Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: SCEA
Released: July 29, 2014
Completed: May 17, 2020
Rated: M for Mature
I admit it: I was wrong about The Last of Us. In my original review of the PS3 exclusive I harshly critiqued the game for its lackluster gameplay. While I still feel I made some valid points - that the puzzles were unimaginative, and the horde-like survival segments are the weakest parts of the game - I have softened and warmed to it over the years. Replaying it via the PS4's Remastered edition, I found myself gripped once more by its incredible story and solid (if unremarkable) gameplay.
Don't get me wrong, The Last of Us doesn't reinvent the stealth-action genre. There's nothing here you haven't seen in games ranging from Metal Gear Solid to Uncharted to the modern iterations of Tomb Raider. But just because a game doesn't do anything new doesn't mean it shouldn't be praised for doing things well. Perhaps I expected too much the first time. The hype around the game had certainly reached stratospheric levels. Ironically, I've railed against reviewers who criticize other games for not being innovative, yet rereading my original review I saw I had become the very thing I despised.
There was never any question that this was one of the greatest stories ever told in gaming at the time. I said as much back then, and I still feel it's true today. I also said it's a shame you had to play the game to experience the story. Yet this time around, I found myself enjoying the game. OK, the ladder puzzles are still lame, and the horde survival segments still suck, but those are small speedbumps in an otherwise very good game. Even the sniper/escort sequence, which I abhorred in my original playthrough, felt more enjoyable this time around.
At its core, The Last of Us is a fairly standard stealth-action game. It has all the usual trappings of the genre such as a simple crafting system, objects you can use to distract enemies while you sneak past, and large, open areas replete with convenient waist-high cover for shootouts. It's straightforward and linear, but there's a sense of urgency and tension that makes every new area exciting.
The gameplay is the meat and potatoes of the experience, but the story is the seasoning that enhances what otherwise might be a bland meal. From the first-rate voice work to the animation and modeling to the rich but ruined world that still looks as stunning six years later, The Last of Us reels you in right away.
The PS4 remaster is an odd beast in some ways. It's the best way to play the game, but at the same time it's not that significant of an upgrade. The resolution is higher and there's some nice new lighting effects in the game's quality mode, or you can opt for more PS3-grade visuals with a silky smooth 60 frames per second framerate if you're one of those weirdos who thinks 30 FPS is "literally unplayable." Either way you play it, the game looks fantastic, which is a testament to just how good it looked even in its original incarnation.
The major selling point for me was the inclusion of the Left Behind DLC on the disc. This is a short interlude/prequel to the events of the game where you'll take control of Ellie. What makes it noteworthy is the flashback to just before she would meet Joel. It explores the relationship between two young girls coming to grips with their sexuality in a mature and incredibly poignant way. In some ways, the final moments of the DLC eclipses most of the base game, save perhaps its own equally devastating and unforgettable opening sequence.
The bottom line is that if you're one of the three PlayStation owners who hasn't played The Last of Us yet, this is your ticket in. If you are one of those people, I envy you because I wish I could go back and experience the story for the first time again. Even at my most cynical I praised it for its exceptional writing, realistic character portrayals, and unparalleled voice acting. Now that the initial hoopla is over, I've learned to appreciate the game for what it is as well. Simply put, it's a must-own.
The Last Of Us: Remastered was completed on a PS4 Pro with no cheats.
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