Sony Interactive Entertainment and Naughty Dog are re-releasing The Last of Us Part 2 for PlayStation 5 on January 19, 2024, just three years after the critically acclaimed PS4 exclusive first came out, and confirming the earlier leaks (save maybe for the part that it could be announced or released at The Game Awards on December 7).
The Last of Us Part 2, known for its deep, emotionally gripping story and meticulously crafted gameplay, will receive a handful of improvements in its PS5 debut. One of the notable enhancements is the native 4K output in fidelity mode, complemented by 1440p resolution upscaled to 4K in Performance Mode. For those with VRR-supporting TVs, there’s an option to unlock the framerate, offering a more fluid and immersive visual experience. Additionally, players will be able to look forward to faster loading times and an enriched interactive experience with the PS5’s DualSense controller, which features adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.
The introduction of a roguelike survival mode, No Return, is a significant addition. This new mode challenges its players with randomized encounters, offering a revitalized perspective on The Last of Us Part II’s combat mechanics. Players can look forward to playing as different characters, each with unique abilities, and navigating through stealth and combat scenarios. This mode not only adds depth to the gameplay but also caters to players seeking new challenges in a familiar setting.
Furthermore, The Last of Us Part II Remastered includes new features to improve player engagement. These include a guitar free play mode with unlockable instruments, a chance to explore incomplete levels cut from the original game, developer commentary and the campaign’s cutscenes. A speed run mode is included, adding an extra dimension to its replay value.
For existing owners of The Last of Us Part II on PS4, an upgrade to the digital version of the remastered edition will be available for just $10, a move that is both consumer-friendly and strategic. Players can also transfer their saves from the original game to the remastered version, ensuring continuity in their gaming journey.
In addition to the digital offerings, a physical deluxe edition, named the W.L.F edition, will also be released. It includes a SteelBook display case, enamel pins, a Washington Liberation Front patch, and a complete set of Society of Champions trading cards. This collector’s edition will be exclusively available through PlayStation Direct in select regions.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered is expected to be one of the bigger releases of early 2024, helping PlayStation start its year on a good note (or end it riding a financial high if we’re talking about the current fiscal year). The combination of enhanced graphics, a new gameplay mode, support for better graphics, and additional content, has the potential attract both new players and those revisiting Ellie’s journey. Naughty Dog’s decision to double dip on The Last of Us Part 2 just years after drawing controversy might just be a sign that it’s working on something else outside of the supposedly canceled The Last of Us multiplayer spin-off, which the studio insists is still in development, by the way.
The new roguelike mode is a genuine attempt at rejuvenating interest in The Last of Us Part 2’s already praised combat system and stealth mechanics. The storytelling, while off-putting for some players, could become more engaging with the new mode. Despite these enhancements, the PC port remains a topic of curiosity, with speculation about its release timing, especially in relation to the second season of HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us, which is expected in 2025.
Given Sony’s earlier confirmation about staggering the release of its exclusives and PC ports, it’s possible the strategy here is to capitalize on the cross-media popularity of The Last of Us franchise after benefitting from it earlier this year.
It’s unclear if Naughty Dog is working on The Last of Us Part 3 but Neil Druckmann will have his hands full in early 2024 as soon as production on the second season starts. HBO is expected to adapt the events of The Last of Us Part 2 across multiple seasons, possibly even including a fourth one.
