Welcome to the world of “Days Gone,” an immersive open-world survival game developed by Bend Studio. This beloved title is making a grand return with a highly anticipated remaster for the PlayStation 5, set to launch on April 25. Players will once again step into the rugged boots of Deacon St. John as they traverse the stunning landscapes of the Oregon wilderness, all while fending off the relentless threat of Freakers, the game’s terrifying mutant adversaries.
To gain further insights into this remaster, we reached out to Kevin McAllister, the Creative and Product Lead at Bend Studio. He was kind enough to share some details about the enhancements and new features that players can expect from this upgraded edition. So, prepare your survival gear, fuel up your virtual motorcycle, and get ready to experience Days Gone like never before on the PS5.
### Revisiting a Classic
Reflecting on the opportunity to revisit the game, Kevin McAllister shared, “Days Gone holds a special place in our hearts and in the hearts of our players. The chance to remaster a game originally released on PS4 in 2019, and then ported to PC in 2021, is exciting. With the advancements in technology over the last six years, particularly with the power of the PS5, we’ve been able to push the game’s boundaries and showcase its full potential.”
The remastered version of Days Gone takes full advantage of the PlayStation 5’s capabilities. “The graphical improvements are quite noticeable,” McAllister explained. “We’ve enhanced lighting, shadow quality, and fog depth. This means that nighttime scenes are now darker and more atmospheric, and natural elements like the moon and the blue sky appear more lifelike. Days Gone has always aimed for realism, and we’ve taken it to a new level with this remaster.” These visual enhancements are complemented by an improved Photo Mode, which offers more lighting options and allows players to switch between day and night for stunning environmental photography.
### Enhanced Gameplay Features
One of the standout enhancements in the remaster is the increase in horde sizes, which is particularly evident in the new gameplay mode called Horde Assault. “This mode is a survival arcade experience, a fresh take on the core gameplay loop of Days Gone,” McAllister elaborated. “We’ve built upon the story mode and the challenges we released post-launch to create this new experience. In Horde Assault, players face massive hordes of Freakers in open regions, with the hordes coming at them from various angles. Some locations are new, and familiar ones have larger hordes than before.”
In Horde Assault, players have access to all the tools they need from the start. This means new players can jump in and experience the core gameplay with a fully upgraded motorcycle and new weapons. The mode introduces more chaos, with human enemies and evolved Freakers like Breakers, Reachers, and Screamers adding to the challenge. “It’s the true Days Gone gameplay experience, and we believe fans will love it,” McAllister added.
### Speedrunning and Permadeath Mode
Another exciting addition to the remaster is the Speedrun mode, which caters to players who enjoy completing games as quickly as possible. “Speedrun mode is separate from other modes, and it’s available on all difficulty levels,” McAllister explained. “There’s an always-on-screen timer that pauses during cinematics, and at the end of your run, you receive a detailed graphic showing your stats, which you can share.”
McAllister noted that while some players had attempted speedruns in the original game, it wasn’t a widespread phenomenon. The introduction of a dedicated speedrun mode provides an opportunity for new players to test their skills in this way. “I admire those players who can complete games quickly, as it’s something I find impressive,” McAllister said.
Perhaps the most daunting addition to the remaster is the Permadeath mode. As the name suggests, if Deacon dies, the run is over, and there are no saves. This mode was implemented in response to community feedback, and it offers the ultimate challenge for players seeking a truly immersive survival experience.
Permadeath mode offers two settings: “whole game” and “per act.” In the “whole game” setting, if players die at any point, they must start from the beginning, as their save file is deleted. In the “per act” setting, players only return to the start of the current act upon death, saving them hours of gameplay. “For those who complete the whole game in permadeath mode, we salute you,” McAllister said with a chuckle, adding that trees might be the biggest cause of death in this mode.
### Strategies for Success
For players looking to tackle the challenges of permadeath mode, McAllister offered some valuable advice. “You need to be more cautious this time around. Scavenge supplies at every opportunity and adopt a methodical approach. When preparing to leave an ambush camp, ensure you’re equipped to handle any threats you may encounter, such as hordes or bears. Running out of ammo can end your run. Also, early in the story, players must decide which camp to give a stash to. Choosing Tucker’s camp grants access to better weapons sooner, which makes a significant difference in the early stages of the game.”
As the release date of the Days Gone remaster approaches, fans of the original game and newcomers alike have much to look forward to. With enhanced graphics, new gameplay modes, and the introduction of permadeath, this remaster promises to deliver an even more immersive and challenging experience on the PlayStation 5. Whether you’re revisiting the Oregon wilderness or exploring it for the first time, Days Gone Remastered invites you to embark on a thrilling journey of survival and exploration.
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