The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered: A Worthwhile Upgrade for Fans

As a passionate gamer, I’m always on the lookout for exciting new releases and remasters that breathe new life into beloved titles. One such remaster that caught my attention is The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered. Having played the original game and being a fan of Naughty Dog’s storytelling prowess, I was eager to see what enhancements and additional content the remaster had to offer.

Overview of The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is an enhanced re-release of the critically acclaimed 2020 sequel for the PlayStation 5. In this article, I will provide an honest review of the remastered version, discussing what it does well, areas where it falls short, and ultimately, whether it’s worth the investment.

The story of The Last of Us Part 2 remains untouched in the remastered version. Naughty Dog’s decision to delve into controversial themes such as trauma and revenge is commendable, but it also polarized the audience. While some appreciate the boldness of the narrative, others found it forced and alienating. The remaster missed an opportunity to address some of the plot holes and offer more context to enhance the overall experience.

One aspect of the game that shines in the remastered version is the gameplay. The combat mechanics are gritty, methodical, and intense, perfectly capturing the bleak and brutal world of The Last of Us Part 2. The new addition, No Return, a roguelike mode, allows players to fully immerse themselves in the game’s combat, offering multiple maps, upgrades, and modes. The AI and enemy variety add depth to the gameplay, making it a thrilling experience.

While the enhanced visuals of The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered may not be a groundbreaking leap from the original PlayStation 4 version, the game still looks stunning. Running at a smooth 60 fps with no noticeable frame drops, the remaster maintains the visual quality of its predecessor. The graphical enhancements may not be as significant as expected, but they still contribute to a visually pleasing experience.

One aspect of the game that received praise in its original release and remains impressive in the remaster is the audio design. The ambient noise, delivery, and sound design all contribute to the immersive world of The Last of Us Part 2. The remaster doesn’t offer significant improvements in this area, but it doesn’t need to, as the audio was already of high quality.

When considering the value for money, it’s important to note that The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is an upgrade for those who already own the PlayStation 4 version. For them, the $10 upgrade fee seems justifiable, especially with the addition of the No Return game mode and the Lost Levels, which offer insights into the development process. However, compared to other recent upgrades like Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut, the remastered version may feel lacking in terms of additional content.

More Than Just a Remaster

Calling The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered a simple remaster feels inadequate. The game offers more than just a graphical upgrade; it introduces new content and modes that enhance the overall experience. The addition of the Lost Levels provides players with a glimpse into the developers’ creative process, offering a deeper understanding of the game’s level design.

The new No Return game mode, although intense and enjoyable, feels somewhat out of place considering the game’s narrative themes. It also serves as a reminder of the cancellation of the multiplayer game, leaving players with mixed feelings about its inclusion.

Pros and Cons

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered brings several positive aspects to the table:

• Makes More Use of DualSense: The game utilizes the unique features of the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller, enhancing the overall experience with haptic feedback and rumbles.
• Performance is Amazing: The remastered version runs smoothly at 60 fps, offering a seamless and visually pleasing gameplay experience.
• New Additions are Good: The inclusion of the No Return game mode and the Lost Levels provides additional content and insights into the game’s development process.

Despite its strengths, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered has a few areas where it falls short:

• Upgrade or Director’s Cut Would’ve Been a Better Name: The remaster doesn’t feel like a typical remaster, but rather an upgrade or director’s cut. The name choice may lead to some confusion or disappointment among players.
• No Return Is a Missed Opportunity: The No Return game mode, while enjoyable, lacks a cohesive story and feels disconnected from the narrative themes of the game. It could have been an opportunity to explore the minds of different characters and tie the story together.
• New Content Seems Lacking Compared to the Others: Compared to recent upgrades like Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered offers fewer additional content and gameplay enhancements.

Is The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered Worth It?

As a re-release, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered may not be worth it for everyone. If you already own the PlayStation 4 version, the $10 upgrade fee can be justified for the additional content and improved performance. However, if you’re looking for a completely new gaming experience, it may be more worthwhile to invest in a new title rather than revisiting a game you’ve already played.

With The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, Naughty Dog showcases their mastery of storytelling and gameplay mechanics. While the remaster may not offer groundbreaking changes, it still provides an opportunity for fans to revisit the game and experience it in a new light.

Platform	Price
PlayStation	$10.00 with PS4 copy / $49.99

• How do I upgrade my physical PS4 copy of The Last of Us Part 2? To upgrade your physical PS4 copy, simply insert the disc into your PS5 console. You will then receive a prompt to upgrade to the PS5 version.
• I thought that The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered was only $10? The $10 upgrade offer is available to those who already own a physical or digital copy of the game for the PS4. For new players or those without a previous copy, the remastered version is priced at $49.99.

For fans of The Last of Us Part 2, the remastered version delivers enough enhancements and additional content to make it a worthwhile purchase. However, for those seeking a completely fresh gaming experience, it may be best to wait for Naughty Dog’s next new IP or sequel.

Conclusion

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered takes players on a gripping journey in a post-apocalyptic world. Set several years after the events of the first game, players assume the role of Ellie as she navigates a world plagued by infected creatures and dangerous factions. The remastered version retains the same premise and storyline as the original release, providing an immersive and emotionally charged gaming experience.