The Perilous Voice: A Deep Dive into Ashley’s Investigation in Until Dawn
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Ashley’s decision to investigate the voice in Until Dawn is a pivotal moment, laden with potential for both reward and catastrophic consequence. If Ashley chooses to follow the disembodied voice, which she believes belongs to Jessica, she embarks on a separate path that can lead to a crucial totem or to a gruesome demise at the hands of a Wendigo. The decision ultimately boils down to trust, curiosity, and a little bit of terrible luck.
The Fatal Choice: A Wendigo’s Deception
The core consequence of investigating the voice is this: Ashley is lured further into the abandoned mines. This path presents the player with a unique opportunity to find a totem which provides visions of the future. However, deeper down, Ashley comes across a trapdoor or a latch. If she interacts with it, either by opening the trapdoor or unlocking its latch, a Wendigo will burst out and decapitate her. This death is quick, brutal, and serves as a stark reminder of the game’s unforgiving nature.
Beyond Death: The Ripple Effects
Ashley’s death has reverberating effects on the rest of the game. Chris, particularly, is deeply impacted. If Chris survives until the point where he is running from Wendigos, his fate could depend on Ashley’s actions if she is still alive. Depending on choices made earlier, Ashley may or may not open the door for him, leaving him to meet his own horrific end. This “Butterfly Effect” element underscores the importance of every choice made in Until Dawn.
The Allure of the Unknown
While the investigation can lead to death, there is one positive outcome. Investigating the voice provides the opportunity to find one of the game’s totems. These collectibles show the player glimpses of potential futures, allowing the player to make more informed choices. In this case, a Guidance Totem can be found on the path Ashley takes while investigating the voice. This totem will show you a quick preview of the game’s future based on the choices you make.
Ashley’s Character Arc
Ashley’s character is also deeply explored in this scenario. Her curiosity, her fear, and her past relationship with Chris are all brought into sharp focus. The voice leads her into the mines, an area with the psycho, and the game really makes players consider whether she is truly investigating Jessica or running from the group.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions concerning Ashley’s investigation in Until Dawn, designed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the choices and consequences involved:
What happens if Ashley investigates the movement instead of the voice?
The question implies the voice is a movement. The trapdoor event is triggered by Ashley investigating the voice, which can lead to her death if she chooses to open it. Investigating “movements” generally refer to navigating the environment, triggering cutscenes, and progressing the story forward. The key is to be wary of interacting with objects without considering the potential consequences.
What happens when you investigate those movements?
Investigating movements, in the context of Until Dawn, usually leads to further progression in the story or discovery of clues and collectibles. But, each area also presents dangers. It’s important to observe your surroundings and be prepared for Quick Time Events (QTEs).
What happens if Ashley leaves Chris behind?
If Ashley leaves Chris behind, Chris can choose to do the same when it is his turn. If Ashley leaves Chris behind she will likely survive longer in the game, but it depends on Chris’ choices. This could lead to Ashley not trusting Chris, and vice versa.
What happens if you choose Ashley instead of Josh?
Josh will feel betrayed and will likely make snide remarks and act out later in the game. The choice of saving Ashley or Josh is part of Josh’s elaborate prank. The blade will always target Josh, but he is safe because it is fake. You can never save Josh in the Saw trap, so you have to be wary of his actions following the prank.
What happens if Mike doesn’t shoot the barrels?
If Mike doesn’t shoot the barrels, a Wendigo will leap at him, and the screen will go black, potentially implying Mike’s death. Mike shooting the barrels is part of his escape from the Sanatorium, and his survival is entirely dependent on his choices.
Should Ashley investigate the voice or rejoin the group?
Investigating the voice has a high risk, but also a high reward. You have the opportunity to obtain a Guidance Totem, however, it can lead to her death if she opens the trapdoor. Weigh the potential benefits and risks before deciding.
Can you save Josh and Ashley until dawn?
As mentioned earlier, Josh’s fate is unique. He cannot be truly “saved” in the traditional sense. There are ways to have him survive longer, such as finding Hannah’s journal in the mines which leads to Hannah sparing his life, but he ultimately becomes a Wendigo. If Ashley investigates the voice, she can die if she opens the trapdoor.
What happens if Ashley follows the voice in Until Dawn?
Ashley is lured into a separate path. It is an investigation into the unknown and the voice she believes to be Jessica’s. This can result in the player collecting a totem or Ashley’s death.
Who is better to save, Ashley or Josh?
This is a trick question. The blade will always go for Josh. No matter who you save, Josh will be the target of the saw blade. Your choice will affect the rest of the game.
Is it better to save Josh or Ashley?
Again, the blade will always go for Josh. If you chose Ashley, and Chris is later running from Wendigos and Ashley doesn’t open the door, this could be the death of Chris.
Should I shoot Chris or Ashley?
This is another situation that demonstrates the game’s deceptive nature. Regardless of who you decide to shoot, the outcome will be the same in the following chapter. It is a test of your character.
Can Ashley survive if she investigates the voice?
Yes, Ashley can survive if she investigates the voice, as long as she doesn’t open the trapdoor. The key is to be cautious and think through every action.
What happens if Ashley stabs the psycho?
If Ashley stabs the Psycho, the Psycho will become angry and punch Ashley in the face, knocking her out. If she tries to act with violence, the Psycho will retaliate in a way that will disadvantage her.
What happens if Ashley takes the scissors?
The scissors can be used against the psycho. However, this causes the Psycho to get angry and punch Ashley in the face, knocking her out. It is an opportunity for Ashley to act, however, it leads to a painful result.
Why does Emily push Ashley in Until Dawn?
Emily pushes Ashley to save herself from the Wendigos, not necessarily to kill Ashley. While the pushing puts Ashley in more danger, Emily’s primary motivation is self-preservation.
In conclusion, Ashley’s choice to investigate the voice in Until Dawn is a high-stakes gamble. While it offers the potential reward of finding a totem, it also carries the very real threat of a gruesome demise. Weighing the pros and cons, and considering the ramifications of each decision, is crucial for any player hoping to guide Ashley – and the rest of the group – to survival. Exploring the dynamics of choice, consequence, and character development is something educators are studying in relation to gaming. A great source for learning more about these concepts can be found at the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org.