The Last of Us Part II Remastered for the PlayStation 5 brings Naughty Dog’s critically acclaimed title to a new level, harnessing the power of the PS5 to deliver a visually stunning and enhanced gaming experience. Developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony, this remastered edition introduces exclusive features that make it a definitive way to experience Ellie and Abby’s gripping narrative – which to this day is our highest-scored review of all time.
The graphical improvements in The Last of Us Part II Remastered are nothing short of breathtaking – though the original game is already still one of the best looking games you’ll find. With native 4K output in Image Quality mode and 1440p upscaled to 4K in Performance mode, the game showcases the capabilities of the PS5. The increased texture resolution, improved shadows, and enhanced animation sampling contribute to an even more immersive and visually striking world. The graphical fidelity is complemented by the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, providing a heightened sense of realism during gameplay – especially combat.
The game takes full advantage of the PS5’s hardware, offering faster loading times that keep players seamlessly immersed in the action. The expanded accessibility options, including descriptive audio and speech-to-haptic feedback, enhance the overall gaming experience. The remastered edition breathes new life into the dangerous world of The Last of Us Part II, making it a must-play for those with a PS5 – though newcomers will be more impressed than those who’ve already played the non-remastered version.
A standout addition to the remastered version is the “No Return” mode, introducing a roguelike survival experience. Players embark on a challenging journey, navigating through random encounters with various enemies and facing intense boss battles. The inclusion of playable characters like Dina, Jesse, Lev, and Tommy adds diversity, each offering unique abilities that cater to different playstyles. The roguelike mode injects freshness into the package, making every run a unique and thrilling experience and giving players something to dive into after completing the story.
Delving further into the development process of the game, the remastered edition unveils three deleted levels – Sewer, Feast in Jackson, and Boar Hunt. While incomplete, these levels offer insights into the creative decisions made during the game’s development. The addition of developer commentary provides a behind-the-scenes look at the choices and challenges faced by the development team, and these are levels that every fan of the game will want to have played.
Beyond the main campaign and the No Return mode, The Last of Us Part II Remastered introduces new ways to engage with the beloved adventure. Free Guitar Play lets players express their musical talents with new instruments, while the Speedrun mode challenges enthusiasts to achieve top times. The inclusion of unlockable skins for characters and weapons adds a layer of customization, allowing players to personalize their experience.
And while some might argue that the graphical differences might not be immediately noticeable to the untrained eye, the remastered edition’s additional features make it a compelling upgrade – and one that’s also available through a budget-friendly update option. The captivating storytelling, profound character development, and emotionally charged narrative of the original game remain intact, ensuring that both newcomers and returning players will find themselves deeply immersed in Ellie and Abby’s journey.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered stands as an enduring testament to Naughty Dog’s commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences. The PS5 enhancements, coupled with the engaging additions like the “No Return” mode and deleted levels, make it a must-have for fans of the original and newcomers alike. While the graphical improvements might not be as groundbreaking as the original game was, the comprehensive package cements its status as the definitive edition of this masterpiece. It’s far from an essential remaster because of the quality of the original, but it’s the best way of playing this modern day classic.
Score: 9.4/10
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