...I think it could actually be the scariest and most fun horror game I have played and I've played a lot of horror videogames. From start to finish, the game has you hooked! Only negative that bugged me was...the walking was kinda slow and annoying to control sometimes..but the game was super successful as a horror game, so that negative can be overlooked looking at the overall package.… Expand
  15. Ghoster
    Sep 5, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Awesome game every horror movie fan should play. It start as Cabin in the woods style, continue with elements of Saw and finish inspired with Descent movies. There is a lot of influence with good horror titles which only fan would understand. Story is good and player have influence in story progress. Little bad is that there is not a lot of puzzles but Telltale started with that kind of games which obviously people like. Personally, I would like gameplay more like Heavy rain, but even like this game is awesome horror fan experience for few playthroughs.… 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. Pegula
    Feb 15, 2016
    10
    Try it.

    You won't regret it.

    Awesome visuals.

    Controller usage is outstanding and immersive.

    Sotryline and atmosfere great!

    One small step for a game, one giant leap for gaming industry!
  18. 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
  19. biggamejames79
    Jan 1, 2016
    10
    Great game, felt just like playing an interactive horror film! Lots of jump scares mixed in with creepy music and scenery. The Butterfly Effect is strong in this game as what seems like a small decision early on can have huge impact on future choices and options. I hope they make a sequel/prequel!
  20. NoX81
    May 27, 2019
    10
    One of the best interactive experiences out there. I've been gaming for over 20 years and this is the best horror experience ice played. Multiple choice, branching story line, and great production values. Your choices matter, who will survive under your guidance? If you love horror you will love this game
  21. 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?
  22. steffmaister
    Aug 25, 2015
    10
    If you like the B-film genre then you are probobly going to love this game. Stunning graphics, fun story and cool butterfly effect system. Maybe a bit uncanny valley at times and some framerate drops. Worth the play time and alot of replay value!
  23. namitokiwa
    Aug 25, 2015
    10
    Pros:
    Amazing story. Tons of choices lead to multiple consequences. The visual graphic is amazing with emotional - well acting from characters, voice acting and sound is very spooky and amazing lead to the high tension. The butterfly effect is more amazing made the games more fun to play with.
    Cons:
    Some drop frame rate.
  24. Riskyreview
    Aug 28, 2015
    10
    This game has the one of best stories in any game I have ever played, it seriously has the same if not better quality than scary movies from the 80-90s!

    Play it now!
  25. benjamin666
    Dec 6, 2022
    10
    Very beautiful and exciting game. Amazing technical graphics. Great art design. It is wonderful. Great game excitement. Choices matter
  26. MrBadum
    Sep 24, 2015
    10
    So "Horror reinvented" was the slogan for this Game but is it really a revolution? In the end it isnt but its nevertheless a fantastic game, one of the best horrorgames of the recent years. Yeah sure the decisions do not change things as much as people expected but on the other hand it would have been too timeconsuming for the Devs to create so many storypaths. Its still fine the way itSo "Horror reinvented" was the slogan for this Game but is it really a revolution? In the end it isnt but its nevertheless a fantastic game, one of the best horrorgames of the recent years. Yeah sure the decisions do not change things as much as people expected but on the other hand it would have been too timeconsuming for the Devs to create so many storypaths. Its still fine the way it is.

    In my opinion the story is a really good one. It might appear cheesy and full of cliches but the storytwist later in the game was rather surprising - at least for me. The atmosphere in this game was intense and it wont let go once the chaos starts. Until Dawn was a terrifying experience and i enjoyed every minute of it. For my part i think the Game is better than expected, especially after some harsh reviews when it was shown on Gamescon 2014.    … Expand
  27. jtlats
    Feb 4, 2016
    10
    First PS4 Game I got Platinum on! I could not stop playing it!

    First time I played with some friends who are horrible people and let them make the choices. I followed their choices no matter how messed up they were. Got all but Mike and Matt killed. Jumped around using Episode option to collect clues and totems I missed and to see different outcomes of choices. Then the third    First PS4 Game I got Platinum on! I could not stop playing it!

    First time I played with some friends who are horrible people and let them make the choices. I followed their choices no matter how messed up they were. Got all but Mike and Matt killed.

    Jumped around using Episode option to collect clues and totems I missed and to see different outcomes of choices.

    Then the third time I wrote over the previous game and played through making my own choices so those would be saved.

    Amazing how detailed the graphics were. The story line is classic horror film with nods to Friday, Nightmare, Bloody Valentine, Saw, Psycho, and many more! And the them song, O'Death fits it so well and really spoils it if you pay attention to the lyrics.

    The twists are good, and really you have two separate horror films in one game. The first half I could totally see as a Hollywood movie(Small budget type ala Paranormal and first couple of Saws)

    Seriously, if you want a game that focuses on story telling and love horror movies, this game is for you!    … Expand
  28. RedRice
    Aug 30, 2015
    10
    The game is based on vital human decisions that should be made for the character in play within a short timeframe- gripping and intense, this decision-making process makes the player easily identify with the character, unless of course you purposely detach yourself from it. This is not how you play this game, or any game for that matter. The graphics are flawless, some forgivableThe game is based on vital human decisions that should be made for the character in play within a short timeframe- gripping and intense, this decision-making process makes the player easily identify with the character, unless of course you purposely detach yourself from it. This is not how you play this game, or any game for that matter. The graphics are flawless, some forgivable frame-rate drops, but a worthwhile distraction from our real life, mundane, day-to-day decisions.… Expand
  29. porhawj24
    Aug 25, 2015
    10
    this game is amazing.. it remind me of Heavy Rain and Beyond Two Soul.. Graphic is stunning on character model and environments. character facial animation look little bad.. there are some scary moments scared crap out of me. story is really good. there are some twists. this game must be good for fans who played Heavy Rain and Beyond two souls
  30. buc48
    Aug 31, 2015
    10
    I don't care who you are or what kind of games you are into... You need to play this game! This is the best interactive experience I have ever had with a video game. People will say "Its just a movie", well trust me folks no movie will ever be able to match the immersion you are able to experience with Until Dawn. Sure it's clichéd and cheesy at times, but that was done on purpose.I don't care who you are or what kind of games you are into... You need to play this game! This is the best interactive experience I have ever had with a video game. People will say "Its just a movie", well trust me folks no movie will ever be able to match the immersion you are able to experience with Until Dawn. Sure it's clichéd and cheesy at times, but that was done on purpose. I've never been a fan of horror movies especially the cabin in the woods style dumb teenager horror movies, but that didn't stop me from loving the hell out of this game! I can't tell you how many times I made a decision that I immediately regretted because of the tension created by this game, but that just made me want to go back and replay those parts as soon as I finished the game. There is no way this game should get lower than an 8 or 9 score from anyone, but as for me this game gets a 10! No amount of knit-picking can get me to deduct any points from this game. Also my wife never plays or watches me play games and she watched me play this game from start to finish and loved it.… 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

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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 »