One more thing my dark, withered heart appreciated was that Bend Studio has resisted the temptation to give into the temptation to put its tongue in its cheek. This isn't a cartoonish, over-the-top type of horror survival game. This feels like it's aiming for more of an HBO prime time mood, with Sam Witwer delivering an authentic performance that elevates Deacon beyond the action hero everyman, and a storyline that promises plenty of twists and turns. Of course, I've only just been able to peel back the first few layers of the onion that is Days Gone's story, but they've got me hooked, and that's not always true after a three-hour hands-on.
Usually you have to choose great open-world mechanics, satisfying story, or decent combat, but it feels like Bend Studio is taking strides to give us a bit of all three, and throw some pretty trees on top. I'll have to wait to play the full game to find out if loving this bad boy will pay off, but there's lots to like about Days Gone so far, and anyone craving an emotional apocalypse while they wait for
The Last of Us 2 should absolutely get involved.