Days Gone Remastered PS5 Review: The Ultimate Zombie Survival Experience Is Here!

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Among Sony’s games for the PlayStation 4, Days Gone might have evolved more favorably over time than any other. Initially criticized and even deemed somewhat flawed, it has since become a steadier, more comprehensive open-world game, appreciated by many fans.

The likelihood of Deacon St. John’s love story and Oregon adventure getting a sequel seems extremely slim. Yet, in the Days Gone Remastered, it appears that Bend Studio is still acknowledging its ultimate success. This PS5 upgrade serves as a fan favorite, providing a satisfying ending to Days Gone, thus offering a worthy console version we can all be proud of.

After its somewhat unsuccessful debut in 2019, you might not have kept track of the improvements made to the game by its developers. To clarify, the core gameplay has substantially improved. Post-launch, it underwent numerous updates for several months, addressing bugs and smoothing out technical issues.

Apart from these updates, additional content was included, such as New Game+, tougher difficulty settings, and notably, the challenge mode. This extra feature provided entertaining diversions apart from the primary game, featuring time trials, combat scenarios, and creative adaptations of Crazy Taxi. The bonus mode also included leaderboards to record your final score, and there were rewards like unique clothing options and items to earn for use in the campaign.

In simpler terms, Days Gone Remastered enhances not just the original game but also additional modes, thanks to the base PS5 and PS5 Pro’s capabilities. The visuals and frame rate have been optimized in various settings, the DualSense controller is now compatible, and a new mode called Horde Assault further improves one of the game’s most popular features.

On the standard PS5, you can select between a Performance Mode and a Quality Mode. The Performance Mode displays at 1440p and focuses on achieving 60 frames per second, while the Quality Mode opts for a 4K resolution and strives for 30fps. However, when testing on the PS5 Pro (the platform used for this review), there’s an extra Enhanced Mode available. This mode renders at 1584p and employs PSSR to output at 4K, aiming to deliver a smooth 60 frames per second. Notably, both Performance and Quality Modes run at higher resolutions on the PS5 Pro.

Because Days Gone was playable on the PS5 even before the release of its compatibility patch, the improvements made aren’t groundbreaking for the game. While moving from a standard PS4 to the PS5 Pro will show noticeable differences, long-term fans who have watched the game’s development may not be overly amazed by these enhancements.

Even so, Boozer’s bald head has never seemed more radiant on a console, which says something. The transition between the game’s initial PS4 release and its enhanced PS5 version is like night and day. The remastered edition of Days Gone launches smoothly and has never looked better. Its character models and plant life are particularly striking on the PS5 Pro, showcasing some of the best visuals in a post-apocalyptic universe.

Boozer’s bald head shines brighter than ever before on a console, which is significant. The difference between the original PS4 launch and the upgraded PS5 version of Days Gone is like day and night. This remastered version launches without issues and looks stunning. Its character models and vegetation stand out on the PS5 Pro, offering some of the best visuals in a post-apocalyptic world.

The campaign retains its familiar feel: the initial stages are tough to push through, Deacon continues to utter doubtful remarks, and the narrative initially unfolds slowly. Yet, for those who stuck with it, Days Gone continually improves as you progress further into the gameplay.

The game’s cycle of zombie killing, resource gathering, bike control, and narrative quests shines brighter during the latter part of the story, however, the initial stages are more enjoyable now thanks to skillful use of DualSense technology.

Haptic Feedback simulates the sensation of driving a motorbike on rough terrain by providing a persistent vibration to the PS5 controller. As you navigate through gears, conquer hills, traverse rugged paths, and encounter zombies, you’ll sense each jolt and movement in your hands.

In this context, the area around you and your items are also affected. The sound of raindrops is simulated on the control pad, enhancing the overall feel and suspense as you struggle to push your motorbike through the mud when it malfunctions. When the undead chase you, the haptic feedback intensifies the experience during the game’s most thrilling moments.

The Adaptive Triggers on the controller provide additional support by increasing resistance and tension when firing weapons, although they don’t quite compare to the impact of Haptic Feedback technology.

This remaster from Bend Studio offers sharper graphics, smoother gameplay, and compatibility with DualSense controllers. While it may not be a groundbreaking overhaul like Bethesda’s work on Oblivion, Days Gone remains a solid PS4 game in 2025. The developers have effectively updated and enhanced the game for optimal play on PS5 with Days Gone Remastered.

In Horde Assault, they’ve managed to introduce something fresh. Expanding upon the zombie horde feature from the original game, they’ve developed a new mode designed to challenge your survival abilities, pushing you against the largest hordes of zombies this game has ever seen.

In simpler terms, your goal is to survive against hordes of zombies and adversaries in various missions as long as possible. Your ultimate aim is to achieve a high score before meeting your demise. During gameplay, you can create equipment, discover improved weapons, enhance your abilities, and unlock additional perks for future tries.

In this updated version, significant areas of the open world have been transformed into playable maps. You can compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals in these new sections. The rewards will encourage you to continue playing, making it an enjoyable extra feature on top of the main game. It’s a great spot to challenge yourself against larger groups of zombies, with Horde Assault featuring swarms that may exceed 800 in number.

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2025-04-28 19:07