The reveal of Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part 1 PS5 had fans scratching their heads. For a game that isn’t even a decade old, it's on its third remaster. Yet, this instalment isn’t just your run of the mill remaster. The Last of Us Part 1 has been rebuilt from the ground up for the PS5. Some players may be thinking, what a cash grab! But, when you look under the hood, Naughty Dog has put their heart and soul into it. It’s a passion project; they want their IP to be the best out there.
If you’ve never played this game...WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? You should pre-order it now! But for us seasoned fans is this worth buying again? Here are 5 reasons why The Last of Us Part 1 is worth it.
Relive The Story
If you’ve not played The Last of Us, just know the story is incredible. Case closed! For fans returning to the game, this instalment is a way to relive this journey in a new way. Thanks to the hardware loading times are non-existent and prerendered scenes are no more. The gameplay sections and cutscenes will blend seamlessly into one another. It won’t feel like you’re playing a game but instead it will be a fluid experience.
The DLC, Left Behind, is also included in The Last of Us Part 1 and players can learn about Ellie’s past. This DLC has been given the same TLC and players can enjoy it like never before. There are even rumours that the DLC may be integrated into the main story which would be a huge bonus!
Need I say more? We know it’s a great story!
Stunning Visuals
The PS5 hardware means the game can be played in 4K HDR at 60fps. This means it looks jaw-droppingly good.
Every environment has had a rehaul to make them look realistic. With greater particle animations the world can also break better. Glass smashes, concrete turns to powder and bricks crumble. The world is interactive in a way it wasn’t before. To match this realism, the audio has gone 3D and players can now experience the sounds of this traumatic world all around them. You’ll be able to accurately hear where the enemies are at all times. Hurray!
Dual Sense
Players will be able to feel the pump of the shotgun as they reload it and draw tension on the bow. The new dual sense controllers have allowed the developers to craft a more immersive experience. Players will feel haptic feedback during combat and climbing. The haptics are also designed to replicate the more tender moments which crop up in the game.
This may seem like a trivial point, but the dual sense will make this game feel real. Every movement, fight and gunshot has its own unique profile. The haptics will invite you into the world just a little bit more.
New Features
Core gameplay is much unchanged. There’ll be no dodging or going prone. To be honest, I don’t think that would’ve suited Joel’s fisticuff combat style. But there are other new additions to the game that will entertain players. This instalment will include lots of accessibility options for gamers. Including an audio description option.
Additionally, new modes like permadeath and speed run have been added. These modes will appeal to hardcore fans who want to see how fast they can beat the game and if they can beat it without dying. Good luck to you! I know that’s something I’ll never be able to do. It’s the Clickers, they get me every time! Photomode will also be available for those arty types who can’t resist a good screengrab. Yup, guilty!
New cosmetics items will be available for players to have fun with. Outfits can be unlocked for both Ellie and Joel. Now you can enjoy the story in style.
Improved Movement
Using the power of technology, the developers have improved movement across the board. Facial animations are closer to actors' performances and in game facial expressions are less robotic.
Furthermore, the AI movement has been tweaked to match that of The Last of Us Part 2. Enemies will flank and try to outmatch you. Meanwhile, Buddy AI will premediate enemy actions and get into cover before they are spotted. These tweaks will make combat sections more balanced as Ellie won’t run in front of angry Clickers!
Finally, motion matching has been introduced. Characters will move around spaces as intended. Before movement animation was clunky and let's face it unrealistic. Now characters will understand the spaces they are in and move around with ease. They won’t run around like crazy headless chickens. Yes, I’m looking at you Tess!
Preorder Now
All in all, we can safely say this isn’t a simple upscaling remaster. All the slight tweaks have given it an edge and style it didn’t have before. The Last of Us Part 1 will stand proudly next to its sequel and will immerse players in its realistic visuals. For newcomers, this is the version to get! For fans, this game promises a new way to enjoy the adventure like never before. The Last of Us Part 1 is coming out on September 2nd on PS5, and you can preorder from Zatu now.