Until Dawn Remake’s ‘New Prologue’ is a Double-Edged Sword

Spoilers ahead for Until Dawn

The Until Dawn remake is here in time for the Halloween season, and this reworked version of the game has brought forth some surprising changes. It was confirmed that developer Ballistic Moon would be making updates, like the game’s camera angles, but there are a lot of reworks included in Until Dawn that have proven to be really unexpected.

One of the most intriguing of these changes is the difference between the original and the remake’s prologues. The many changes in Until Dawn are intended to give deeper context to the overall story. With the prologue setting the tone for the game moving forward, such a new interpretation has its pros and cons. The overall premise of the prologue remains the same. While enjoying a getaway at the Washington family cabin, many of the characters pull a prank on Hannah, which sets in motion the events that lead to her untimely demise. However, the prologue takes a deeper dive into the group’s dynamics, which is also a risky way to start the game.

Where To Find All Clues In Until Dawn

Until Dawn has a ton of clues to find to make surviving the night easier, and here is where you can find all of them.

Until Dawn’s New Prologue Offers Deeper Insight, But Could Also Alarm Fans of the Original

Showcasing a Bold Change Right From the Start

Changes were to be expected with the Until Dawn remake, but the story starting things off differently could potentially give players the wrong signal that many of Until Dawn‘s changes are going to be a drastic departure from the original’s story. Furthermore, Until Dawn‘s original opening credits are completely reworked as well. This combination out of the gate is a bold risk that Ballistic Moon decided to take, but it also makes it clear that this is a remake set on giving more context to certain moments.

Until Dawn’s New Prologue Offers a Fresh Perspective

In the reworked prologue, there are interactions between the story’s characters that give better insight into the group’s overall relationships. However, there is also a more emotional viewpoint of the night shown that does a stronger job of driving home Hannah’s embarrassment regarding the prank. This version of the prologue is successful at highlighting the teenage emotions at play in Until Dawn‘s story, but it also shows players that they should expect further differences down the road.

Until Dawn
‘s remake also overhauls the game’s visuals and adds new collectibles.

Ultimately, Until Dawn’s Remake Takes a Variety of Liberties

Ballistic Moon’s Remake Has Proven Divisive

So far, reception to Until Dawn‘s remake has been a mixed bag. The prologue isn’t the only change that borderline retcons some key moments in the story. A major scene involving Ashley and two new possible endings with Sam and Josh that have sparked sequel rumors have put a twist on the original game’s narrative. This has played a large role in the game’s divisive feedback. While these deeper insights into character relationships and how they feel are compelling, some players are upset by making such game-changing deviations.

Whether it’s the new prologue or Ashley and Chris’ reworked moment, Until Dawn‘s remake has succeeded in separating itself from its original version. Despite the controversy of changing such a tone-setting opening, the biggest benefit of the remake’s prologue is giving Hannah and Beth more screen time than its predecessor. For the two characters to play such integral roles in the plot, the original brushes over them fairly quickly at the beginning. This version of the opening makes the twins feel more realized overall, which is a silver lining to the change.

Josh’s new ending reveals he has survived in the caves, while Sam’s ending shows her living in LA years later, suffering from what appears to be PTSD.

With the many possibilities available in Until Dawn, having more context behind the characters facing their varied fates can potentially make the remake’s changes have more of an impact. However, it’s also understandable why these unexpected differences have concerned some longtime fans.