A “remake” is a new remake of a game or movie that was produced in the past. however,Fans of the original work feel more or less uneasy when they hear the word remake.Isn’t it?
Because the remake is really wide. Some remakes boldly add new characters and episodes, while others focus on technical aspects such as improved graphics and AI. The more emotionally attached a work is, the more likely it is that you want it to remain the same.
Meanwhile, a remake of a title representing PlayStation 3 was announced.famous and famous『The Last of Us』is.
Set in a world devastated by a pandemic of a mysterious parasitic fungus, a middle-aged man“Joel”and a 14 year old girl“Ellie”The Last of Us, which depicts the grueling journey of“trust”It is a highly acclaimed work that carefully depicts the process of obtaining a , and has won over 200 game awards.
Released in 2013, The Last of Us was remastered in HD in 2014.『The Last of Us Remastered』sequel in 2020『The Last of Us Part II』is on sale.
・June 2013: PS3 “The Last of Us” (Original)
・August 2014: PS4 “The Last of Us Remastered” (HD remastered version of the original)
・June 2020: PS4 “The Last of Us Part II” (sequel to the original)
・September 2022: PS5 “The Last of Us Part I” (remake version of the original)
And, nine years after the release of “The Last of Us”, the remake version『The Last of Us Part I』(Less than,『Part I』) will be released on September 2nd.
The features of the remake version “Part I” areFaithfully reproduces the originalthing. In other words, it is a remake that focuses on technology without changing the story.
Recreating the Joel and Ellie experience intact while improving every aspect“Part I” is the developer“Naughty Dog”Fully remade from scratch with an engine that makes full use of the latest technology.
Naughty Dog is not only the “The Last of Us” series,“Uncharted”series and“Crash Bandicoot”The studio is also working on the series.
This time Denfami had the opportunity to interview two creators of Naughty Dog.
The person who responded was the creative director of “Part I”Mr Sean Escaigand acted as game directorMr Matthew Gallantis. Both names are involved in the production from the original.
From left, Mr. Sean Escaig, Mr. Matthew Gallant
We asked about the “points that were preserved” and “points that were changed” in remaking the masterpiece, and the charm of “The Last of Us” that I noticed again.
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listener/Keigo Toyoda
arts/Marie Yanagimoto
edit/Existence
The Last of Us remake was under pressure
──The original “The Last of Us” is one that will remain in game history. Everything that makes up the game, such as an epic story, excellent production, attractive characters, a detailed battle system, and beautiful graphics, is overwhelming, and the combination of them boasts an outstanding degree of perfection. increase. It’s been about 9 years since its release, and I’m sure there’s been a lot of discussion about its epoch and evaluation, but what kind of title do you feel looking back now? Also, please let us know if there is anything amazing or attractive about ‘The Last of Us’ that you realized while doing the remake.
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Mr. Escaig:
For the remake,there was a lot of pressure. Because “The Last of Us” is a special title for everyone in the studio. Therefore, we proceeded with this project carefully from the beginning.
The original released on PS3 in 2013 and the sequel released on PS4 in 2020『Part II』Compared to , I think the technical playing experience is quite different. By making a remake of the original on PS5,I want to have a play experience that does not feel out of place with “Part II”I was trying.
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In the original, there were restrictions on characters, animation, effects, etc., so there were limits to what you could do, but by remaking it on PS5 using the latest technology,The world can be reproduced seamlesslyI think. We’re also expanding accessibility, so I’d like to see more new players.
Expressing how the feeling of confusion changes with only facial expressions
──Before “The Last of Us”, Naughty Dog was already well known as a studio with “Uncharted”, which received worldwide acclaim for its high level of entertainment. With the appearance of “The Last of Us”, we have gained further recognition as a studio that can create not only entertainment but also works with deep themes, and games that boast a high degree of immersion through cinematic production. For Naughty Dog, what did “The Last of Us” bring, or what was established because of “The Last of Us”?
Mr. Escaig:
“The Last of Us” places great importance on allowing the player to become a character and experience the story.in the remakeexpression of emotionbecame richer.
With the addition of fine nuances such as eye pupils, freckles, and wrinkles, the actor’s acting is as close as possible.
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One of my favorite scenes is when Ellie runs away from Tommy’s power plant and runs into the ranch house.
Ellie is suspicious of Joel and can’t hide her confusion about what will happen next. “Joel, who is the only one in the world that I can rely on, will run away from me,” he is confused and anxious, and his eyes are moist and his face is red. Joel, meanwhile, is emotionally overwhelmed by the loss of his daughter Sarah.
Therefore,Emotionally spitting expressionsI was able to
Also, the scene where Ellie dances with her best friend Riley has anxiety that “Riley may go to Firefly from now on, and may not be able to meet.”ThatExpressing the changing feelings of confusion with only facial expressions without using wordsI was able to do.
I think this is the part where we were able to grow as a studio.
Mr. Gallant:
The Uncharted series and The Last of Us series have in common that they focus on characters and stories.
howeverThe “Uncharted” series is “action-oriented”、‘The Last of Us’ is ‘humanity’Each focus is on expressing Therefore, “The Last of Us” is a work that shows how Joel is suffering and angry even in the battle scene, and it can be said that there is a big difference in expression.
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──In remake, what aspects of the original did you want to keep and what aspects did you want to change? Was there a desire to add something new?
Mr. Escaig:
This remake isExpanding while “faithfully” reproducing the originalI was conscious of
I carefully considered all options.Especially when we’re discussing what to add to the game, what we’re going to addA policy of “Do you want to improve what already exists?” or “Do you want to change it into something different?”is a carefully thought out part.
Also, instead of leaving the original as it is, we also discussed what should not be included in the game.
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Regarding graphics,As technology improves, you will want to be beautifulI think.
For example, the area controlled by the military is like the last bastion of civilization, and I tend to add trees because I want to clean it up. But once you stop and think about it, you realize, “I don’t think we’re actually going to grow trees in this area where there’s a battle.” Instead, when you leave the area controlled by the military, you will find a landscape rich in nature.
Just because the technology has improved doesn’t mean you can add everything. That’s the part I paid attention to.
With the improvement of AI technology, both enemies and allies can take complex actions
──Please tell us about the elements that you can feel the improvement in expression in the remake version and the highlights that you want us to pay attention to.
Mr. Gallant:
It’s very hard to narrow down because the whole game is expandedbut…….
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In the original, I didn’t have enough memory, so I could only make it simple. With the PS5, you can create almost without worrying about memory, so I think you can express the feeling of life in each facility.
When I thought about what would be available in a museum, I was able to express it in a more museum-like way, such as saying, “There are paintings and bronze statues.”
Due to the improvement of AI technology, both enemies and allies can take complex actions, and conversations are more accurate.Additionally, the DualSense controller has“Adaptive Trigger”or“haptic feedback”Since there is also a function ofFull-fledged combat with a sense of presence is also possiblebecame.
You can also hear voices from other rooms, and I think it’s an experience that makes you feel like you’re there.
However, the expansion elements I just introduced are only “helps” for the play experience.to the playerI want you to be immersed in the game world with the latest technologyis.
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──There are many titles that utilize “adaptive triggers” and “haptic feedback” functions according to actions, but I felt that “voice vibration” that trembles according to the dialogue is a rare use of DualSense. Please tell us how and why you adopted this idea.
Mr. Gallant:
This ideaSuggestions from audio programmershad. The reason why it’s audio is because there’s a small speaker built into the DualSense.
The design team came up with the idea that if we could add strength with haptic feedback, we could give the player a more realistic experience.
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Also, until now, hearing-impaired players have only had subtitles for performances and stories. However, if there is “haptic feedback”, through the controller,A more sensory experienceI think.
──Finally, for players who touch the story of “The Last of Us” for the first time in this work, players who return to the journey of “The Last of Us” again and wish to meet Joel and Ellie again , message me.
Mr. Escaig:
I can’t wait to have you play Joel and Ellie’s Journey again. I hope new players have fun anyway. We love the original game, the characters, and the story.
For existing players, you may have played many times already. But I’m sure it will be a different experience than last time. Because the players themselves are in a different position than they were 9 years ago.
I myself have a daughter now. I think that you will be able to experience and empathize with Joel’s decisions in a different way than before.
Mr. Gallant:
This is our love letter to the original. I think it’s the definitive edition that allows you to play “The Last of Us” in the best possible way. Please fight and support Joel and Ellie together.
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The aim of the creators of Naughty Dog in making the remake was not to add new characters or episodes, but to improve the technical aspects from all aspects, such as “ nuances of gaze ” and “ seamless development ”.“Make the design immersive in the game world”was.
The “change” may not be noticed immediately because it is too inconsistent with the original. However, the contents have changed greatly.
The dramatically improved AI technology has made it possible for both enemies and allies to take complex actions, making it a tough battle.
again,Incorporates many features requested by fansis also a big feature.
In addition to “erasing saved data when dying” and a new “time attack mode”, costume changes, model viewer mode, and accessibility are also being expanded. It is also possible to incorporate voice guidance into the movie, which is the first attempt on PlayStation.
For those who played the original, as well as those who have become interested in this remake, why not experience the world of high-quality “The Last of Us”?