Response:

Until Dawn is a narrative-driven horror game that intricately weaves player choices and character fates into its structure, offering multiple endings heavily influenced by character survival. The dichotomy of endings primarily falls into two camps: the “Good Ending,” characterized by the survival of at least one character (preferably all), and the “Bad Ending,” where characters face a grim fate, leaving no survivors.

Key Endings Overview:

1. Good Ending:
– Achieved when at least one character survives, ideally leading to all characters being rescued by a helicopter. This conclusion allows players to experience closure and hope, showcasing the characters’ triumph over terror.
– A notable post-credits scene exists when all characters survive, which elaborates on either Josh’s redemption arc or hints at future struggles for Sam, suggesting potential for sequels or expanded narratives.

2. Bad Ending:
– This ending occurs when all characters die, resulting in tragedy without survivors. The narrative concludes with a somber note, leaving players to ponder the choices that led to this outcome. Players can intentionally reach this ending by failing quick-time events (QTEs) throughout the game.

Character Survival Dynamics:

The survival of the main characters hinges on specific player decisions and gameplay tactics:

| Character | Survival Conditions |
|—————|————————————————————————————————————————–|
| Sam | Central to the narrative; her choices regarding saving Mike and preventing the premature lodge explosion are critical for survival. |
| Mike | His survival is contingent on Sam selecting the correct choices to help him escape safely and avoid critical traps. |
| Ashley | Vulnerable in high-stakes scenarios; her fate can be sealed based on player decisions, particularly in tense moments. |
| Josh | His survival is dependent on the player finding Hannah’s journal; failure results in his transformation into a Wendigo and eventual death. |
| Others (Matt, Jessica, Chris, Emily) | Their survival is influenced by overall player choices; while their fate may be significant, it subtly affects conversations and character dynamics without drastically altering the main endings. |

Noteworthy Contributions to New Endings:
In the 2024 remake, varied “good” endings have been introduced to deepen character arcs and explore themes of redemption, particularly focusing on pivotal characters like Sam and Josh. This development enriches the player’s experience by providing additional layers to character relationships and motivations, alongside hinting at future story possibilities.

Conclusion:
Ultimately, Until Dawn offers a compelling exploration of survival horror, where player choices determine the fate of characters and dictate the narrative pathway. While the game simplifies outcomes into two primary endings—good or bad—it enriches the storytelling experience through nuanced character interactions and potential for character development, allowing players to engage with the story on multiple levels.