 |
| The Last of Us |
The Last of Us Part I
| Platform | Microsoft Windows PlayStation 3 PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 |
| DESIGN | |
|---|---|
| Genre(s) | Action-adventure |
| Developer(s) | Naughty Dog |
| Publisher(s) | Sony Computer Entertainment |
| Director(s) | Matthew Gallant Shaun Escayg |
| Producer(s) | Waylon Brinck |
| Designer(s) | Christian Wohlwend |
| Programmer(s) | Travis McIntosh |
| Artist(s) | Erick Pangilinan Sebastian Gromann |
| Writer(s) | Neil Druckmann |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
| Composer(s) | Gustavo Santaolalla |
| Release Date | PlayStation 3 - WW (June 14, 2013) PlayStation 4 - NA (July 29, 2014), PAL (July 30, 2014); UK (August 1, 2014) PlayStation 5 - WW (September 2, 2022) Windows - WW (TBA) |
| Download Link | PlayStation | PC (Free) |
| Price | $69.99 |
The Last of Us Part I is a game that tells the story of Joel and Ellie in a post-apocalyptic United States. It is a remake of the 2013 game The Last of Us, but it has been completely rebuilt from the ground up. The gameplay has been enhanced, the graphics have been improved, and there are new accessibility options. The story follows Joel, a smuggler who is tasked with escorting the young Ellie across the country. Ellie is immune to a mutated strain of the Cordyceps fungus, which has turned most of the population into cannibalistic creatures. Joel and Ellie must travel through a dangerous world, facing both the infected and other survivors. The game also includes the expansion The Last of Us: Left Behind, which tells a story about Ellie and her best friend Riley. Left Behind is set before the events of the main game, and it gives players more insight into Ellie's character. The original game's online multiplayer mode is not included in The Last of Us Part I. However, the developers have said that they are planning to release a new multiplayer mode for the game in the future.
The game was rebuilt from the ground up to take advantage of modern hardware and technology. The developers used the game engine from The Last of Us Part II, and they updated the animations, art direction, and character models to match the original game's vision. They also expanded upon the gameplay, technology, and accessibility features of The Last of Us Part II, adding features such as 3D audio, haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers. The Last of Us Part I received positive reviews from critics, who praised its graphical enhancements, facial animations, artificial intelligence, and its added accessibility, audio, and controller options. However, the response to its gameplay and level design was mixed, and several critics questioned the necessity of a remake, especially considering its price.
The game was a commercial success, selling over 10 million copies in its first three months. It received an award at the Visual Effects Society Awards, and nominations at the Game Awards and Golden Joystick Awards. The Windows release in March 2023 was marred by performance problems and received mixed reviews.
Gameplay
The Last of Us Part I is a remake of the 2013 action-adventure game The Last of Us. It features revised gameplay, including enhanced combat and exploration, as well as expanded accessibility options. The game also supports hardware features such as 3D audio and haptic feedback on PlayStation 5.
In The Last of Us Part I, players traverse post-apocalyptic environments to advance the story, using firearms, improvised weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and stealth to defend against hostile humans and cannibalistic creatures known as the Infected. For most of the game, players control Joel, a smuggler tasked with escorting a young girl, Ellie, across the United States. The player also controls Ellie throughout the winter segment, and briefly controls Joel's daughter Sarah in the opening sequence.
The remake features a number of improvements over the original game. The overhauled artificial intelligence (AI) allows more non-player characters (NPCs) on screen, with enemy AI acting more aggressively and tactically than in the original game. The Infected have also been updated with new animations and behaviors.
New gameplay additions include a permadeath mode, a speedrun-focused mode, and new costumes for Joel and Ellie. The expanded accessibility options include customizable controls, audio description for cutscenes, and haptic feedback during dialogue. Difficulty modes can also be customized to change enemy resilience, stealth efficacy, and resource availability.
On PlayStation 5, The Last of Us Part I supports hardware features such as 3D audio and haptic feedback. The haptic feedback of the DualSense controller is used to emulate gameplay actions such as shooting a shotgun or drawing a bowstring. The game can display at native 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, or upscaled resolution at a targeted 60 frames per second. With variable refresh rate enabled, both modes allow an unlocked frame rate, capable of more than 60 frames per second.
The Last of Us Part I is a faithful remake of the original game, with a number of improvements that make it a more enjoyable experience. The enhanced gameplay, expanded accessibility options, and hardware features make it a must-play for fans of the original game and newcomers alike.
Development
The Last of Us Part I remake is a technical and artistic masterpiece that builds upon the original game in every way. Developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the remake was led by game director Matthew Gallant and creative director Shaun Escayg.
The remake was inspired by Part II's flashback scenes, which featured rebuilt areas and assets from the original game. Gallant said that several team members wondered "if the whole game looked as good as those flashback sequences, how exciting that would be."
The remake was rebuilt using the PlayStation 5 hardware, requiring new art direction, animation, and character models. The technological and graphical enhancements were intended to align with the vision of the original game's team. Escayg wanted each element to make the player feel grounded and immersed in the world.
The team re-evaluated thousands of "micro decisions" during development, removing objects deemed unimportant or distracting and detailing or redesigning those that required improvements. Areas were re-evaluated to determine if their designs were a result of the PlayStation 3's technical limitations; where appropriate, some areas were rebuilt or further detailed.
The developers also rebuilt the accessibility features, expanding on the features from Part II with three presets configuring settings recommended for players requiring hearing, motor, or visual aids.
The combat system was also improved, with the team evolving the melee combat using development tools from Part II. They felt that the original game's combat sequences were iconic and required no significant overhaul, but they did forgo the ability to go prone in gameplay and Part II's dodge mechanic as they felt these would have broken the gameplay and the combat space.
The remake also features improved AI, with the enemy NPCs now able to investigate and analyze with more accuracy. The fundamental AI technology built upon Part II's, and the PlayStation 5 allows up to 128 active NPCs focusing on the player, compared to the original game's limit of eight. The Last of Us Part I remake is a must-play for fans of the original game and anyone who enjoys a well-made action-adventure game. It is a technical and artistic masterpiece that is sure to impress even the most discerning players.
The developers of The Last of Us Part I Remake took a comprehensive approach to improving the visuals and audio of the game. They analyzed the original game to understand its strengths and weaknesses, and then focused their efforts on the most crucial scenes and storylines.
One of the key goals of the remake was to emphasize the beauty of the world, as opposed to its dark and dystopian image. The developers felt that the PlayStation 5's hardware allowed them to achieve this goal more effectively than the PlayStation 3. They used more complex models and shaders to create more realistic foliage, and they increased the polygon count of characters and environments.
The developers also overhauled the facial animation to more closely resemble the original performances. This was a challenging task, as the original game was released over a decade ago. However, the developers were able to use modern techniques to achieve a high level of realism.
In addition to improving the visuals, the developers also made significant changes to the audio. They used the PlayStation 5's Tempest Engine to render 3D audio, which creates a more immersive experience. They also spent over a year reworking the audio engine to improve the clarity and fidelity of the sound.
The developers also added a number of new features to the remake, including a speedrunning mode and a permadeath mode. The speedrunning mode is a great way for players to challenge themselves, while the permadeath mode adds an extra layer of tension to the game. The Last of Us Part I Remake is a visually stunning and audio-rich experience that is sure to please fans of the original game. The developers have done a great job of updating the game while staying true to its core identity. If you are a fan of The Last of Us, then you will definitely want to check out the remake.
Release
The existence of a remake of The Last of Us was first reported in April 2021. Codenamed "T1X", the game was originally developed by Sony's Visual Arts Support Group studio before being moved under Naughty Dog's budget in 2020. A PlayStation Store listing with a trailer and information about the game was prematurely released on June 9, 2022, and the game was officially announced for PlayStation 5 and Windows later that day at Summer Game Fest.
Reactions to the remake's announcement were mixed. Some journalists and players considered it superfluous, given the existence of The Last of Us Remastered, and questioned the US$70 price point. However, others praised the remake for its updated visuals and gameplay, and for giving fans a chance to experience the original game in a new way.
Naughty Dog announced several special edition versions of The Last of Us Part I, including a Firefly Edition that grants in-game upgrades and skills, and a physical special edition that includes a Steelbook case and the comic series The Last of Us: American Dreams (2013) with new cover art. All key art and covers were designed by David Blatt, known as Kopfstoff, who was contracted after becoming known for his fan art of the games.
The Firefly Edition for PlayStation 5 sold out within an hour of its announcement, and a restock at release sold out within seconds. Several players reported receiving damaged versions of the Firefly Edition due to poor packaging. Sony reportedly offered store discounts or refunds in some instances, but did not provide replacements. The Firefly Edition for Windows is available in the United States and some European countries, and contains a digital version of the game for Steam.
Development of The Last of Us Part I for PlayStation 5 ceased by July 11, 2022, as the game was submitted for manufacturing. According to principal environment artist Anthony Vaccaro, the development did not involve any crunch, unlike several of Naughty Dog's previous games. The final pre-launch trailer was released on August 24, and the game was released for PlayStation 5 on September 2. A two-hour trial was released for PlayStation Plus Premium members on January 15, 2023, coinciding with the airing of the first episode of the television adaptation.
The Windows version of The Last of Us Part I, co-developed by Iron Galaxy, was originally scheduled to be released on March 3, 2023, but was delayed to March 28. A trailer announcing the original release date aired during the Game Awards in December 2022, and the delay was announced in February 2023.
The Last of Us Part I is a faithful remake of the original game, with updated visuals, gameplay, and accessibility features. It is a must-play for fans of the original game, and a great introduction to the series for newcomers.
Reception
Critical response
PlayStation 5 version
The Last of Us Part I remake received generally favorable reviews from critics, with many praising its graphical enhancements, updated facial animations, improved enemy and character AI, and added accessibility options. However, some critics questioned the necessity of the game, especially considering its price and the existence of the The Last of Us Remastered.
IGN's Luke Reilly considered the game an effective graphical showcase for the PlayStation 5, writing that it "pushes the console to its limits with stunning visuals that are sure to impress even the most hardened graphics snob." Michael Goroff of Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) wrote that the remake's art style and graphics are more akin to how Joel or Ellie saw the world, capturing the "overgrown and dingy" reality of the post-apocalyptic setting while also highlighting the beauty that can still be found in the world.
The Verge's Andrew Webster compared the improved graphics to modern blockbusters, writing that they "rival anything that's come out on the PlayStation 5 so far." Siliconera's Josh Tolentino wrote that the remake matched his memory of the original game, while Ars Technica's Sam Machkovech praised the visual improvements but felt that the original did not require a full overhaul like Demon's Souls (2020).
In addition to the graphical enhancements, critics also praised the remake's updated facial animations, which they said were more expressive and realistic than the original. They also praised the improved enemy and character AI, which made the game more challenging and immersive. The remake also added a number of accessibility options, such as a wider range of difficulty settings, colorblind modes, and a toggle for listening mode. These options were praised by critics, who said they made the game more accessible to a wider range of players.
However, some critics questioned the necessity of the remake, especially considering its price and the existence of the The Last of Us Remastered. They argued that the remake did not offer enough new content to justify the high price tag. Despite these criticisms, The Last of Us Part I remake was generally well-received by critics, who praised its graphical enhancements, updated facial animations, improved enemy and character AI, and added accessibility options. The remake is sure to please fans of the original game, and it may even convert some newcomers to the series.
The Last of Us Part I Remake has been met with critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its improved visuals, enhanced gameplay, and new features.
One of the most notable improvements in the remake is the character models and facial animation. Reviewers have universally praised the new models, which are said to be more expressive and lifelike than the originals. This is particularly evident in the cutscenes, where the characters' emotions are conveyed with much greater clarity.
The improved enemy and companion AI has also been praised by reviewers. Enemies are now more challenging and unpredictable, and they will react more realistically to your actions. Companions are also more helpful and less likely to get in your way.
The gameplay has also been improved in a number of ways. The controls are now more responsive, and the weapons feel heavier and more realistic. The level design has also been tweaked to make the game more challenging and suspenseful. The remake also includes a number of new features, such as accessibility options, haptic feedback, and 3D audio. These features have been praised by reviewers, who say that they make the game more immersive and enjoyable.
Overall, The Last of Us Part I Remake is a visual and technical masterpiece. It is a faithful remake of the original game that improves on it in every way. If you are a fan of the original game, then you will love the remake. And if you have never played the original game, then the remake is the perfect way to experience this classic story.
Windows version
The Windows version of The Last of Us Part I received mixed reviews from critics and players alike. Some praised the remake's technical and visual improvements, while others criticized its optimization, system requirements, and performance problems.
Critics
Reviewers were not provided with advance copies of the game until minutes before its public release. This led to some criticism that the game was not ready for release in its published state.
Eurogamer's Richard Leadbetter described the game as "effectively a beta", citing poor optimization and intense system requirements. MeriStation's Salva Fernandez felt it was not ready for release in its published state, and Gamereactor's Petter Hegevall named it "the worst optimized PC conversion" since 2021's Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition.
PC Gamer's Phil Iwaniuk lamented scoring the game poorly but considered it necessary as the problems were "a real barrier" preventing the experience.
Players
The port was poorly received by players, with a "mostly negative" rating on Steam based on over 9,000 reviews. Reviews cited performance problems such as inconsistent frame rates, poor optimization, and frequent crashes. Some reported the game took hours to compile shaders and shared glitches like broken character models, vibrant colors, and characters dripping with water.
Conversely, some users noted they had not encountered problems, even on lower-end computers.
Naughty Dog's Response
Naughty Dog said it would investigate complaints and address problems through updates. The developer focused on shader loading times, instability and graphical problems, and crashing caused by potential memory leaks.
Engadget's Nathan Ingraham wrote performance had improved on the Steam Deck after the first update, though some reviewers and players felt problems persisted. Valve listed the game as "unsupported" in early April. Within days, Steam reviews improved to "mixed". Reviewers concurred performance had improved after several weeks but some problems remained. The game was "verified" on Steam Deck in June.
Overall, the PC port of The Last of Us Part I was a mixed bag. The remake offered some technical and visual improvements, but it was also plagued by performance problems and bugs. Naughty Dog has since released several updates that have improved the game's performance, but some problems remain. Players who are considering purchasing the PC port should be aware of the potential issues and wait until the game is further patched before making a purchase.
Accolades
The Last of Us Part I: A Critical and Commercial Success
The Last of Us Part I, a remake of the 2013 game of the same name, was released for PlayStation 5 on September 2, 2022. The game received critical acclaim for its enhanced graphics, gameplay, and story. It was nominated for several awards, including PlayStation Game of the Year at the 40th Golden Joystick Awards, Innovation in Accessibility at the Game Awards 2022, and Technical Achievement at the 19th British Academy Games Awards. The game won Outstanding Visual Effects in a Real-Time Project at the 21st Visual Effects Society Awards.
In terms of sales, The Last of Us Part I was a commercial success. In the United States, it was the fifth-best-selling game of September 2022, and the fourth-best-selling PlayStation game. In the United Kingdom, it topped the weekly physical sales chart in its opening weekend, and was the fifth-best-selling game of the month. In Japan, it was the fifth-best-selling retail game of its first week. It was also the third-most-downloaded PlayStation 5 game of the month of release in Europe and North America.
Following the debut of the television adaptation of The Last of Us in January 2023, the game saw a resurgence in popularity. It became the eighth-most-downloaded game in North America and tenth in Europe in January, and sixth and seventh, respectively, in February. It also rose to the eleventh-best-selling game in the United States in January, and reentered the retail charts in the United Kingdom with a 238 percent increase in weekly sales.
Within four weeks of release, the Windows version of The Last of Us Part I had sold 368,000 units, generating US$15.5 million in revenue. The game is a critical and commercial success, and it is sure to continue to be popular for years to come.