Until Dawn 2’s Character Models Draw Criticism for Uncanny Valley Appearance, Despite Technological Advances

Until Dawn 2’s character models have drawn criticism for their uncanny valley appearance, according to early reactions to the game’s reveal at Sony’s State of Play showcase, despite advancements in animation technology. The sequel, developed by Behold Games rather than Supermassive Games, features a cast of 20-somethings livestreaming ghost-hunting, but many reviewers note the characters’ stiff facial animations and exaggerated expressions.

Why are Until Dawn 2’s character models drawing criticism?

Reviewers highlight that the game’s characters, including actor Neil Newbon’s villainous role, suffer from “Video Game Mouth Syndrome,” a term describing exaggerated teeth displays and unnatural facial expressions. While Newbon’s character, Sebastian, is praised for its lifelike appearance, the rest of the cast retains the “dead-eyed” look criticized in previous Supermassive Games titles, according to IGN and GameSpot. The issue is particularly noticeable in scenes involving romantic subplots, where the characters’ animations fail to convey believable emotion.

“Every single one of them has a bad case of Video Game Mouth Syndrome, showing way too many teeth and grimacing more than emoting,” wrote a reviewer for Destructoid, comparing the models to “creepy wax figures.” The critique echoes concerns raised about the original Until Dawn (2015), which featured a star-studded cast whose animations were criticized for their uncanny valley appearance.

How does the game’s animation compare to previous titles?

Until Dawn 2’s animation improvements are minimal compared to the original, according to developers and critics. While body motion capture has seen slight refinements, facial animations remain a focal point of criticism. The game’s director, Chris Hardwick, acknowledged the challenges of balancing realism with stylized horror in a 2023 interview with GameRadar, stating, “We’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, but the uncanny valley is a persistent hurdle.”

The issue contrasts sharply with Sony’s recent God of War: Laufey reveal, which showcased realistic character models with natural blinking and breathing rhythms. Actress Deborah Ann Woll’s in-game portrayal, for instance, was praised for its “alive” appearance, according to Polygon. This disparity has fueled comparisons between the two projects, with some fans questioning why Until Dawn 2’s models have not advanced as expected.

What are the implications for the horror genre’s use of realistic characters?

The continued struggle with realistic character models in horror games raises questions about the genre’s approach to immersion. While some players appreciate the stylized, exaggerated designs of classic horror games, others argue that lifelike animations could enhance storytelling. “If you’re going to use recognizable actors, the animation needs to match their real-world presence,” said IGN senior editor Sarah Roper in a 2023 podcast. “Otherwise, it breaks the suspension of disbelief.”

Supermassive Games, the original developer of Until Dawn, has faced similar criticism for its “Dark Pictures” anthology, which includes titles like Little Nightmares and Man of Medan. Despite technological progress, the studio’s characters often fall into the uncanny valley, a challenge that has persisted since the early 2010s. Until Dawn 2’s continuation of this trend suggests that achieving realistic character models remains a complex technical and artistic challenge.