When The Last of Us Part II debuted in June 2020, it was a game that divided opinions yet indisputably marked a milestone in narrative-driven gaming. From its raw storytelling to the technical finesse of its design, it was a sequel that aimed not only to build on the legacy of its predecessor but to challenge players emotionally and philosophically. Fast forward to today, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered has arrived, a definitive edition that reintroduces the game to the next generation of consoles, complete with advanced features and new enhancements.
This remastered version seeks to elevate an already groundbreaking experience by delivering improved visuals, refined gameplay, and seamless technical performance. Designed specifically for the PlayStation 5, it’s a chance for newcomers to step into Ellie’s journey for the first time and for longtime fans to rediscover the game in its most polished form.
The Journey of The Last of Us Franchise
To understand the significance of The Last of Us Part II Remastered, we must reflect on the history of the franchise. The original The Last of Us (2013) introduced players to a post-apocalyptic world where survival intertwined with themes of love, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity. Joel and Ellie became iconic characters, and their relationship served as the emotional core of the story.
The sequel, The Last of Us Part II, took a bold approach. It pushed boundaries, delivering a narrative that didn’t shy away from moral complexity or difficult truths. It explored the cycle of violence and revenge, challenging players to empathize with perspectives they might otherwise reject. The divisive nature of its story only emphasized its artistic ambition, and it went on to win more than 300 Game of the Year awards.
The remastered edition continues this legacy. By refining the experience for modern audiences, Naughty Dog ensures that The Last of Us Part II remains relevant, impactful, and engaging.
The Story: A Tale of Loss, Revenge, and Redemption
At its heart, The Last of Us Part II Remastered is a deeply personal story. Set five years after the events of the first game, Ellie and Joel live in relative peace in Jackson, Wyoming, within a thriving community of survivors. However, their tranquility is shattered by a brutal act of violence, setting Ellie on a quest for vengeance across the ruined remnants of Seattle.
Ellie’s journey isn’t just about revenge—it’s about her grappling with grief, identity, and the consequences of her actions. The narrative also introduces Abby, a new playable character whose storyline runs parallel to Ellie’s. Through Abby, the game forces players to confront their own biases and consider the humanity of those perceived as enemies.
In the remastered edition, the emotional weight of the story is amplified by next-gen enhancements. The intricate facial animations and lifelike performances of the characters make every tear, every grimace, and every moment of quiet reflection resonate on a deeper level.
Visual Mastery: A Next-Gen Transformation
One of the most striking aspects of The Last of Us Part II Remastered is its visual overhaul. The original game was already a technical marvel on the PlayStation 4, but the remastered edition takes full advantage of the PS5’s hardware capabilities.
1. 4K Resolution and 60 FPS
The game now runs in stunning 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. Every detail, from the texture of Ellie’s jacket to the glistening raindrops on a shattered window, is rendered with incredible clarity. The increased frame rate ensures smooth animations and heightened responsiveness during gameplay, making combat and exploration feel more fluid.
2. Enhanced Lighting and Ray Tracing
The use of ray tracing technology adds an entirely new dimension to the game’s visual presentation. Light filters naturally through cracks in buildings, shadows shift realistically with movement, and reflections in puddles and glass surfaces are eerily lifelike. These details transform Seattle’s decaying urban landscape into a hauntingly beautiful setting.
3. Character and Environmental Details
The character models have been refined to look even more realistic. Subtle changes in facial expressions, body language, and skin textures add depth to the performances. Meanwhile, the environments are lush and intricate, from overgrown forests to eerie, flooded shopping malls. Each location tells its own story, adding layers of immersion to the experience.
Gameplay Refinements: Depth and Precision
The gameplay in The Last of Us Part II was praised for its balance of stealth, combat, and exploration, and the remastered edition builds upon this solid foundation with thoughtful refinements.
1. Enhanced AI
Enemy AI has been significantly improved. Human opponents now communicate more effectively, flank strategically, and react dynamically to changing situations. Even the infected, from clickers to shamblers, have become more unpredictable and dangerous. These changes make every encounter feel tense and engaging.
2. DualSense Integration
The PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller transforms the way players interact with the game. The haptic feedback allows you to feel every footstep, gunshot, and explosion, while the adaptive triggers add tension to actions like drawing a bowstring or squeezing the trigger of a gun. These features make the gameplay more tactile and immersive than ever before.
3. Accessibility and Challenge
Naughty Dog has doubled down on accessibility, introducing even more options for players with disabilities. From customizable controls to visual and audio aids, the game ensures that everyone can experience its story. For players seeking a greater challenge, the remastered edition includes a Permadeath mode and additional difficulty settings.
New Additions and Features
The remastered edition isn’t just about visual and performance upgrades—it also offers new content and features that enhance the experience.
1. Photo Mode
A fully-featured Photo Mode lets players capture and share breathtaking moments. Whether it’s a quiet sunrise over Seattle or an intense combat scene, the tools allow for creative expression.
2. Expanded Content
While Naughty Dog has been tight-lipped about significant new story content, there are rumors of extended scenes or bonus chapters that add depth to the narrative. These additions could further flesh out the characters and their motivations.
3. Gameplay Modifiers
For players looking to spice up their playthrough, the remaster includes modifiers such as infinite ammo, one-hit kills, and other fun tweaks. These options make it easier to replay the game in creative ways.
The Emotional and Cultural Legacy
The Last of Us Part II is more than a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Its themes of revenge, forgiveness, and the cost of violence resonate deeply, sparking discussions about morality and storytelling in games. The remastered edition invites players to revisit these themes, allowing both fans and critics to reassess the game’s impact.
From its richly developed characters to its unflinching portrayal of humanity’s darker sides, The Last of Us Part II Remastered reaffirms the franchise’s place as a high point in gaming history. It’s a game that challenges players to confront uncomfortable truths, making it an unforgettable experience.
Game Details
- Genre: Action-adventure, survival horror
- Year: 2024 (Remastered version)
- Platforms: PlayStation 5 (Original: PlayStation 4)
- Age Rating: M for Mature (17+)
- Game Ratings: 9.3/10 (Metacritic), 9/10 (IGN), 10/10 (GameSpot)
- Mode: Single-player
- Developer/Publisher: Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Awards: Over 300 Game of the Year Awards (Original), multiple BAFTA wins for Narrative and Performance
Our Verdict: Is It Worth Playing?
For newcomers, The Last of Us Part II Remastered is the ultimate way to experience one of gaming’s most talked-about titles. The enhanced visuals, refined gameplay, and additional features make it an unmissable experience. For returning players, the remastered edition offers enough improvements to justify revisiting Ellie’s journey, especially for those who want to fully immerse themselves in its upgraded presentation.
While its themes and narrative choices may not appeal to everyone, the craftsmanship, passion, and attention to detail behind the game are undeniable. Naughty Dog has once again proven that video games are a powerful medium for storytelling, capable of evoking profound emotions and sparking meaningful conversations.
Our Rating: 9.5/10
With its masterful storytelling, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay, The Last of Us Part II Remastered is not just a game—it’s an experience that every PlayStation 5 owner should add to their collection.