PS5 Players Question the Value of Days Gone Remastered Following Graphics Comparison

Horizon Zero Dawn has faced significant criticism surrounding its rumored remaster until gameplay footage showcased the enhancements. Initially, the upgrade appeared unnecessary, but developer Nixxes successfully revitalized the original PS4 game, culminating in highly favorable reviews.

In contrast, the upcoming Days Gone remaster seems unlikely to receive similar acclaim. An early comparison video has left fans skeptical about the improvements made.

In a post on the PS Blog, creative lead Kevin McAllister noted that the remaster will feature “enhanced graphical fidelity, extended foliage draw distance, superior shadow and lighting quality, Tempest 3D Audio, VRR support, and more” on the PS5. It will also be compatible with the PS5 Pro.

However, the original game already performed impressively on the PS5’s backward compatibility, running smoothly at 60fps with excellent visual quality. The following comparison, based solely on cutscenes from the remastered trailer and the original PC version, makes it challenging to discern any substantial differences.

Ultimately, the advantages of the remaster may be more apparent during actual gameplay, where the enhanced foliage draw distance and other improvements will be noticeable. However, it’s understandable why fans are disgruntled, especially considering that many perceive the remaster as unnecessary in the first place.

In defense of Bend Studio, this remaster isn’t solely focused on graphics. It aims to introduce new accessibility features to help a broader audience fully enjoy the game. Additionally, new modes like Horde Assault promise an exciting experience.

While we appreciate the criticism voiced by fans, we believe there may be a misunderstanding regarding the purpose of these remasters. Often, they serve as smaller-scale projects aimed at keeping teams engaged while they explore new concepts. This seems to be the case for Bend Studio, especially given their current situation regarding canceled projects, notably one involving the live-service God of War title. It’s also evident that support studio Climax has played a crucial role in this project’s development.

Nevertheless, it’s unlikely that this remaster has diverted resources from other major developments, as many might assume. Bend Studio wasn’t slated to develop a remaster for a title like Bloodborne, creating a non-conflict scenario. Moreover, this initiative does not inhibit the potential for new game releases.

While we fully acknowledge the concerns regarding the necessity of this remaster, the reality is that the Days Gone Remastered project is relatively harmless, even if it seems superfluous. For a $10 upgrade fee, we find it a reasonable addition, though it is disappointing that, despite this remaster, it’s clear that Sony has no plans for a sequel.