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MONSTER

Until Dawn

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Until Dawn
Item: Until Dawn
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2015

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableAug 25, 2015

PlatformPlayStation 4

DeveloperSupermassive Games

Overview

Until Dawn is an interactive drama survival horror video game. It was originally scheduled to be released on the PlayStation 3 and feature PlayStation Move support, but in August 2014, the game was reintroduced as a PlayStation 4 exclusive. Until Dawn is designed to be played multiple times, as players will miss out on quite a bit of content with a single playthrough. Each will last about nine hours in length and the game mechanics utilize a new in-game system called the "Butterfly Effect" in which any choice of action by the player may cause unforeseen consequences later on. For example, locating a weapon in an earlier chapter may allow the player to pick it up down the line when a chase scene leads back to the same room. 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, allowing for many different paths and scenarios as well as offering several different endings. Until Dawn has a strict auto-save system to prevent players from reloading a previous save file to an earlier point in the game if they regret an in-game decision they have made. The only way to change the player's choice is to restart the game from the beginning or continue to the end and start a new game. In a developer interview, it has been said that Until Dawn has "hundreds of endings". Different endings have different variations depending on the combination of characters alive at the end of the game. The gameplay is focused on exploration, quick-time events and discovering clues as well as making decisions. There is an in-game system that will keep track of all of the clues and secrets players have discovered in total, even if there are multiple playthroughs; these clues will allow the player to piece together the mysteries of Blackwood. In terms of the gameplay mechanics and theme, Until Dawn has been noted to be similar to Heavy Rain and Beyond: Two Souls. Until Dawn was met with a positive critical response upon release, with praise directed at the visuals, choice mechanic, horror elements, music, voice acting and gameplay design. Most of the criticism the game drew was concerning the story, mostly the second half, camera angles, character movements and partially linear plot.

Elsewhere

8.7

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Until Dawn received praise from the majority of the critics, with many noting its compelling and immersive nature. The game's use of the butterfly effect mechanic was highlighted as a standout feature, allowing players to shape the story and its outcomes through their choices. The characters were also well-developed, with some critics noting their likability and humor. The Digital Fix praised the tension that was ratcheted up at multiple choke points throughout the game, while GameTrailers noted that every decision felt like it mattered. The story was also commended for its self-awareness and deconstruction of horror tropes, with games(TM) noting its smart and self-aware nature. While the majority of the critics enjoyed the story, there were some criticisms regarding its execution. IGN noted that the story lacked cohesion and veered off in an entirely different direction in the second half, stripping away any cohesiveness. Softpedia felt that the story went to some places that every fan of the genre would know pretty well, with characters reduced to their essence and given little space to breathe as more blood gushes and adrenaline is pumped. GameCritics felt that the script was great at drawing players along but pushed the affecting tragedy too far, leading to stunned bewilderment. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Until Dawn is a compelling and immersive experience that takes inspiration from teen slasher movies and uses cliches creatively to form personalities of the characters. The butterfly effect mechanic was praised for its ability to shape the story and its outcomes through player choices, and the characters were well-developed and likable. However, there were some criticisms regarding the story's execution, with some feeling that it lacked cohesion and veered off in a different direction in the second half. Despite this, the majority of the critics found the story to be very good, with many noting its tense and immersive nature.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praised Until Dawn for its compelling and immersive story, standout butterfly effect mechanic, and well-developed characters. The game was commended for its tension and self-aware deconstruction of horror tropes. However, some critics criticized its execution for lacking cohesion and veering off in the second half. Overall, the majority found it to be a gripping experience with impactful player choices and likable characters, despite some flaws in storytelling.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

37%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Until Dawn has received mixed reviews from critics. GameTrailers and The Digital Fix praised the exploration aspect of the game, with the former stating that thorough exploration brings clues and mementos to better understand what’s going on and the latter stating that the game has a lot of replay value due to the Butterfly Effect system. Additionally, GameTrailers noted that the QTEs in Until Dawn actually feel exhilarating, and that the game forces players to think rather than just react. Shacknews also appreciated the variety of decisions that the game offers, which could lead to the death of one or more characters based on what's selected. However, some critics such as Gamestyle and Destructoid criticized the gameplay for being limited and fairly linear, with action scenes relying on QTE sections that are challenging but not groundbreaking. Destructoid also noted that the choice mechanic is unimaginative and mostly amounts to moving an analog stick in the desired direction. GameCritics criticized the game for having a plot to follow and a final sequence they want to get to, which limits the potential QTE failures to throw them too far off course. In practice, this creates a situation where any character who can get killed before the ending is not allowed to be central to the storyline. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the gameplay of Until Dawn is heavily dictated by player choice, which means it focuses more on story than gameplay. The game's central feature is the promise that every character lives or dies based on the choices made, and it's completely true that whether or not anyone lasts until dawn is entirely up to the player. The Butterfly Effect mechanic adds to replay value, and the game offers players plenty of agency and control, while still giving a primarily cinematic experience. However, the gameplay is rudimentary and limited, with lots of walking and QTEs for the action bits. The effective choices mechanic is the primary focus of the game and is pivotal to the entire experience, but the game needs to challenge your response time to dictate the outcome of seemingly random encounters.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Until Dawn's gameplay divides critics: praised for exploration and replay value, criticized for being limited and linear. Choice-driven narrative and Butterfly Effect system add depth, but gameplay focuses more on story than mechanics. While QTEs are exhilarating, some find them unimaginative. Overall, player choice dictates every character's fate, offering agency but lacking challenge. The game's promise of choices shaping the outcome holds true, creating a primarily cinematic experience with some limitations.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Until Dawn. The game was commended for its stunning visuals, atmospheric environments, and excellent lighting. The characters were also highly praised for their photorealistic appearance and expressive facial animations. Critics such as AusGamers and GameTrailers highlighted the game's lush blizzard effects, pitch-perfect lighting, and expert camera direction that created a fantastic atmosphere. Gamestyle also praised the game's atmospheric environments and good lighting and audio design. Impulsegamer and The Digital Fix also praised the game's use of motion capture technology, which made the characters look stunningly real. Overall, the game's graphics and visual design were considered to be one of its strongest aspects. However, some critics did have some negative feedback regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Until Dawn. Some reviewers, such as Arcade Sushi and Critical Hit, mentioned that there were frequent frame rate issues that detracted from the immersive beauty and horror of what you see. Dealspwn also mentioned that the lip-syncing was sometimes disconnected, which let down the excellent likenesses of the characters. Twinfinite also mentioned that while the characters looked jaw-droppingly realistic when silent, the Uncanny Valley was ever-present when they spoke. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus was that the game's graphics and visual design were impressive. Overall, the critics had a positive opinion of the Graphics and Visual Design of Until Dawn. The game was praised for its stunning visuals, atmospheric environments, and excellent use of motion capture technology. The characters were also highly praised for their photorealistic appearance and expressive facial animations. While some critics did mention frame rate issues and disconnected lip-syncing, the majority of the critics were impressed with the game's graphics and visual design. The game's graphics and visual design were considered to be one of its strongest aspects, and it helped to create an immersive and terrifying horror experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics raved about Until Dawn's stunning graphics, atmospheric environments, and lifelike characters with expressive animations. Despite minor flaws like frame rate issues and lip-syncing problems, the overall consensus was that the game's visual design was impressive and added to its immersive horror experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Until Dawn has received mostly positive reviews from the critics. Several critics have praised the game's sound design and music. According to Arcade Sushi, the composer Jason Graves created a soundtrack that is wrought with tension and punctuates the action perfectly with discordant sounds to make your skin crawl and tragic chords mourning each lost character. Critical Hit also praised the scoring, which creates tension right from the beginning. The audio design adds to the fear and atmosphere of the game, as per Impulsegamer. The sound effects are creepy, and the music is haunting, which works hand in hand with the gameplay and storytelling, as per Impulsegamer. However, some critics have pointed out some negatives regarding the Sound Design and Music of Until Dawn. Softpedia mentioned that the soundtrack and the ambient sounds feel a little out of step with the rest of the game, with a constant whispering of voices almost always in the background, and with the music sometimes preempting tense moments and scares. DarkStation also pointed out that the actual audio for the voices sounds somewhat muddled, as if they were bouncing off damp cave walls. The voices can be difficult to hear over the sound effects and music. Overall, the critics have a positive consensus regarding the Sound Design and Music of Until Dawn. The audio is key in any type of horror game, and it's a driving force in Until Dawn, surrounding you with all kinds of unidentified screeches and bumps in the night, as per GameTrailers. The audio design adds to the fear and atmosphere of the game, and the music is haunting, which works hand in hand with the gameplay and storytelling, as per Impulsegamer. The sound design is really something as well, with plenty of creepy effects that really get your best nerve over the course of the game, as per GameCrate. Although there are some negatives, the overall consensus is that the Sound Design and Music of Until Dawn is a great addition to the game, which contributes to the overall horror experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise the tense soundtrack and creepy sound effects of Until Dawn, enhancing the horror experience. Some note issues with voices and music timing, but overall, the sound design and music are key strengths that immerse players in the game's atmosphere and storytelling.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Until Dawn has been praised by many critics. Arcade Sushi commends the cast of excellent actors, including Hayden Panettiere and Brett Dalton, for bringing the motion-captured characters to life. COGconnected also praises the talented actors and enjoyable script, with genuine performances that created real-world emotions during interactions with the characters. DarkStation notes that while a few performances were flat or unmemorable, Peter Stormare and Rami Malek delivered their lines with an exaggerated flair that echoed the game's love affair with cheesy, 80's horror clichés. The Digital Fix also highlights the stunningly real mocap of the actors, including Hayden Panettiere, who will likely be the most noticeable to players. However, some critics did have negative opinions about the voice acting in Until Dawn. Critical Hit notes that while the voice acting was pretty good at times, the script was so clichéd at points that it was cringe-worthy. Dealspwn was let down by the disconnecting lip-syncing, which detracted from the excellent likenesses. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Until Dawn is commendable and adds to the cinematic experience. Game Informer notes the "commendable performances from a cast of professional actors," while Impulsegamer praises the "excellent" professional voice acting. Twinfinite notes that the game does an excellent job of delivering lines and making them feel believable. ZTGD commends the cast for conveying their characters exactly as horror fans would expect, playing right into the slasher horror genre. While there were some negative opinions, the majority of critics agree that the voice acting in Until Dawn is a strong aspect of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics praise the voice acting in Until Dawn for bringing characters to life with genuine emotions and excellent performances from actors like Hayden Panettiere and Brett Dalton. Some critics note occasional flat performances and clichéd moments, but overall, the voice acting adds to the cinematic experience with commendable professionalism.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The critics' opinions on the technical performance of Until Dawn on the PS4 were mixed. Some critics, such as Softpedia, praised the game for its innovative approach to saving progress, while others, such as Arcade Sushi and ZTGD, noted occasional graphical issues and frame rate drops. However, there were no major technical issues or bugs reported by any of the critics. Despite these minor issues, VideoGamer praised the game's design for allowing players to replay certain chapters and completely change the outcome of the story. On the other hand, there were no critics who reviewed Until Dawn on any other gaming platform, so it is difficult to make a comparison. However, it is worth noting that the PS4 version of the game was praised for its innovative approach to saving progress, which may not be present in other versions of the game. Overall, the critics' opinions on the technical performance of Until Dawn were mixed, with some praising the game's innovative approach to saving progress and others noting occasional graphical issues and frame rate drops. However, there were no major technical issues or bugs reported by any of the critics. Despite these minor issues, the game was praised for its design, which allows players to completely change the outcome of the story.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed opinions on the technical performance of Until Dawn on PS4. Some praised its innovative progress-saving approach, while others noted minor graphical issues and frame rate drops. Despite these, no major technical problems were reported. The game's design was appreciated for allowing players to influence the story outcome by replaying chapters. No reviews were available for other platforms, but the PS4 version stood out for its unique progress-saving feature.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

41%

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of the critics agree that Until Dawn has a high replay value due to the Butterfly Effect system, which creates various outcomes based on the player's choices. The game's potential to alter the story drastically is everywhere, and the decisions made by the player have consequences that shape the fates of the characters. The mid-chapter questionnaires with the creepy psychiatrist, Dr. Hill, also shape what horrors are about to befall the player. The game's core scenario mostly remains the same, but there are consequences to actions that add replayability. Whole portions of gameplay can be skipped, depending on who is alive or which physical path you travel, adding to the replay value. The Butterfly Effects are at the core of the Until Dawn experience, and may be minor things like choosing to throw a snowball or ask about an old baseball bat. Every time you make one of these decisions, you will be alerted with an on-screen prompt, but there’s no indication of when or how this choice will manifest. Reinforcing this concept are Totems. Found throughout the game, Totems provide the tiniest of glimpses of a future event, choice, or outcome. As a game mechanic, they’re interesting, as a tension builder they are sublime! Some critics, such as Arcade Sushi and GameCritics, mention the clunky controls and the flaws that become too great to ignore after the first playthrough. The QTEs are brutally fast, which can lead to unnecessary deaths. The game should only be played a single time, as the scares may dissipate in a second playthrough. Once you complete those elements, it is then necessary to complete the entire game all over again as you can only see the result of your new decisions once you reach the later points in the game. This sort of defeated the replay elements for some critics. The slightly questionable replay value shouldn't discourage gamers, especially horror fans. The gameplay could have used some more variation, and it doesn’t quite live up its self-generated hype when it comes to the butterfly effect and multiple playthroughs. Overall, the critics agree that Until Dawn has a high replay value due to the Butterfly Effect system, the mid-chapter questionnaires, and the potential to alter the story drastically. The decisions made by the player have consequences that shape the fates of the characters, and the game offers a Mind-blowing amount of replayability. The game encourages replayability as the decisions made by the player have consequences that shape the fates of the characters. The Butterfly Effect is a great feature that allows the player's decisions to change how things play out. The changes were seamless to the action on screen, although the reviewer was notified of the change through a pop-up message. The totems offered a hint at what could happen in the future based on the reviewer's decisions. However, some critics mention the flaws in the controls and the gameplay, which can make the replay value less enjoyable. Despite this, the game is a remarkable experience that horror fans shouldn't miss, and it definitely keeps things interesting, even with multiple playthroughs.

TL;DR

replay value

Until Dawn offers high replay value through its Butterfly Effect system, shaping the story based on player choices. Critics praise the game's potential for altering outcomes dramatically and the tension-building Totems. However, some mention clunky controls and flaws that hinder replay enjoyment. While the game may lose its scare factor on subsequent playthroughs, it remains a must-play for horror fans seeking a thrilling and immersive experience.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Until Dawn received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of the critics. The game's visuals and narrative were praised for being compelling and immersive. The Butterfly Effect system, which allows for multiple endings and variations, was also appreciated by the critics as it added to the game's replay value. The mid-chapter questionnaires with the psychiatrist, Dr. Hill, was also a unique and intriguing feature that added to the game's overall experience. AusGamers, Gamestyle, and GameCrate were among the critics who praised the game's high production value, sound design, and the ability to shape the fates of the characters through player choices. However, some critics pointed out that the game lacked functionality to skip certain sections, which made replaying the game a tedious task. The facial animation was also criticized by Critical Hit, who compared the characters to those from the Twilight franchise. IGN noted that the game's scares were diluted by the overuse of genre tropes, and the sudden shift in the story's direction in the second half stripped away any cohesiveness. Despite these criticisms, the game was still considered a must-play for horror fans by Toronto Sun, COGconnected, and Impulsegamer. Overall, Until Dawn was praised for its unique storytelling and immersive gameplay. The game's ability to shape the fates of the characters through player choices was a standout feature that added to the game's replay value. The game's high production value, sound design, and attention to detail were also appreciated by the critics. While some critics pointed out flaws such as lack of functionality to skip certain sections and facial animation, the majority of the critics thought that the overall verdict of Until Dawn was very good.

TL;DR

Until Dawn wowed critics with its captivating visuals, immersive narrative, and innovative Butterfly Effect system for multiple endings. While praised for its production value and player-driven storytelling, some critics found flaws like unskippable sections and lackluster facial animations. Despite mixed feedback, the game remains a must-play for horror enthusiasts seeking a chilling interactive experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

147 reviews found

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 4

Aug 27, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Until Dawn is the perfect interactive medium on the PlayStation 4 that succeeds at drawing you into your own personal horror story. The game heavily focuses on storytelling and creates an immersive survival horror experience. The butterfly effect means player choice determines the various pathways of how the game can be finished which causes ripple effects. The game has amazing graphics, a haunting soundtrack, and excellent voice acting. The gameplay does take a back seat to the story, but the interactive plot is equally as satisfying. The game can be finished in around 10 to 12 hours, but there is plenty of replay value with unexpected twists a second time around. Overall, Until Dawn is a must-play for fans of survival horror and interactive storytelling.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Aug 24, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

While Until Dawn lacks complex gameplay, it counters with compelling characters, astounding visuals, and a thought provoking storyline. A masterful fusion of art forms, Until Dawn is a refreshingly self-aware experience that no thriller fan should pass up.

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Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Aug 25, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Until Dawn has enough fresh and original ideas and truly explores the choose your own path without having too many restrictions. This type of game is not for everyone, but if you are opened minded to a non-traditional gaming experience and enjoy horror games and/or movies, I would highly recommend giving Until Dawn a try.

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Game Informer

PlayStation 4

Aug 24, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Until Dawn is a remarkable experience that horror fans shouldn't miss. It offers a compelling horror story with a three-pronged mystery that is augmented by collectibles that actually matter. The characters evolve during the game based on how you play them and offer up chances for redemption (or revenge). The outstanding visuals, commendable performances from a cast of professional actors, and a mood-setting dynamic score all bring the characters and environments to life. Supermassive implements the best use of quick-time events to create nerve-racking action sequences. Don't Move prompts are also an interesting addition, tasking you with holding the controller as still as possible to hide from stalking predators. The decisions you make during the game will craft a unique and personal story. Every player follows the same narrative skeleton, and a few of the more "expendable" characters aren't instrumental to the ending. However, the script kept the reviewer entertained and feeling like their decisions mattered throughout their 10-hour playthrough. Thanks to some good twists, a few fake-outs, and limitless jump scares, Until Dawn would make a solid horror film.

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ZTGD

PlayStation 4

Aug 24, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Until Dawn is quite possibly one of my favorite entries in the cinematic story telling genre, if not my favorite. It hits on all the right notes, has interesting variation outcomes from the butterfly effects, it looks great, and it’s the closest we’ve come to being in a horror flick. Sometimes funny, sometimes cheesy, sometimes downright scary and tense as hell, Until Dawn is one wild ride, and while not everyone will think it’s worth the entry price, I couldn’t be happier with the end results.

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CGMagazine

PlayStation 4

Aug 24, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Until Dawn is an incredible game for horror fans, and I have nothing negative to say about it. Supermassive Games didn’t disappoint. However, people not into the horror genre probably won’t enjoy Until Dawn nearly as much. If horror tropes or jump scares are not your thing, be warned before you venture in to Until Dawn.

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Gameplanet

PlayStation 4

Aug 25, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Until Dawn is gratuitously violent, horrific, and frightening. The game has a typical slasher set-up, but the real joy is in the discovery and dealing with the very permanent consequences of your choices and actions. The stunning graphics, top-notch acting, and careful attention to detail all help to build a game world that is easy to get lost in. What starts as a typical slasher becomes something much darker and far scarier at the mid-point, and over the course of the game’s 10 ‘episodes’, you’ll find a story that embraces everything that horror fans adore about great B movies. The Butterfly Effects are at the core of the Until Dawn experience, and may be minor things like choosing to throw a snowball or ask about an old baseball bat. Every time you make one of these decisions, you will be alerted with an on screen prompt, but there’s no indication of when or how this choice will manifest. Reinforcing this concept are Totems. Found throughout the game, Totems provide the tiniest of glimpses of a future event, choice, or outcome. This might be the death of a character, a glimpse of a potential danger, or a clue about a future action. They are helpful, but you’ll need to be observant in order to make full use of the clues they provide. As a game mechanic they’re interesting, as a tension builder they are sublime!

GameTrailers

PlayStation 4

Aug 24, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Until Dawn manages to pull you in. What starts as funny and lighthearted eventually becomes quite terrifying. Due to its thrilling nature, wide cast, and focus on choice, it’s one of the few adventure games we could even recommend for parties. It’s more fun than we expected, and we can’t wait to relive the night with our own group of friends.

GamePro Germany

PlayStation 4

Aug 30, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Until Dawn is a nerve-wracking horror adventure game that creatively uses cliches to form personalities of the characters and subverts expectations by defying cliches. The game is worth playing for those who enjoy horror games.

GameCritics

PlayStation 4

Sep 17, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

From writing, acting, technical and gameplay standpoints, Until Dawn is a great accomplishment, and a must-play for fans of interactive movies. On the other hand, it's frustrating that the developers didn't go a little further to turn it into a truly exceptional experience on all levels. I absolutely recommend the game.

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