When Sony announced the PS5 remaster of Days Gone, many were left wondering: why did they initially greenlight this title? In an era when The Last of Us was already making waves, investing millions into another zombie saga featuring a grief-stricken protagonist seemed like a gamble that didn't quite fit the PlayStation brand's mold.

Bend Studio, having carved a niche with Uncharted: Golden Abyss on PS Vita, wasn’t stepping too far away from its roots. They had already crafted a post-apocalyptic adventure infused with stealth, crafting, and a narrative heavy with themes of sorrow and vengeance. Yet, upon its release, Days Gone received lukewarm reviews, leading to the rejection of a sequel.

Fast forward to today, and the game's reputation has undergone a surprising turnaround. Despite a rocky start, players have rallied behind Days Gone, declaring it a hidden gem that deserved more attention. This newfound appreciation has culminated in a remaster, placing it alongside time-tested classics like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

But was Days Gone undervalued from the get-go? After immersing myself in its world once more, I’m inclined to agree. At first glance, it seems like a tale of loss, centered on a man mourning his wife. However, a deeper examination reveals its true essence: a love story between a man and his motorcycle.

In a unique twist, Days Gone takes vehicle management to a new level, akin to indie hits like Pacific Drive and Jalopy. You must nurture your bike, ensuring it runs smoothly and is fueled up for your next adventure. Unlike more complicated simulations, Days Gone simplifies this mechanic while still grounding you in its world.

As you master your ride, you realize a motorcycle can be both a friend and a foe in a zombie-infested landscape. While it can whisk you away from danger, its noise draws horrific foes your way. Yet, there are clever tactics to counteract this danger—rain can muffle sound, and strategic riding can minimize fuel consumption.

There's an exhilarating gamble involved in traversing the terrain. Opting to skip the throttle while navigating downhill not only saves gas but transforms the act into a personal challenge, allowing for stealthy explorations through a wasteland that rewards careful navigation.

Days Gone doesn't shy away from its American roots, tackling thought-provoking themes within its expansive Oregon setting. Characters contemplate survival, gun rights, and the price of ownership in a decaying world, drawing uncomfortable parallels to historical injustices.

The protagonist, Deacon St. John, encapsulates the game's tone. His journey is steeped in personal loss, and his acerbic commentary often resonates with his grief—a reflection of the world crumbling around him and the memories of his late wife, Sarah.

However, the storytelling isn’t without its pitfalls. Some cutscenes feel dated, and the writing occasionally stumbles in its execution, leaving players questioning the necessity of Deacon’s ramblings.

Yet, despite its flaws, the remaster offers fans a chance to reevaluate Days Gone. With the PS5's release landscape leaving a void of notable AAA titles, this remaster not only fills that gap but also revitalizes interest in a franchise that might have been overlooked.

Days Gone starts strongly, immersing players in Deacon’s psyche as he reflects on his past while maneuvering through obstacles. Its initial criticism of a cramped open world has shifted into an appreciation for its intimate setting—a place saturated with memories where every corner turned evokes nostalgia, sorrow, and sometimes, a flicker of hope.