Nearly four years after it first launched on PlayStation 4, Naughty Dog and PlayStation Studios are re-releasing The Last of Us Part 2 on PlayStation 5, complete with visual upgrades, performance enhancements, and, perhaps, more importantly, brand new content that wasn’t available in the original title.
What’s particularly intriguing about The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is its new game mode, No Return. The highlight of the remastered version, this mode offers a roguelike survival experience that deviates from the traditional gameplay of the original title.
While many fans are excited to jump on to this new mode, Del Walker, a senior character designer at Naughty Dog, has explicitly warned players about its stressful nature, advising that it is “not recommended for weak hearts.
I don't think you guys are ready for just how STRESSFUL the survive mode is for our #TLOU2remastered title. Not recommended for weak hearts https://t.co/g3G5pM3SFR
— Del Walker 🇵🇸 (@TheCartelDel) January 4, 2024
No Return mode challenges players to endure randomized encounters and navigate through different scenarios, each with its unique set of threats. Unlike the main campaign, death in this mode means losing all weapons, items, and any upgrade accumulated during the run, adding a layer of intensity and unpredictability to the gameplay. This roguelike element introduces a fresh and challenging dynamic, even for those familiar with the original game.
Players can choose from a variety of characters, including Ellie, Abby, and Joel, each bringing their distinct combat style and abilities to the game. The mode culminates in boss battles that differ from those in the main campaign, providing an entirely new experience. The No Return mode is not just about survival; it’s about adapting to constantly changing conditions and making strategic decisions under pressure.
The Last of Us Part 2, initially released in 2020, was a controversial yet critically acclaimed title known for its immersive storytelling and emotional narrative. To date, it remains one of the most awarded games of all time, succeeded only by Elden Ring in 2022.
The remastered PS5-exclusive version aims to enhance this experience with improved visuals, faster load times, and, of course, additional content, including the No Return mode. It also features support for DualSense features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, further immersing players in the game’s intense and engaging world.
Despite the game’s original success, the new mode has generated mixed reactions. Some players are excited about the added challenge and are eager to dive into the new content, while others are apprehensive about the potential stress it may bring. There are also fans that would have preferred a Director’s Cut over a remastered edition, given the original game’s relatively recent release. Then again, it’s become difficult to blur the lines between both in recent years.
Nevertheless, re-releasing PS4 titles with brand new content appears to be part of Sony’s MO lately, with the likes of Ghost of Tsushima and Death Stranding getting similar treatment.
It remains unclear if The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered will make its way to PC. But, judging from how badly the PC port of the first game went, Sony might prefer to take their time. With The Last of Us Season 2 slated for early 2025, Sony might release The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered on PC around the same time that the live-action adaptation airs.
Until then, fans and newcomers can look forward to testing their mettle on the PS5 in this demanding yet potentially rewarding new mode.
