It’s a brave move to release the same game three times within the space of ten years. Of course, it’s been remade and remastered, but at its core, The Last of Us Part I is still the same game as it was in 2013.
Of course, it just happens to be what many believe to be one of the greatest games ever made that Sony and Naughty Dog have given the remake treatment to.
A Foundation
The Last of Us Part I is a five-star experience at its core. It’s a tale about despair, depression, misery and really the brutality of man.
Read more: The Last of Us Part II review – The Full Range of Emotions (Spoiler-Free)
Nine years hasn’t dulled the mastery on show when it launched on PlayStation 3. TLOU Part I Remake also leverages the power of PlayStation 5 to add a host of little touches that add to the whole experience.
For instance, using the haptic features in clever ways like carpet ruffling underfoot. Or the way water seems to offer resistance as you walk through it.
As you would expect, it comes packed with the standalone DLC tale, Left Behind, as well as other goodies. Extra outfits, screen filters and modifiers round off the package. What’s missing is multiplayer, but this is a mostly tale-driven game, so its omission isn’t felt.
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The multiplayer ‘Factions’ mode is coming but as to be released with a standalone entry.
Polishing Gold
At first glance it can be a little hard to tell the difference between The Last of Us Part I Remake for PS5 apart from its 2014 PS4 counterpart. Pre-release Sony comparison videos didn’t help differentiate the two. However, on playing the game and trying its performance modes, the whole point of the 2022 remake becomes clear.
The Last of Us Part I for PS5 is for those who would buy their favourite movies on a new format to experience a richer and more vibrant film. I own Top Gun on VHS, DVD, HD DVD, Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. I have also seen it in a standard cinema and in IMAX.
Those who appreciate The Last of Us Part I as a masterpiece will play it again and pay full price. For those who missed it first or second time around
The Darkness Looming
The pricing of The Last of Us Part I Remake casts a bit of a shadow over this PlayStation beacon. This version will set you back £69.99/€79.99, the price of a full new release.
For a remake, it’s pricey. Especially given the amount of work Naughty Dog have put into redoing the world, characters and overall performance.
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Additionally, certain mechanics added to The Last of Us Part II. For example, the improved melee system with its handy dodge move, as well as going prone, aren’t brought to the engine.
A Definitive Edition
The Last of Us Part I is hands down the definitive version of the game and could be said to be tactically released just now in time, so newcomers can jump on board. Which they will be thanks to the coming TV series in a few months and seasoned fans can return to enjoy the tale in the best light in can be experienced in yet.
The gameplay is razor sharp, the visuals are polished to within an inch of their lives, and TLOU Part I is another title that showcases PS5’s capabilities.
Review copy provided by publisher