The PS5 version of The Last of Us Part II, subtitled Remastered, introduces a new game mode. It highlights the gameplay of a title first applauded for its incredible storytelling.
The Last of Us Part I is an incredible video game, but with perfectible gameplay (normal, it is now more than ten years old). Released in 2020 on PS4, The Last of Us Part II corrected a number of issues and allowed Naughty Dog to offer a much more accomplished experience, always while retaining this mastery of storytelling. In many ways, this sequel was the perfect meeting of substance and form. This is exactly what confirms The Last of Us Part II Remastered a little less than four years later.
Because to justify its existence (how to make what already was more breathtaking?), this PS5 version introduces some bonuses likely to encourage fans to drop €10 to upgrade (the game costs €50, otherwise) . In the lead, we find the No Return mode which, like God of War Ragnarok with its DLC (free), draws on the rogue-like genre to spice up the games. It is completely ancillary to the main story and serves as a little icing on the cake to prolong the pleasure. And remember how much the gameplay The Last of Us Part II is impeccable.
In terms of action, The Last of Us Part II remains a gem
By being completely objective, the No Return mode The Last of Us Part II is unnatural. It gets rid of the essence of the saga – the narration, the stories it tells, to focus everything on the visual part and the gameplay. A way of reminding us that Naughty Dog’s masterpiece, both melancholic and violent, cannot be summed up in its unforgettable story. Graphically, and this will be no surprise to anyone, The Last of Us Part II Remastered is breathtaking, as the game already was on PS4. On PS5, it gains in fluidity and finesse, enough to honor its phenomenal artistic direction. While everything is supposed to be dead in the game, there are endless details that bring life to the screen. The contrast is striking.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered is breathtaking, as the game already was on PS4
By adding the 3D audio section and the few technologies linked to the DualSense controller (the heavier the weapon, the more resistant the aiming trigger), the immersive gain is undeniable. Somehow, The Last of Us Part II Remastered comes to sublimate the sublime and we would almost come to envy those who discover this sequel with this version. After all, there is never any delay when you can revel in a masterful adventure.
The No Return mode compiles the action part of The Last of Us Part II with all the tension it implies and the demand it imposes. The keys to success are already known: the need to aim well (if possible at the head) to save ammunition, optimization of your resources by favoring melee when possible and the obligation to play with the environment to hide and surprise your opponents. The gameplay is still as realistic, exhilarating and rich. Each course ends with a boss and you can just as easily play the role of the attacker (kill waves of enemies) or the prey (survive). Moreover, when you are on the defensive, it is very often enough to hide well while waiting for the timer to run out.
At the end of each match, you earn something to prepare for the next: a little currency to buy weapons, a few coins to improve your arsenal and points to develop your character’s skills. If you die, you will have to start all over again (the rogue-lite aspect). Factors can add up, such as thick fog that will impair visibility or enemies that burst into flames when hit. There are even small challenges to earn additional rewards. It’s really complete, knowing that Naughty Dog regularly adds content as we continue the sessions.
Furthermore, it is difficult not to see this mode of No Return as an opportunity for fans. They will actually have the opportunity to play heroes who simply come across in the story. We think of Dina or even Tommy, Joel’s brother. Each of them, which belongs to a camp (Ellie’s or Abby’s), has its own characteristics. For example, Joel compensates for his ineptitude in dodging with greater resistance in close combat. In total, there are ten different characters to play as.
Sans Retour still lacks a little something to convince. Where real rogue-like games use the mechanics of failure to motivate (Hades, Returnal...), there where God of War Ragnarok nevertheless manages to draw an epilogue from it, The Last of Us Part II Remastered is content with a simple scoring race. Fortunately, the sensations remain interesting to hold the time to unlock everything there is to unlock (characters, outfits, bosses, etc.). For an add-on that doesn’t really cost anything, it’s not that bad.
Subscribe for free to Artificielles, our newsletter on AI, designed by AIs, verified by Numerama!
Some links in this article are affiliated. We’ll explaine everything here.