Days Gone can be considered a fitting title to mark the later stages of the PS4‘s lifespan. It draws inspiration from several successful titles on the platform, with familiar elements reminiscent of games like The Last of Us, the Uncharted series, and third-party games such as Rise of The Tomb Raider. While the PS4 remains relevant, the industry’s focus is gradually shifting towards the upcoming “Playstation 5” (anticipated in 2020). Certain specifications for the PS5 have already been revealed, and the potential release of highly anticipated titles like Death Stranding and Last of Us: Part II may coincide with the PS4’s decline, potentially with PS5 versions following suit (similar to the original Last of Us at the end of the PS3 generation in 2013).
Returning to Days Gone, the game presents an action-adventure experience centered on survival and resource management within a post-apocalyptic zombie setting. It effectively captures and integrates elements from established titles in the genre. Players assume the role of Deacon St. John, a former MC biker and bounty hunter turned drifter, struggling to survive in a brutal and unforgiving world alongside his brother. In the wake of a devastating pandemic, the majority of humanity has been transformed into aggressive and ravenous undead. These undead are categorized into distinct classes, such as Freakers and Rippers, each possessing unique strengths and weaknesses that players must learn to exploit.
The familiarity of Days Gone largely contributes to its positive aspects. While it may not achieve the groundbreaking impact of its inspirations, it leverages mechanics and themes from some of the best games in the industry. The developer, Bend Studio, previously contributed to Sony exclusives like the PS1 classic Syphon Filter and the PS Vita-exclusive Uncharted: The Golden Abyss. Days Gone is an open-world game with a zombie theme that incorporates elements from Playstation classics and draws thematic and atmospheric parallels with television series such as Sons of Anarchy and The Walking Dead.
Resource management is crucial due to their scarcity. Engaging hordes of zombies head-on with a shotgun is generally ill-advised. Stealth is essential, although not as demanding as in titles such as Metal Gear Solid V, from which it adopts mechanics like enemy tagging via binoculars and stealth tactics for base infiltration. Early gameplay sequences demonstrated the PS4 Pro’s capabilities by showcasing swarms of zombies reminiscent of World War Z; however, these large-scale battles are not immediately frequent. Days Gone maintains Sony’s standards for high production quality, although it may not reach the level of Naughty Dog‘s output. The game contains mature and violent content, as the protagonist often employs a knife for brutal melee combat. Additionally, the game presents scenarios where players must confront and dispatch Newts (zombie children), making it unsuitable for younger or sensitive audiences.
Technically, Days Gone delivers a largely impressive experience, despite some minor shortcomings. The graphics are well-rendered, and the camera work employs cinematic techniques with stylish shots, precise cuts, and impactful close-ups. Facial models are realistic, although perhaps not at the forefront of the genre, and the level of detail is noteworthy. The game supports HDR and upscales the graphics to 4K resolution on the PS4 Pro (precise resolution details will be provided upon measurement), solidifying Sony’s enhanced console as the preferred platform. One minor observation concerns the animations; character movements may occasionally appear slightly disjointed, and the interactions between zombies and environmental objects, such as fences, can sometimes lack complete realism.
The sound design is exceptionally well-crafted. A cinematic soundtrack blending rock and piano is complemented by clear sound effects, including crickets, distant cries, cats, thunder, and other environmental sounds that enhance the overall sense of immersion. The voice acting is generally strong, with David Witwer (from Being Human) delivering a commendable lead performance. It’s important to acknowledge Sony’s continued success in producing high-quality PS-exclusive AAA titles. With the possible exception of Nintendo, Sony leads in this area, particularly compared to its primary competitor, Xbox. Microsoft’s next-generation hardware (code-named “Xbox Two”) aims to provide superior hardware capabilities but needs to improve its lineup of exclusive AAA titles, which have been lacking in recent years.
Summary:
Days Gone effectively integrates elements from established games in the genre. Its release during the PS4’s twilight is a fitting reminder of the exceptional gaming experiences offered by the platform over the past six years. While it may not reach the heights of Sony’s exclusive titles like God of War and Spider-Man from last year (which we considered the best games of 2018), it remains a competent, varied, and engaging title in moderation, easily accessible due to its familiar mechanics. Despite a lack of complete originality and a potentially weaker ending, its strong influences provide a solid foundation. We are eager to invest more time exploring the post-apocalyptic Oregon depicted in the game and reflecting on the past console generation, which has been remarkable and may still hold a few surprises before the inevitable transition to the next generation.
