Sony Interactive Entertainment has released a remastered version of their critically acclaimed 2020 game The Last of Us Part II for the PlayStation 5 console. The upgraded title includes higher resolution graphics, faster loading times, haptic feedback support, and even brand new gameplay modes not found in the original release.
Enhanced Visuals and Performance
The PS5 remaster runs at native 4K resolution and targets 60 FPS for buttery smooth gameplay. Developer Naughty Dog has revamped the lighting, textures, and models to take full advantage of the more powerful hardware. Character faces have additional detail, creating more emotive performances. Environment textures sport higher resolution, and improved particle effects make weather systems like rain and snow look more realistic.
On base PS4 consoles, The Last of Us Part II had infrequent framerate drops during graphically intense moments. The remaster maintains a rock solid 60 FPS nearly all of the time thanks to the PS5’s custom SSD and updated GPU. Naughty Dog says loading times have been reduced by 70% as well.
| PS4 | PS5 Remaster |
|---|---|
| 1800p Resolution | Native 4K |
| 30 FPS Target | 60 FPS Target |
| Longer Load Times | 70% Faster Loads |
Sony is allowing existing PS4 owners to upgrade to the PS5 version for only $10. Players that already platinumed the original can carry over their save file and earn new trophies exclusive to the remaster.
All-New Roguelike Mode
The highlight new feature in the remaster is an intense roguelike mode titled “No Return.” Players must guide Ellie through increasingly difficult encounters, scavenging better weapons and supplies to survive against stronger enemies each time. It’s a brutal challenge meant for series veterans looking for a hardcore back-to-basics survival experience.
There are no checkpoints in No Return. If players die at any point they must start completely over, hence the ominous name. Thankfully abilities like Listen Mode still allow planning attacks carefully. High risk brings high reward too – players can unlock new character skins and concept art for succeeding. Just reaching the fifth arena is an achievement in itself most will struggle to accomplish.
No Return strips away much of the original game’s story to focus purely on action. Some critics argue this undermines Ellie and Abby’s emotional narratives, while others counter it’s a great way to experience more of the superb core gameplay.
What Reviewers are Saying
Early reviews for The Last of Us Part II remaster have been glowing. Critics universally praise the visual upgrades and snappier performance. The No Return mode adds plenty of replay value beyond just prettier graphics. Most agree this is the definitive way to play an already exceptional title.
Here’s a sample of what gaming publications are saying:
| Outlet | Consensus | Score |
|---|---|---|
| IGN | “An exceptional game made even better for PS5…No Return mode is brutally addicting.” | 9.5/10 |
| Game Informer | “Few remasters feel this essential. The 4K visuals and flawless 60 FPS transform an achievement in gaming.” | 9.75/10 |
| Eurogamer | “Still sets the bar for narrative games, now with technical improvements and added value.” | Essential |
Not everything is perfect though. Destructoid argues the core game is still a “manipulatively bleak grind” even with upgrades. Other critics say No Return leans too heavily on difficulty spikes over creative challenges. There’s certainly some truth to claims that another full story expansion rather than a roguelike mode would have been preferred.
What’s Next for The Last of Us?
Naughty Dog still hasn’t revealed concrete details for their next major project. Rumors suggest the acclaimed studio is working on either a new Uncharted following 2018’s Lost Legacy or Last of Us Part III continuing Ellie and Abby’s journey. Until official announcements surface fans can look forward to the upcoming HBO television adaptation of the original Last of Us releasing later this year.
For now The Last of Us Part II Remastered stands on its own as a stellar achievement in interactive storytelling and visceral survival action elevated by PS5 capabilities. No Return also gives players ample excuse to revisit the emotionally charged world Naughty Dog has crafted. If you’ve yet to play one of the defining games of the PS4 generation this PS5 release is undoubtedly the best way to experience it.
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