The announcement of Days Gone Remastered for PlayStation 5 and PC has been met with mixed reactions from fans. While some are excited to revisit the post-apocalyptic world with enhanced visuals, others are questioning the necessity of a remaster, particularly given the seemingly minor graphical upgrades.

Developed by Bend Studio, Days Gone initially launched in 2019 to mixed reviews, hampered by technical issues.  These problems were largely resolved through patches, and the game eventually sold over seven million copies.  Despite this success, a sequel remains uncertain, leaving fans clamoring for more.

The recent reveal of Days Gone Remastered at the February 2025 State of Play showcased promised improvements to graphics, foliage, shadows, and lighting. However, early comparisons by YouTubers like Cycu1 suggest the visual differences between the remaster and the original PC version running at high settings are subtle.

Close examination reveals slightly improved detail in the remaster, but the overall visual leap appears significantly less substantial than that seen in other remasters, such as Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. It's important to note that these comparisons are based primarily on pre-release cutscene footage, and actual gameplay may reveal more pronounced visual enhancements.

Some argue that Days Gone's already impressive visuals on PC may make the remaster's improvements less noticeable.  However, the remaster offers more than just graphical tweaks.  It includes expanded accessibility options, enhanced photo mode features, DualSense controller support for the PS5 version, and new game modes like Horde Assault and Permadeath.

The remaster offers a $10 upgrade path for existing owners.  While the added features and minor graphical improvements may justify the price for some, others remain skeptical, especially those who already own the PC version.  The question remains: is Days Gone Remastered a genuine enhancement or a minor update presented as something more substantial?

The future of Bend Studio also adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Following the cancellation of their unannounced open-world live-service game, the studio's focus on Days Gone Remastered raises questions about their long-term plans. Will this remaster be a stepping stone towards a potential sequel, or simply a way to bridge the gap before their next major project?