The Last of Us Remastered (PS4) Review
Sean Gibson / Aug 19th, 2014 No Comments
Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us on PlayStation 4 after the game became one of the most well-received titles for PlayStation 3 in 2013. The Last of Us Remastered for PS4 features improved graphics, new controls and features, as well as the game’s complete offering of DLC, all at a reduced price.
Those that have not already read the review for the original release of the game can do so here. Our original review covered the game’s story extensively, so this review will focus on the game’s enhanced features. Gamers that have held off on The Last of Us in anticipation of this PS4 release are highly encouraged to purchase it immediately. However, gamers who already played the PS3 edition of the game will be wholeheartedly satisfied with the updated experience.
Graphics
The new edition of The Last of Us is presented in full 1920×1080 resolution (1080p) at 60 frames per second (FPS). It also has higher resolution character models, improved shadows and lighting, plus numerous environmental enhancements that bring the game a full leap forward visually.
The Last of Us Remastered is an improvement visually.
Players who experienced the PS3 version of The Last of Us will immediately notice a difference in the character models. However, the lighting effects and the smoothness of the camera is what really stands out graphically. Don’t expect too much as the new-gen port could only go so far, but there’s little doubt that Naughty Dog properly cared for The Last of Us when bringing it to the PS4.
Ultimately, one of the big selling points of the game was the developer’s ability to show a generation worth of improvement in order to justify re-purchase, albeit at a slight discount. Fortunately, the game does in fact accomplish this critical task and looks outstanding on the PlayStation 4.
Controls
If there is a “most underrated improvement” award for The Last of Us Remastered, it would be awarded to the controls. The game takes advantage of the PS4 controller’s new feature set, including the touchpad and the speaker. While some new elements are subtle–such as turning on and off the flashlight–they add a nice layer of interactive depth that players may not be expecting.
Handling characters also feels much more authentic, fluid and kinesthetically correct. That could be owed to a blend of improved hardware, smoother panning, nicer framerate and improvements to the control system. These number of factors combine to make the game simply play better than its PS3 predecessor.
Extended Value
The Last of Us Remastered includes the Abandoned Territories Map Pack, the Reclaimed Territories Map Pack, and the recently released Left Behind single-player DLC. The additional content is estimated to be worth around $30, so the game’s price tag seems reasonable. For those wondering, the “Left Behind” mission pack, which centers around Ellie before the core experience of The Last of Us, has also gotten the remastered treatment.
The game includes all DLC bundled in, including Left Behind.
At the retail price of about $50, gamers are getting a good value when factoring in the game’s original $60 price tag and the $30 worth of bonus maps and DLC. Purchasing the improved game is justified in price.
Overall
The Last of Us is often looked at as the definitive game of the generation for the PlayStation 3, but many gamers have retired that console to secondary locations in favor of the new, sexier PlayStation 4. Being able to continue, replay and revisit the incredible experience that Naughty Dog created on the new console with updated graphics and controls is something that fans of the game must experience.
Having garnered literally hundreds of awards (including Game of the Year from Gaming Illustrated), gamers already know the story is a cacophony of emotion and a pinnacle achievement for an entire generation of console systems. This time around, with all of that already included, the graphics look a generation better and the controls are impressively improved through the use of the DualShock 4.
The added value of including the DLC is tremendous, especially for players that have held off on it so that they could purchase a “definitive experience” package in the form of this PS4-edition of the game. Overall, The Last of Us on PS4 is unquestionably a better experience than the previous generation and on its own an amazing gaming experience to be treasured and replayed for years.
Sean Gibson
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tags: last of us , playstation 4 , ps4 , ps4 review , review , the last of us
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