The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is officially announced for PlayStation 5, with a release date set for January 19, 2024. The remastered version will include upgraded visuals, improved performance, and exciting new gameplay content.
Key Highlights:
- Release date is January 19, 2024, for PS5 only.
- Includes 4K resolution, enhanced graphics, faster loading .
- New roguelike survival mode called “No Return”.
- Unlockable characters including some new to series.
- Lost levels to explore early development versions.
- Guitar free play with more instruments.
After months of rumours, Naughty Dog finally unveiled The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered in a trailer that revealed the game’s January release date. It will be exclusive to PS5 and brings a range of enhancements over the original PS4 version.
The headline features are 4K resolution at 30fps or dynamic 4K at 60fps. The improved graphics leverage the PS5’s hardware for better textures, shadows, reflections, and other visual effects. Faster loading is also promised thanks to the next-gen console’s SSD.
New Roguelike Survival Mode
But the remaster goes beyond just better visuals and performance. An entirely new mode called “No Return” brings roguelike survival gameplay to The Last of Us 2. Players must survive as long as possible across iconic locations, and can unlock characters that were never playable before.
No Return represents a fresh take on The Last of Us 2’s intense combat. With permadeath elements, players will have to carefully manage scarce resources and stealthy take down of enemies.
Explore Lost Levels
Three lost levels will also be playable, providing a fascinating look at what could have been. These stages come from early in development and will be accompanied by developer commentary explaining how the game evolved over time.
For hardcore fans, the lost levels offer a rare opportunity to explore cut content and see the iterations Naughty Dog went through.
More Instruments with Guitar Free Play
The guitar gameplay introduced in the original game returns with even more depth. Players can again play real songs, but will also unlock additional instruments beyond just the guitar. Free play allows you to relax and create music between bouts of heart-pounding action.
Is a Remaster Needed?
With The Last of Us having been remastered and remade already, some may question whether Part 2 warrants the same treatment after just 3 years. However, Naughty Dog is bringing more than just graphical improvements. The new content could make this the definitive way to experience the acclaimed game.
And for those who haven’t played The Last of Us Part 2 yet, the remaster provides the perfect excuse to dive in with these enhancements. It continues Naughty Dog’s trend of keeping their catalogue relevant through regular re-releases.
The Last of Us Franchise Keeps Evolving
The Last of Us debuted in 2013 and was remastered for PS4 just a year later. In 2022, Part 1 completely remade the original from the ground up for PS5. And now Part 2 is getting its own upgraded version to match.
It’s a testament to the enduring popularity of the franchise that Naughty Dog keeps revisiting and improving these titles. Some may argue it’s excessive, but remakes and remasters clearly have an audience.
The apocalyptic gaming series tell emotionally resonant stories featuring beloved characters and scary infected enemies. As long as Naughty Dog can keep enhancing the experience, many fans will happily revisit this post-apocalyptic world.
For PlayStation gamers who have yet to play it, The Part 2 Remastered makes for the definitive way to try one of the most discussed games in recent memory. And the new content gives existing fans reasons to dive back in when it launches this January.
Source – Naughty Dog
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Stephen is the proud owner of a popular gaming news website GLN, where he provides the latest updates on everything gaming-related. With a passion for video games that dates back to his childhood, Stephen is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with fellow gamers around the world.