And three!
Although perfection does not exist and nothing can ever be unanimous, The Last of Us clearly marked a large number of players when it was first released on PS3 in 2013.
Boasting a striking story, endearing characters and effective gameplay for the time, the title of Naughty Dog seemed to invite us to live more than a game, but more a sensory experience worthy of cinema.
The game being released during the twilight of the PS3, almost exactly a year later, and in order to continue to benefit (especially financially) from the popularity of The Last of Usthe studio is releasing a first remaster of the game with few new features but graphically more compatible with the graphics standards of the PS4 generation.
In 2020, The PS5 is coming and The Last of Us part 2 makes its appearance, receiving in its turn the praises of the critics and part of the public (although arousing less enthusiasm than its predecessor). Its gameplay and its graphics having of course reached a new technical level, the studio’s pundits are wondering only 8 years after the previous version if it would not be wise to bring out the first part again, in particular as it approaches its series adaptation by HBO in 2023.
Still a great game
If, as we said before, The Last of Us part 1 was already a great game when it was released, it is obvious that this new version enhances its strengths.
Starting with an astonishing graphic overhaul which allows us to appreciate the fact that the artistic direction was already impeccable at the outset. The design has been greatly refined, to the point that some characters like Tess’s have changed a lot from the original version.
Animation in gameplay is also much smoother, making movement smoother and less cumbersome than before.
Other improvements are also worth highlighting, such as a better lighting system, a (small) improvement in enemy AI, a subtle use of the Dual Sense controller, as well as new accessibility options.
Any competition to offer us a new experience with a game that dates back almost 10 years. It is also by trying not to want to shake up the mechanics of its original model too much that the game shows its age the most.
The last return
If, technically, the improvements are palpable, there is nothing new, whether on the side of the story or the gaming experience. This is not a defect in itself, but it raises questions as to to the usefulness of diving back into the adventure for those who have already played the original and its previous remaster on PS4, in particular at the price of 80 €, therefore equivalent to the price of an experience supposed to be completely new.
Unlike, for example, a Resident Evil 2 which was a real remake with its story and gameplay brought up to date, The Last of Us part 1 fails to rejuvenate its gameplay, whether it’s the workbenches for gear, its ammo, or how sluggish Ellie feels to respond to your requests.
Of course, these minor faults cannot dissuade us from recommending this fantastic post-apocalyptic odyssey a hundred times to those who have not yet played it and who would be tempted. For others on the other hand, it would certainly be more reasonable to wait for the price to drop in order to justify the purchase or to dive back into the PS4 version if the graphics of a game are not a priority for you.