Review – Days Gone Remastered

In 2019, the desolate and post-apocalyptic region of Cascades, Oregon, was already breathtaking, providing an experience far beyond expected, even exploring an already saturated theme: zombies. Six years later, Days Gone Remastered arrives to show that the artists seeking ways to improve what was already very good.

At first glance, the changes may seem subtle – is this a Bend Studio formula? After all, the narrative also slowly deepens until it reveals its true density. Was it curious? Take a look at the 2019 game there you will understand. But if you intend to face the old road again, I recommend reading and preparing for a stunningly melancholy experience, which brings even more depth to the game.

I’m Back, Freakers!

It is noteworthy that this analysis focuses on the differences found in Days Gone Remastered. And yes, there are several scattered throughout the content. Although the story remains the same, the experience is renewed with a deeper and more immersive touch.

If you have already experienced Deacon’s journey, you can enjoy your saved data from the original game. This brings some advantages, if you have already completed the campaign previously. Now, if it is your first time in this universe, you will find different levels of difficulty and, as usual, there are options for all tastes.

The big news in this remastering is Speedrun mode, which challenges you to close the game in the shortest possible time in each of the six difficulties. And perhaps the most insane: the permanent death mode, where, if you die, the story starts over. It is possible to define whether the restart will be from the last act completed or really from the beginning of the campaign – ideal for the bravest.

Regardless of the chosen mode, the mechanics remain intact. Deek has white, fire, traps and, of course, his motorcycle, which requires constant care, as in real life. So forget to supply, you will regret it.

As always, resources are limited. This requires attention when using them. Now the game includes a layer of accessibility with several options ranging from high image to a sound effect on control, emitted as it approaches an important item. I confess that I confused me a little with the character’s heart beats – sometimes I didn’t know if I was in danger or close to something useful.

Speaking of Dualsense, the use of control is a separate spectacle, it transforms asphalt, cold and tension into physical sensations to the point of being difficult to think of another way of playing. Adaptable triggers, by the way, bring more depth to the driving of the motorcycle and the use of weapons.

The soundtrack that echoes the end of the world

A also stands out. Composed by Nathan Whitehead, she captures the sensations of a ruined world through guitars and pianos that blend beauty and brutality. The new mixing enhances this experience, and promises much more if combined with Tempest 3D audio technology – it should be even more immersive with Pulse headphones.

Among the technical improvements, image quality is the most intriguing and generated discussions. We know that there have been advances in resolution, lighting and detailing of distant scenarios. And although the game was already very beautiful in 2019, the new version can justify itself, especially when compared side by side.

I have a PS4 Fat and installed both versions to compare. On PS4, the game is still impressive, even though it makes the console almost get up. In the PS5 Slim, the difference jumps into the eye: more living environments, clear textures and fluidity that values ​​the rapid pace of gameplay.

A world without crashes

There are two graphics modes: Quality mode, 4K to 30 FPS, and performance mode, with dynamic resolution of 1440p (upscaling to 4K) at 60 FPS. Honestly, it is easy to give up native 4K, as the fluidity of the 60 FPS is much more impactful, especially in the action sequences.

Despite the beauty of the original version, it is undeniable that Days Gone Remastered brings remarkable improvements. Here, there are no more “popcorn” objects on the screen or incomplete characters. I didn’t notice any locking either, a welcome advance.

Visual quality is accompanied by an enhanced lighting system. The sunset looks like a painting; The fog and rain make Oregon crossing even more dense and distressing. Photo mode has also been updated, allowing you to capture these moments with even more beauty, just explore the new tools offered.

We have no addition to history, in fact, but technical, visual and sensory improvements provide an unprecedented depth to the journey. A curious (and comic) detail: Deacon now has a flashlight hanging from the chest, but the light still comes from anywhere, depending on the camera. Wow, bend… it’s kidding, right?

The new Horde challenge mode closes the news package. While the challenges of the original version were weekly and with varied goals, here we have an arcade survival mode. Explore, plan, gather, create and face hordes (some gigantic!) To survive as much as possible.

The more time resist, the greater your rewards: cosmetics, injectors, unpublished characters (18 in total!). It’s a looser, almost therapeutic mode, ideal for when you just want to sit and detonate enemies without worrying about the story.

Vale o upgrade?

If you already have the PS4 version (physical or digital), you can play it on PS5. But if you want to try all the technical news and new modes, you will need to pay for the upgrade or purchase the remastered version directly. This leads us to the initial questioning and honestly, I stare like something I didn’t ask for, but I loved they did.

Days Gone Remastered goes beyond a simple visual upgrade: it offers a new way of feeling this world. If you thought you’ve ever lived with Deacon, get ready to rediscover this journey with new eyes and especially with new sensations in your hands.