Until Dawn 2: 10 Improvements For The Perfect Sequel

The totems in Until Dawn are an intriguing addition. Essentially, the items are scattered throughout each of the chapters, separated into five different categories (death, danger, guidance, fortune, and loss). Each totem provided a brief vision of a possible future event. There's no feeling quite like seeing a brief scene of the brutal murder of one of the characters, but having zero context to how it could happen.

The main problem with these comes from the "guidance" totems. While the other ones simply provide a POSSIBLE scene that may or may not come true, the guidance totems effectively break the choice-making mechanic, directly telling the player which outcome is best.

Once a player figures this out, it's less about making a logical decision, and more about scouring every inch of a level just for a chance to find another guidance totem.

In essence, totems are an interesting addition (although unless a sequel sticks with Native American folklore, it would have to be changed to something more related to the plot). Removing the guidance totems for Until Dawn 2 would put more pressure on the player to really think through their decisions, without the hand holding involved.

Also, make sure that the totems don't spoil who the real monster is before it gets revealed to the player. That's also important.