The Last of Us Remastered - PlayStation Hits - PlayStation 4

I had missed the original PS3 release of TLOU and was on the verge of actually getting it when I heard the Remastered edition was on its way. I spent the last week playing through the game and wanted to wait until I had fully completed it to actually put together a review. I was 'introduced' to Naughty Dog from the first Uncharted game. I played each of the three as they were released and was hooked from the beginning. From that perspective I was very familiar with the quality that Naughty Dog holds itself to and the level of cinematic polish that they bring to their games. That being said I expected TLOU to be held to those same standards and was a little leery at all the praise this game got. The comments people made about it made me think that perhaps they haven't played any Uncharted game and weren't aware of the style of Naughty Dog, which that in itself puts them held and shoulders above the competition. Ultimately I walked into this game hoping that I wouldn't be on the bandwagon and that I would find something not to like about the game. On one hand I was right, but on the other I couldn't help but fall in love with it. As the credits rolled by on the game I was convinced that TLOU was the best game I have ever played... but it wasn't the most enjoyable. If that seems contradictory I will explain further. It excels at telling a remarkable human story in an apocalyptic time with emotion and storytelling surpassing that of movies. The acting is impeccable and the motion capture is pristine. I truly wish the Academy Awards would introduce a category for video game motion capture and voice acting because this was something magical. While not wholly original - some of the motifs have been well used in standard zombie apocalypse settings (although to be fair Naughty Dog put an interesting twist on 'zombies') - it offered a level of emotion that takes 15-20 hours to establish that cinema just can't. Ellie (the 13 year old girl) is voiced by a 30 year actress but you'd be hard pressed to actually believe that while listening to her in the game. She's a foul-mouthed firecracker who, psychologically for me at least, I was glad to know wasn't actually voiced by 13 year old. I have no desire to spoil any of the storyline for you, and if you're like me, you somehow were completely able to avoid spoilers and it pays off. Leaving that behind I want to touch on gameplay. For those familiar with the Uncharted franchise I need to stress that this is light-years ahead of the gameplay mechanics that I have felt have always stunted the Uncharted games. But... it still wasn't quite there. You essentially have 3 zombie enemies and maybe 4 human enemies that you shoot, slice, stab, bludgeon, blowup, set ablaze, or just sneak by hundreds of time. The variation is lacking. Stealth components are a little iffy, especially near the beginning of the game. It brought me back to thinking of games like Metal Gear or Splinter Cell, and I feel they had a firmer handle on stealth than this did. It's not terrible, but at times it takes you out of the action and makes you think, "Seriously? The guy didn't hear me stabbing his buddy two feet away just because his back was turned to me?" Outside of that, the game has a great progression of guns/weapons that you're still unlocking right up to the last level. It has a very survival/horror feeling to it so you will ALWAYS be scrounging for ammo and supplies. If you're not a fan or a regenerative health - then you are in luck! Every health bar needs to be refilled by a med kit which you need to take the time in game to craft and then apply. Every now and then there will be a canned fruit that will give you some health back, but those are few and far between. I enjoy games like Resident Evil so I found this mechanic very fun and preserved the feeling that this wasn't a video game but something more real. The skill upgrade tree is great - it's not XP based, you need to collect 'pills' throughout the game. So essentially you could make it through the entire game without ever upgrading your skills. Same goes for weapons - you need to find scrap material, but you also need to find up to 5 tool kits which allow you to upgrade your weapons to varying degrees. I found this very fun and a slight deviation from normal. The settings are picturesque and it's evident a lot of love and care went into them. I don't often get supplemental material for games but I will be picking up the Art of TLOU book to keep around. I'm a sucker for video game soundtracks and this is no exception. The haunting guitar of Gustavo Santaolalla fits perfectly and like many modern game blockbusters, is on par, if not better than movie scores. I need to stress I fell in love in with this game as it went on. If the game lacked the acting and polished motion capture, then it would be a different story. The gameplay isn't enough to save the game by itself, no matter how beautiful and varied. It would have just gone down as a 'good' game instead of an amazing one. But I came to the conclusion that it was the single best game I have played. Not the most enjoyable or fun, but the best. If you're 16 and looking forward to the next CoD for frag fests - keep moving. If you're mature enough to want a game that stretches the boundaries of video games then this is your game. I'm 25 and have been playing games since birth. I've grown up in this trend of maturing games and found this to match what any other mature media genre can do in regards to storytelling, without the need for "Adult" themes that plague other games like Grand Theft Auto (Best Buy wouldn't let me type what I originally wrote... so "Adult" will suffice). Language is strong, but nothing we don't hear in other places (or online play). It's suitable enough for teens who aren't bothered by gore, violence, and language, but probably will resonate more with those of age to have children of their own.

The Last of Us Remastered for the PS4 is a re-release of The Last of Us for the PS3, a game which won numerous accolades when it was first released. Given that the writing and story are generally regarded as a high point for this game, I intend to make this review spoiler free. It should also be noted that this game is rated M for Mature. This game is not intended for children or individuals who are offended by gore or harsh language. TLOUR tells the story of of world where the human race is decimated by a parasitic fungal disease that causes physical disfigurement and mental deterioration. Those infected by the parasite eventually lose all sense of themselves and thereafter exist only to spread the parasite to other potential hosts. You play as Joel, who has survived some 20 years in this end of the world scenario as a smuggler of food, clothing, and other supplies. Early in the game, Joel takes on unusual job; rather than smuggling goods, he's asked to smuggle a 14 year old girl named Ellie out of the city, in which they live. In the interest of remaining spoiler free, I will say that you learn more about Ellie and Joel's histories and personalities as the game progress through cutscenes and in-game banter between the characters. You control Joel from the third person perspective as you traverse the apocalyptic landscapes, with Ellie never far behind you. Gameplay includes minor puzzle solving, such as seeing a ledge and scouring the surrounding environment to locate the equipment to reach that ledge; combat, including gunplay, melee, and stealth; and crafting, such as locating the necessary items to create first aid kits or improvised weaponry. Ellie provides assistance both in and out of combat. She may warn Joel of an enemy trying to flank him or she may attack enemies who have overtaken Joel. She will also locate and provide equipment to Joel along the way. The idea of escorting another character for the entire game, gave me pause initially, given the history of escort missions in video games. However, Ellie never felt like a burden. In your quest, you'll face off against infected humans and other survivors. Each enemy type has its own weaknesses and optimal combat strategy. For example, using your firearms may be a last resort, given that ammo is relatively uncommon and firing a weapon could draw more enemies toward you and therefore stealthily dispatching your foes one at a time, or avoiding combat altogether, may be recommended. All three strategies are satisfying and the game makes an effort to let the player to decide which works best for him or her. For my initial playthrough, I played on the Hard difficulty and, while I certainly died, I never felt as though their were any unearned deaths. I learned from each encounter and tried new strategies and equipment after each death. Now why is this called a Remaster? To start, TLOUR includes the previously downloadable-only side story called Left Behind featuring Ellie and a new female character named Riley. Riley, like Ellie, is a teenaged girl and a friend of Ellie's. Left Behind takes place during the main story of TLOUR, but also flashes back to events that occurred prior to the main story and, as such, spoils some portions of the main story and is recommended to be played after completing the main story. TLOUR also includes all of the previously released map packs for the multiplayer mode. The multiplayer mode is not connected to the story and may be played without spoiling anything. The gameplay is similar to the main game, although without the puzzles. Essentially, two teams square off in arenas in attempts to kill one another. Prior to each game, you may choose your character's loadout, which include your weaponry, from pistols to rifles to shotguns, and skills, such as being able to sprint longer distances or providing improved medical treatments to your teammates. Playstation Plus is required to play online. In addition, on the technical side, TLOUR now runs at a native 1080p resolution and an unlocked 60 frames per second, which some occasional dips. More detail has been added to the environments and the characters. As a whole, the game is gorgeous on both a technical level, thanks to these improvements over the original release, and an artistic level, from iconic and sometimes hideous character designs to beautiful and frightening environments. I found TLOUR to be well worth the price of admission. The main story was engaging and well written, in my opinion, and it felt like the right length. If you're looking for solid third person gunplay, it's here. If you're looking for gratifying stealth takedowns, it's here. If you're looking for visceral melee combat, it's here. And for me, the best part was how well all three styles of gameplay complemented each other, unlike many other games where one part of the gameplay is well executed, but others are lacking. Naughty Dog, the creators of TLOUR clearly had a goal and vision and I feel that they met it and I will definitely be checking out their games in future.

This is, hands down, one of the greatest experiences I've had this generation. Story The Last of Us (TLOU) cinematic story telling can rival any movie and exceeds all expectations of a video game. It's difficult to put into words how amazing this video game is since I'm still in awe at what I just completed. This is just another zombie game, right? Wrong, this is the best story that has been written in a post-apocalyptic, zombie infested world. It has a fresh and unique take on what the world is like after society collapses which is both desperate and wondrous. This adaption is welcome in a genre that is becoming quite bloated over the past fifteen years. The dialogue exchange throughout the game develops both the main characters as well as those you briefly interact with. You become emotionally invested in this video game within the first three minutes and that emotion grows as you move through the game. The voice acting is top notch and delivers the dialogue wonderfully as the characters feel like real people. The writing is pitch-perfect and does wonders for the character development. You feel yourself rooting for Joel and Ellie because you have fallen in love with them. You are attached. You want them to succeed and survive at all costs. The entire time you find yourself struggling to be optimistic and a positive ending seems bleak. The trials you face are intense and the environment projects a sense of hopelessness. The ending is both sad, and fully satisfying. Gameplay It's awesome. You're never too powerful. You will find yourself wisely using your ammunition and strategically dispatching your foes just to survive. Going in guns blazing? Good luck with that! You have to play somewhat smart and patiently or you will wind up frustrated. The strategy makes your efforts much more fulfilling when you successfully pass a difficult area. It also makes you appreciate the slow parts of the game when you are simply taking in the atmosphere. The quiet times are a welcome break and you are fearful of any encounters that may come because you are susceptible to death easily. The combat is rewarding. The headshots are not easy, especially with a bow. Remaining in stealth is extremely trying as both humans and zombies path all around you. Each stealth kill performed puts you in potential danger and you feel that urgency. I cannot wait to play this again on a harder difficulty because "normal" was challenging and rewarding. The escalation in the challenge will correlate with the sense of reward. Graphics The environment of this game is beautiful, even the areas that are eerie. The level design is so well done. It's a linear game, but most of the time it doesn't feel like it. The game smartly paths you where you need to go, but at the same time you feel like you have a choice to go somewhere else if you wanted to. The deteriorating environment makes the funneled travel believable, and it's also gorgeous. The level of detail in this game is insane! The environment, although having a sense of death and rot, is brilliant with life. This is easily the best level design I've ever seen in a game. It's a linear game that feels like an open world that you are just trapped in and you are trying to get out. Overall I heard all the praise this game received, having not played it for the PS3. I heard all of the hype. Even with these absurdly high expectations I had for this game, it did not disappoint one bit. I had no idea anything like this was even possible! Naughty dog has raised the bar, not only for video games, but entertainment in general. I anticipate nothing more than this game's sequel and movie. If you are a gamer, you have to own this game. If you like post-apocalyptic scenarios, you have to play this game or watch someone else play it. The story is so good it needs to be experienced any way possible. I cannot recommend another game as highly as I recommend The Last of Us and I've played a ton of games.

Story The Last of Us (TLOU) cinematic story telling can rival any movie and exceeds all expectations of a video game. It's difficult to put into words how amazing this video game is since I'm still in awe at what I just completed. This is just another zombie game, right? Wrong, this is the best story that has been written in a post-apocalyptic, zombie infested world. It has a fresh and unique take on what the world is like after society collapses which is both desperate and wondrous. This adaption is welcome in a genre that is becoming quite bloated over the past fifteen years. The dialogue exchange throughout the game develops both the main characters as well as those you briefly interact with. You become emotionally invested in this video game within the first three minutes and that emotion grows as you move through the game. The voice acting is top notch and delivers the dialogue wonderfully as the characters feel like real people. The writing is pitch-perfect and does wonders for the character development. You feel yourself rooting for Joel and Ellie because you have fallen in love with them. You are attached. You want them to succeed and survive at all costs. The entire time you find yourself struggling to be optimistic and a positive ending seems bleak. The trials you face are intense and the environment projects a sense of hopelessness. The ending is both sad, and fully satisfying. Gameplay It's awesome. You're never too powerful. You will find yourself wisely using your ammunition and strategically dispatching your foes just to survive. Going in guns blazing? Good luck with that! You have to play somewhat smart and patiently or you will wind up frustrated. The strategy makes your efforts much more fulfilling when you successfully pass a difficult area. It also makes you appreciate the slow parts of the game when you are simply taking in the atmosphere. The quiet times are a welcome break and you are fearful of any encounters that may come because you are susceptible to death easily. The combat is rewarding. The headshots are not easy, especially with a bow. Remaining in stealth is extremely trying as both humans and zombies path all around you. Each stealth kill performed puts you in potential danger and you feel that urgency. I cannot wait to play this again on a harder difficulty because "normal" was challenging and rewarding. The escalation in the challenge will correlate with the sense of reward. Graphics The environment of this game is beautiful, even the areas that are eerie. The level design is so well done. It's a linear game, but most of the time it doesn't feel like it. The game smartly paths you where you need to go, but at the same time you feel like you have a choice to go somewhere else if you wanted to. The deteriorating environment makes the funneled travel believable, and it's also gorgeous. The level of detail in this game is insane! The environment, although having a sense of death and rot, is brilliant with life. This is easily the best level design I've ever seen in a game. It's a linear game that feels like an open world that you are just trapped in and you are trying to get out. Overall I heard all the praise this game received, having not played it for the PS3. I heard all of the hype. Even with these absurdly high expectations I had for this game, it did not disappoint one bit. I had no idea anything like this was even possible! Naughty dog has raised the bar, not only for video games, but entertainment in general. I anticipate nothing more than this game's sequel and movie. If you are a gamer, you have to own this game. If you like post-apocalyptic scenarios, you have to play this game or watch someone else play it. The story is so good it needs to be experienced any way possible. I cannot recommend another game as highly as I recommend The Last of Us and I've played a ton of games.

This is one of the most immersing game experiences I've ever had. I actually felt as if I had become Joel, trekking through this deadly, near hopeless world, struggling to survive for just one more day. On occasion, this level of immersion is broken, but for the most part, I truly felt like I had stepped into the shoes of the protagonist. His emotions became mine- the frustration, the elation, the horror, the desperation... and the slow, creeping pall of hopelessness in this dark, damaged earth. If you are prone to night terrors or depression, do NOT play this game, because it will alternately terrify you and make you despair for the plight of this lost world. However, if you can handle the mature subjects of the tale, you are in for a real treat, and perhaps the greatest game to ever be produced in the genre of survival horror. Yes, this game is scary, to a level I haven’t felt since the original Silent Hill on PS1. I generally felt powerless in this world and some of the enemies (primarily Clickers and Runners) make my stomach tighten with dread. If you're super hardcore, and you want a REALLY scary experience, I recommend you play on Hard difficulty for your first play-through, because the number of supplies (ammo, med kits, shivs, bombs, etc.) that are available on the Normal difficulty level are far too abundant for players who want a supreme challenge. On the subject of crafting, this is a component of the game that is easy to learn, and fun to engage in. It further puts you into the mindset of Joel, a man desperate for survival, who has learned to salvage at all available opportunities. Slowly tuning up my weapons was also a lot of fun, though Joel is but a pale imitator compared to his rival protagonists (Nathan Drake, Marcus Fenix, etc.) in other games (but this is a good thing, for it feels realistic, and fits with the tone of the piece). Joel's wobbly aim, perpetual shortage of ammo, and rather sluggish speed make him feel like a real, middle-aged guy who has learned to survive in a dangerous world, not some superhuman who handles everything with grace. The stealth aspect is also handled brilliantly, and engaging in it is extremely satisfying. This stealth system is a perfect evolution of that which was established in the Metal Gear Solid series (particularly #2), utilizing a great visual cone and audio circumference for your enemies, which must be studied for vulnerabilities and exploited at every possible opportunity. Determining how to approach each new challenge (lots of trial and error will be involved), and how to successfully clear an area of enemies (generally without being detected, as ammo and health are so limited) is really fun. These challenges become "3D puzzles" in a way, as you must use your noggin to break down enemy patterns and AI reactions, with the added tension of knowing that it only takes one slip-up to result in failure - and these enemies really do make you feel the fear. Visually speaking, this game is remarkable, even by next gen standards. The improved graphics of the Remastered edition are immediately apparent to those who of us who played The Last of Us on PS3. Resolutions are incredibly detailed, but even more effective is the silky smooth frame rate. The attention to detail is simply staggering, and it all comes together to further enhance the emotional impact of this unforgettable experience. Gameplay is always more important than graphics in my book, but it certainly helps convey the emotions of the characters when everything looks this darned good. The Last of Us is like nothing else. It is, quite frankly, an exhausting experience, one that left my mind reeling with the consequences of my fascinating journey, and the unbreakable bonds I had formed with Ellie and Joel - two fictitious characters who seem unshakably real. I just can’t forget about them, and I can’t forget about what we’ve been through together. It’s not just their story, it’s OUR story. We are family, struggling to survive in a dangerous world. We are the last of us.

This is probably one of the most excellent games I have ever played. The game is quite linear yet it does not feel like you are confined to a small area. Plenty of space to explore and you are going to have to in order to scavenge for supplies. Along the way, you get to experience the immersive environment of a post-apocalyptic world that almost feels too real. The most important part of the game is the emotion you eventually invest into Joel and Ellie. By design, Joel was introduced to Ellie just like we were, and then we grew together with them during the entire game. In the end, it felt almost you were part of the story as you traverse the city, the wilderness, and lake-side park, witnessing brutality and violence, experiencing danger and brief moments of calm. You became concerned when you do not see Ellie beside you, or when you became Ellie and Joel was missing from the story. You cannot help but feel the pain, the loneliness, and the sense of dread as the game progresses, yet you look for that comfort and companionship in Ellie. There were touching moments, light-hearted moments, and tense moments. The game allows you to dictate the speed of the game and rightly so, the environment is just too big, too exquisite, too interesting to not do that. Try to stay in one place and do nothing and wait for Ellie's response. Watch Ellie do the little things: standing around, shifting her weight from side to side, occasionally tying her shoelace or just looking totally bored. Listen to her comments, and just take a moment to relish the incredible motion capture that game affords us. Couple with the excellent soundtrack: the raindrop hitting the glass, the horse transitioning from pavement to dirt, the sound of blood splattering, and the rushing water, the unrelenting snow, and the dreary quietness of a town long gone. Just let the game sit and listen to the sound was enjoyment enough. You cannot wait to complete the game so you can start all over again. Once you start, you cannot stop. Once you stop, you cannot but think about returning to it. Buy it, enjoy it, then celebrate with it!!! 10/10

Wow . . . I have been a gamer for over 20 years, and this is one of the best overall gaming experiences I have ever had. I played this game when it was released on the PS3, and I liked it so much that I bought it for the PS4 as well. The graphical upgrade is nice, and the game controls just as smoothly as before. The shooting mechanics can be a little shaky at times, but I think that this was incorporated into the game by design to enhance the tension. The characters you control are regular folks trying to survive a post-apocalyptic world and not trained soldiers, after all. You should not expect a Call of Duty type of experience, which would lessen the impact of this game. In my opinion, the most impressive feature of this game is the masterfully crafted storyline. Veteran game developer Naughty Dog has a real gift for making the player genuinely care about all the characters involved. The stars of the show are Joel and Ellie, and you play as both during the game. Joel is a somewhat broken, middle-aged man who is haunted by memories of his life before civilization ended. Ellie is a teenage girl who has never known anything other than the dystopian world in which the game is set. Throughout their 10+ hour journey, the pair evolve from reluctant allies thrown together by circumstance to an inseparable duo who genuinely care for one another. Their struggles and triumphs are brought to life by the excellent voice work from Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson. Along the way, they encounter many colorful characters, friend and foe, living and dead. The game has a perfect mixture of exciting action moments and quiet moments of reflection and exploration. There are moments that will genuinely frighten you and make your heart race, but these are balanced by moments of beauty and peace (as peaceful as one can be in such an environment). The crafting system brings a sense of realism to the game, as it allows you to scavenge supplies to create makeshift weapons and health kits. Ammo is scarce, so you must plan your encounters with enemies carefully. Stealth is often the best way to approach situations, especially when there are clickers around. Overall, I believe that every gamer owes it to him/herself to experience The Last of Us. It is a game that will make you think, make you feel, and have a great deal of fun as well. I know that many people debate whether video games are art. I would contend that The Last of Us is the single greatest piece of evidence that video games are indeed a legitimate form of art. The emotional impact it has on the player is equal to or greater than any big-screen blockbuster, TV show, or novel. At $20, this game is a steal. Anyone who owns a PS4 has no excuse not to own this game.

The Last of Us ranks among the best games ever made. There I said it. One of the enduring challenges of videogames is creating strong emotional bonds with the characters in our televisions and monitors. Throughout gaming’s early days, our motivation to care about these characters was to provide a very simple “rescue the princess” or “save the world” archetype. Rare is the game that takes what we know and manages to recontextualize and spin these tropes into something fresh. The Last of Us is one of these games. It is 2033, twenty years after the outbreak of a virulent strain of Cordyceps which can turn humans into shambling husks known as the Infected. Humanity is barely surviving thanks to the iron grip of the military’s quarantine zones. Enter Joel, a weary veteran of this dark world. He is asked by a resistance group called the Fireflies to take a girl named Ellie across the country as a favor, and throughout the game’s fifteen hour campaign, they bond together in slow subtle ways as the journey takes the better part of a year from start to finish. Smart writing and exceptional voice acting from Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson really sells the two characters. Naughty Dog’s presence is also felt in the gameplay, which takes many cues from the Uncharted series with third person shooting. However, Joel is quite unlike Nathan Drake, in that he cannot fire from the hip, and is quite slow and lumbering. An excellent stealth mechanic and simple yet effective crafting system round out the gameplay mechanics. Joel and Ellie will contend with both Infected and other humans in their adventure across America. Stealth here is paramount as ammunition is scarce, but Joel has an edge with a listen mode that allows him to hear the enemies at a distance. In the unlockable Survivor difficulty, this mode is turned off. An unfortunate concession to gameplay flow is that Ellie or other allied NPCs will not be detected by enemies, which can break immersion at times. The Last of Us shines in the visual department with amazing lighting and particle effects. Character models are highly detailed, and water flows realistically. Bucking the trend of brown zombie games, Naughty Dog opted to show plants and foliage slowly reclaiming the world with shades of green saturating the screen. It’s an absolute marvel that such graphics were able to happen on seven-year old hardware. What is most impressive is that the story combined with the very refined gameplay result in an absolutely unforgettable game. There are almost no weak parts in the story and the pacing is spot on. The Last of Us is a transcendent experience that masterfully mixes a strong story with tense gameplay. It is, without a doubt, the very best game I have ever played.