Key Highlights:
- Sewers, Jackson Party, and Boar Hunt lost levels.
- Originally planned for inclusion in original release.
- Come from early stages of development and may be unfinished.
- Part of slew of new content like No Return roguelike.
- Add to speculation on multiplayer and Part 3’s status.
The upcoming Last of Us Part 2 Remastered for PlayStation 5 will include three brand new levels that were originally cut from the 2020 release. These complement the new gameplay modes as Naughty Dog packs value into the current-gen refresh.
The Last of Us franchise continues to be expanded and enhanced years after the original’s seminal launch. Part 2 stands as one of most decorated PlayStation exclusives ever, and the remaster looks to build on that foundation with exciting new content.
The lost levels offer the most intriguing reveal so far. Their names suggest a range of events and locations that shed more light on the characters and world.
Origins and Status Unclear
The lost levels are described as coming from early stages of development on The Last of Us Part 2. This likely places them conceptualised shortly after the original game.
Their unfinished status means players may experience them in more raw prototype form rather than fully polished slices. It should make for an fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what could have been for dedicated fans.
How they end up integrated alongside the main story is unclear. Most likely they will serve as optional side content explorations.
Highlighted Modes and Editions
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered also touts the brand new “No Return” roguelike mode with permadeath elements. This provides replayable action focused on Part 2’s intense combat against the infected enemies.
Special editions for the game have already been showcased like the collector’s WLF Edition. This over $100 version notably contains an actual disc, not just a digital code, addressing confusion from Part 1’s bundles.
So both high-end physical packages and digital bonuses offer avenues for invested fans on either format.
What Comes Next for Franchise?
Speculation continues to run rampant regarding Naughty Dog’s future plans across the survival horror’s universe.
A standalone multiplayer title has been in the works for years but recently seemed doomed until rumours of its revival emerged. The scope and release plans remain entirely unknown.
Meanwhile, fervent gamers still cling to hopes of The Last of Us Part 3 continuing Ellie’s story at some point. The studio has yet to officially confirm or deny, focused on supporting Part 1 and 2 remasters for now.
Enhancing an Acclaimed Sequel
The Last of Us Part 2 stands on its own merits as a landmark achievement for cinematic storytelling and mechanical design in games. Its mature themes and bold narrative sparked endless discourse.
While some lamented changes in structure and perspective from the original, few could argue the pure calibre of its execution as a big-budget blockbuster.
The PS5 remaster gives lapsed or new players incentive to experience its shocking twists and unforgettable set pieces. The lost levels add mystique for diehard fans on an acclaimed title that already delivered in spades back in 2020.
Their embryonic state makes them an intriguing peek behind development curtains rather than essential playing. Regardless, they epitomise Naughty Dog’s eye for building anticipation and capitalising on goodwill towards a cherished property.
Gamers can look forward to unravelling their untold stories when The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered launches this January, with more franchise potential still on the horizon.
Source – PlayStation