The early days of a console lifecycle are always rough. There are few games to go around, and even the ones that are releasing are usually torn between generations, the obvious disadvantage being that the emphasis placed on parity across generations often leaves people on both sides feeling like they got the short end of the stick. Yes, I’m looking at you, Watch Dogs.
This generation has spawned a new, potentially annoying trend of remasters. Yes, the idea of playing the best of the previous generation in next-gen glory sounds like a great idea, but so did the idea of rebooting Robocop. There is no question that The Last of Us: Remastered, the next-gen jump for what is arguably the best game on the PlayStation 3, warrants a purchase from those who haven’t played it. If, for some inconceivable reason, you still think your money would be better saved for some promised glory, you should probably read our review here. Better still, just type “The Last of Us” in the Google search bar.
To truly experience the difference brought about by the improved frame rate, lock it down to 30 fps from the menu and play the game for a while.
The real question here is the value of the remastered edition for those who have already experienced the journey of Joel and Ellie across a world reclaimed by nature and populated by the remains of humanity.
The biggest change from the PS3 version is the upgraded frame rate to 60 fps. When you a fire up the game at first, you may not immediately notice the difference, especially if you are playing the game after a long gap. The sharper textures are immediately noticeable, but to truly experience the difference brought about by the improved frame rate, lock it down to 30 fps from the menu and play the game for a while. I guarentee that you’ll never feel like playing the PS3 version again.
The fluidity that the improved frame rate brings, along with the improved visuals, breathes new life into the game. It’s not an earth-shattering, jaw-dropping difference, if that’s what you are expecting, but given the brilliance of the game in every department, it certainly warrants an additional playthrough.
The game also includes the post-release DLC for the game, including the rather excellent prequel, Left Behind, which follows the exploits of Ellie and her best friend, Riley.
As is the norm with current PS4 exclusives, the game includes a photo mode that allows you capture your favourite moments from the game, add some cool effects to them, and share them with friends (examples 1, 2) . It’s a great distraction, but given how intense the game is at most times, you’re more likely to forget all about it while playing.
The game also includes the post-release DLC for the game, including the rather excellent prequel, Left Behind, which follows the exploits of Ellie and her best friend, Riley, in an abandoned mall, where things soon go south, as they always do.
If you have already played it before, justifying a purchase of The Last of Us: Remastered is a matter of rationalising, and for its part, the game gives you enough reasons. The biggest reason, however, is the one that carries over from the previous generation – the game itself.
If going through the trials and tribulations of Joel and Ellie through the ruins of society and civilisation is something that can hook you in, then there’s no reason to hold back from this purchase.
The Last of Us: Remastered is available now at Amazon.in
- Increased frame rate vastly improves visual performance
- Sharper textures make the already fantastic visuals stand out even more
- Photo mode can be fun, if you remember to use it
- Inclusion of Left Behind
- It's The Last of Us, goddammit!
- No new content for the remastered release
