The Complexity of Remakes
In any medium, a remake is a complicated undertaking. It prompts the question: why recreate something that already exists? Generally, the decision to remake a film or video game stems from a place of admiration for the original work. However, this reverence often conceals a deeper sentiment—an urge to enhance the style or substance of the source material. To create is to give life; to recreate is to contemplate that life under a new lens.
Reimagining vs. Reproducing
The most successful remakes offer a fresh perspective on the original piece. They delve into the essence of the work and strive to broaden its narrative or themes, exploring previously uncharted territories. Unfortunately, the recent ‘Until Dawn’ remake does not exemplify this ideal. Released as a survival-horror interactive video game, it does little to reinterpret the 2015 PS4 classic. Rather than expanding upon the characters and settings established in the original, it struggles to justify its existence.
What the Remake Delivers
Despite its shortcomings, the ‘Until Dawn’ remake is not merely a duplicate of Supermassive Games’ sleeper hit. It presents several enhancements, including significant visual upgrades, minor gameplay tweaks, altered character narratives, and even new items to discover. Moreover, the game boasts an adjusted camera perspective and an updated sound and score. While these changes introduce some fresh elements, they ultimately leave players wondering if the endeavor was necessary given the quality of the original, which remains playable on PS5 without extra cost to subscribers of PlayStation Plus.