Days Gone’s Upcoming Remaster Seems Like it Might be Worth a Look

by

As a passionate gamer, I’ve got to admit that I’m a bit puzzled by the upcoming Days Gone remaster. frankly, it seems like this trend of remasters and re-releases from Sony during the PlayStation 5 generation has left many of us scratching our heads. And yes, I get why there’s skepticism about Days Gone Remastered – because let’s be honest, it’s not always clear why some games warrant a remaster treatment. It leaves me wondering if there’s a hidden logic behind this decision that I’m missing.

Initially, you should know that this game isn’t particularly ancient, and it doesn’t give off an old or worn-out vibe. It’s fully playable across several popular platforms such as the PS5, PS4, and PC. Graphically, it looks terrific and generally runs smoothly. However, Sony, its developer, had expected more success from this game, Days Gone, both critically and commercially. Consequently, a sequel was never approved, the original creators left the studio, and Bend Studio shifted focus to an entirely new intellectual property (which was later canceled, but we can delve into that another time).

Currently, Sony is on the brink of launching a revamped version of the post-apocalyptic open-world zombie-slaying game, and there’s curiosity about why this project has been undertaken when other titles such as the inFamous games, Killzone games, or the much-discussed Bloodborne might have been more suitable candidates for remastering. Indeed, I understand the doubts surrounding the release of Days Gone, as I share some of them too. However, it appears that this game could potentially attract new players or those who want to revisit the game.

Undeniably, Days Gone Remastered will debut in a significantly improved technical condition compared to the original Days Gone, which, while not exactly a technical catastrophe, was noticeably less polished than expected for a Sony exclusive game when it launched on PS4 six years ago.

A potential improvement for “Days Gone” that’s worth considering is a native enhanced version for PS5, which could potentially enhance the game’s key features without any major technical glitches interfering. This would be particularly appealing to those who couldn’t fully enjoy the game at its original release due to technical issues. However, it’s important to note that inherent problems such as rough writing and dialogue, uneven pacing, especially in the early stages, won’t be resolved by a simple remaster. Nevertheless, with improved polish, the game should theoretically be more accessible and enjoyable – provided that the remaster doesn’t introduce its own set of issues.

The remastered version of Days Gone offers several notable improvements in both visual and technical aspects. These include quicker load times, VRR and 3D audio compatibility, utilization of DualSense’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, as well as graphical enhancements such as improved texture quality, better shadows and lighting, extended draw distances, and denser foliage. While these upgrades are generally what one might anticipate in a PS5 remaster, Days Gone is indeed going the extra mile to take advantage of the PS5’s enhanced hardware capabilities to some extent.

Instead of focusing primarily on technical improvements, what sets Days Gone Remastered apart are several brand-new game modes. One such mode is Horde Assault, where players must endure waves upon waves of increasingly aggressive and numerous Freakers. As you survive longer, you earn new rewards and better equipment to enhance your combat abilities. Since taking on massive hordes of the undead was one of Days Gone’s strongest suits, a mode dedicated to this aspect is a shrewd choice.

Players will encounter fresh methods to engage with the game through permadeath mode and speedrun mode, which are self-explanatory. The permadeath mode tests your skills by requiring you to complete an entire storyline without dying once, while the speedrun mode has you competing against the clock to reach the credits as swiftly as possible. Additionally, there are exciting new features in the Photo Mode, such as a refined lighting system, various time of day options, and more.

Among the numerous enhancements and extra features in “Days Gone Remastered,” none of them are particularly attention-grabbing or compelling enough to convert skeptics into immediate buyers. However, Sony has priced it reasonably, which makes it unobtrusive for those indifferent, while still making it an attractive option for those with a casual interest. This might not completely address the doubts about why the remaster was necessary, but it does subtly encourage both groups to at least consider the new release.

In April, when the remastered version of “Days Gone” comes out for PS5, it will cost $49.99. If you already own the original PS4 version, you can upgrade to the PS5 version for only $10, much like how Sony handled last year’s “Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered.” Despite facing criticism and skepticism during this console generation over aggressive pricing strategies, choosing a lower price point and a reasonable upgrade price for what appears to be a modest remaster is certainly the right decision.

It’s uncertain how successful the remastered version of “Days Gone” will be, but there are those who hope that it performs well enough to persuade Sony and Bend Studio to develop a sequel, “Days Gone 2”. If not, at least the remaster offers a compelling reason for those who haven’t played the original or want to revisit it with improved features to give it a try. While “Days Gone” may not have been one of PlayStation’s standout exclusives from the last decade, it certainly deserves more recognition than it initially received.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

Read More

2025-04-19 04:41