A New Hope or a Cash Grab? The Last of Us Part I on PS5 Review
The Last of Us Part I, launching on PlayStation 5 this Friday, is more than just a remake. It’s a complete overhaul, a "rebuilding" from the ground up, echoing the ambitious nature of George Lucas’s repeated tinkering with the Star Wars franchise. While the 2014 PS4 remaster delivered improvements, Part I is a dramatic leap forward, elevating the gameplay and visuals to a level that rivals its 2020 sequel, The Last of Us Part II. But with this lavish presentation comes a hefty price tag that begs the question: is this a fitting tribute to a beloved game, or simply a bid to cash in on its enduring popularity?
A Visual Masterclass, But Is It Worth the Price?
The Last of Us Part I on the PS5 is a breathtaking visual spectacle. Environments, characters, and lighting have undergone a radical transformation, surpassing even the enhanced PS4 Pro version. The fire in the pre-credits sequence, a visually striking moment in the original, is now truly haunting, and the world feels more vibrant and detailed than ever before. Facial animations, character movement, and enemy AI have all been refined, resulting in a more immersive and believable experience.
The inclusion of DualSense support adds another layer of depth, allowing players to feel the weight of every strike and the tension of every stealthy encounter. This is a significant improvement over the PS4 version, making the game feel even more visceral and engaging.
While the visuals are undeniably impressive, the price tag of Rs. 4,999 / $70 is a significant barrier to entry, especially considering this is a remake of a nine-year-old game. This is particularly jarring given that Sony has offered upgrade paths for other remasters, such as Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection, and even Ghost of Tsushima, albeit at a cost. The Last of Us Part I, however, requires a full purchase, even for those who own the original or the PS4 remaster.
Beyond Visuals: New Features and a Familiar Story
Part I introduces a new Permadeath feature, adding a fresh challenge to the gameplay. Players can choose from various difficulty levels, ranging from resetting the entire game upon death to restarting from the beginning of the current act or chapter. This introduces a level of risk and reward that was not present in the original, forcing players to be more strategic and deliberate in their actions.
However, despite the visual enhancements and gameplay additions, the core story and gameplay of The Last of Us remain largely unchanged. This may be a disappointment for those seeking a completely new experience, but it ultimately serves as a testament to the strength of the original game’s narrative and mechanics.
The Business of Nostalgia: The Rise of Remakes and the Future of The Last of Us
The Last of Us Part I’s release coincides with the upcoming HBO TV adaptation, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. This strategic timing is clearly intended to capitalize on the increased interest in the franchise and generate anticipation for the show. However, it also raises questions about the future of The Last of Us and the role of remakes in the gaming industry.
For Sony, remakes are becoming a recurring strategy. Naughty Dog has spent significant resources on remaking both The Last of Us and Uncharted, with plans for a standalone multiplayer game based on Part II also in the works. While this strategy may prove profitable in the short term, it raises concerns about the company’s commitment to new IPs.
With Sony’s expansion into mobile gaming, a Last of Us mobile spin-off seems more likely than a new console-exclusive entry in the franchise. This highlights the shifting focus of the industry towards mobile platforms and the potential for mobile adaptations of beloved franchises.
The Last of Us Part I provides an impressive visual upgrade and exciting new gameplay features, making it a compelling experience for both newcomers and veterans. However, its excessive price tag and lack of an upgrade path for existing players raise concerns about its value and Sony’s approach to remakes. In the larger context, The Last of Us Part I represents a significant departure for Naughty Dog, shifting their focus from original content towards reimagining past successes. As the industry evolves, it remains to be seen whether this strategy will pave the way for new and innovative experiences, or simply serve to keep nostalgia alive.
