Technically, The Last of Us Part 2 is already on the PlayStation 5. Naughty Dog released a patch a few years ago for the 2020 sequel, shortly after the PS5 hit the market. But, we can’t deny that it’s left us wanting for more. With The Last of Us Part 1, the nth re-release of the award-winning first game in the series, receiving all the modern niceties on the PS5 and the PC, it wouldn’t hurt to revisit The Last of Us Part 2 with the same upgrades.
Three years after its release and it appears that Naughty Dog’s stellar masterpiece could be in for a “next-gen” upgrade for the PS5.
Recent hints dropped by Gustavo Santaolalla, the game’s composer, suggest we might soon revisit the dystopian world of The Last of Us Part II, only this time, it will be an upgraded and expanded version, specifically crafted for PlayStation 5 (and possibly even the PC). His comments during an interview with Blender ignited a spark of excitement among fans, setting off fervent speculation about what this “new edition” might entail.
Santaolalla’s in-game character, whose fleeting appearance in the PS4 version involves banjo strumming in Jackson City, is rumored to have an expanded role in the revamped edition. He hinted at a more interactive gameplay experience, where players could potentially choose the soundtrack he plays. Though he was quick to wrap up the topic with an intriguing “I can’t reveal anymore yet”, suggesting that he might have said more than he was allowed to, possibly even breaking NDA.
While there has been no official confirmation from Naughty Dog about a new version of The Last of Us Part II, the idea isn’t far-fetched.
Sony has been churning out PS5 versions of popular PS4 hits such as Death Stranding and Ghost of Tsushima, and porting even more to the PC, such as God of War and Spider-Man: Miles Morales. It wouldn’t be shocking to see The Last of Us Part II joining this upgraded lineup, especially given the resurgence of interest sparked by the HBO adaptation’s success.
This potential upgrade, however, signifies more than just a reiteration. For Sony, it’s an opportunity to double down on the game’s sales. For new PlayStation owners, it’s a chance to experience the game anew, without relying on backwards compatibility. And for Naughty Dog, it presents an avenue to charge a premium for this acclaimed title – critics be damned.
Yet, even with this excitement, fans continue to yearn for more fresh content that’s set in The Last of Us universe. The Last of Us Part III remains shrouded in mystery, and production hiccups have plagued the anticipated multiplayer spin-off. With subsequent seasons of HBO’s live-action adaptation also currently in limbo, the upgraded version might just satiate fans’ appetite for the time being.
What might a PS5 upgrade mean for The Last of Us Part II? There are a few certainties and many possibilities. One thing is for sure: the opportunity to witness this heart-wrenching epic in stunning 4K resolution with comfortable 60 fps gameplay is tantalizing. And the prospect of gameplay alterations, possibly making the game even more immersive, is enough to whip up a storm of anticipation among gamers.
Despite these hints, official confirmation remains elusive. We might have to hold our breath a little longer – perhaps until Gamescom in August or The Game Awards in December, where Naughty Dog might drop the much-awaited announcement.
Until then, we’ll have to keep our ears peeled, much like The Infected, wary of every small detail revealed about anything related to The Last of Us, whether it’s official or not.
Speaking of The Last of Us, a potential The Last of Us Part II re-release announcement isn’t the only one that fans can look forward to in the next few months. The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards will kick off on September 19, where HBO’s The Last of Us received the second-most nominations.
