The Last Of Us Part II Remastered Review

When I first heard murmurs of Naughty Dog’s ambitious endeavour to unleash The Last of Us Part II Remastered onto the gaming landscape, I must admit, I found myself harbouring a tinge of scepticism. After all, the game had already left an indelible mark when it burst onto the scene back in 2020 for the PlayStation 4. Yet, despite my initial reservations, embarking on this revamped rendition over the past few weeks has been nothing short of a revelatory odyssey.

From the moment the opening credits roll, the visual metamorphosis is nothing short of breathtaking, a testament to the sheer horsepower of the PlayStation 5. The leap to native 4K resolution and the silky-smooth frame rates pull you deeper into the heart-wrenching tale with an intensity that’s as palpable as it is immersive. But make no mistake, for this remastered edition is not merely a superficial facelift; rather, it is a veritable smorgasbord of enhancements and additions that conspire to breathe new life into an already monumental experience.

Consider, if you will, the introduction of character customisation, a feature that may seem trivial at first blush but proves to be a masterstroke in fostering a deeper sense of connection to the game world. The ability to deck out our beloved protagonists in an array of outfits not only adds a welcome dash of personality and flair but also serves as a canvas for boundless creativity. Whether it’s spotting Ellie donning a Death Stranding tee or Joel sporting a quirky hat, these seemingly innocuous details imbue the gameplay experience with a delightful touch of whimsy that is as endearing as it is infectious.

And then there’s the pièce de résistance: the innovative guitar mode, a stroke of genius that elevates immersion to dizzying new heights. With the deft manipulation of the PlayStation controller’s touchpad, players are afforded the rare opportunity to pluck away at the strings in a mesmerizing display of musical virtuosity. It’s a small yet sublime addition that not only pays homage to the game’s musical themes but also deepens our emotional investment in the world and its inhabitants in ways that transcend the boundaries of conventional gameplay.

Yet perhaps what truly sets this remastered edition apart is the tantalising glimpse it offers into the hallowed halls of game development. From the inclusion of three previously shelved levels to the insightful commentary provided by none other than the maestro himself, game director Neil Druckmann, it’s a veritable treasure trove of knowledge that sheds light on the creative decisions that shaped the game we know and love. Each nugget of wisdom serves as a breadcrumb on the path to enlightenment, offering fans a deeper understanding of the narrative and design choices that underpin this modern-day epic.

But amidst all the bells and whistles, the remastered edition never loses sight of the soul of the original game. The story still hits you like a freight train, with its gut-wrenching twists and turns leaving you emotionally spent yet utterly fulfilled. Whether navigating the treacherous terrain of post-apocalyptic America or grappling with the moral quandaries that plague our protagonists, every moment is imbued with a raw emotional intensity that lingers long after the credits roll.

In essence, The Last of Us Part II Remastered isn’t just a visual upgrade; it’s a love letter to fans and newcomers alike, offering a fresh perspective on a modern masterpiece that continues to resonate long after the dust has settled. It’s a tribute to the enduring power of storytelling in gaming, a shining beacon of innovation and creativity in an industry too often mired in convention. So, if you haven’t already embarked on this unforgettable journey, I implore you to do so posthaste. For in the hallowed halls of gaming history, few titles stand taller than The Last of Us Part II Remastered, a shining testament to the boundless potential of interactive storytelling in the digital age.

This review utilised a copy that was purchased myself. The Last Of Us Part II Remastered is out now exclusively on Playstation