Summary
- 🎮 Name of the game: The Last of Us
(Remastered / Part I) - 📅 Launch date:
- Original: 14 June 2013
(PS3) - Remastered: July 29, 2009
2014 (PS4) - Part I (remake): 2 of
September 2022 (PS5) / March 28, 2023 (PC)
- Original: 14 June 2013
- 🏢 Developer: Naughty
Dog - 📌 Publisher: Sony
Interactive Entertainment - 🖥️ Platforms: PS3, PS4,
PS5, PC - ⚔️ Genre:
Action-adventure, survival, cinematic storytelling - 🌍 ContextFocus on
post-apocalyptic United States in the aftermath of a fungal pandemic caused by
the Cordyceps fungus, which turns humans into zombies.
We know
that this game has several versions and has been extensively exploited by
PlayStation, so in this review I'm going to focus on the PlayStation version.
remastered for PS4, which was the one I played in full. I also tried the version
original for PS3, but I didn't get to finish it at the time since it was
borrowed from a friend who then asked me for it back. Therefore, this review
will be of the remaster, which essentially preserves the main elements of the
other versions.
History and narrative
For
to begin with, the story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world following a
pandemic caused by the Cordyceps fungus. At the beginning it looks like another plot about
an infection that turns humans into zombies, but this game goes a lot further than that.
with a very original narrative that starts from a premise that is quite different from that of the
interesting and uncommon in other media such as movies, series or TV shows.
video games.
A
Unlike typical virus or bacterial stories, here the cause of the problem is
a fungus, which in principle would seem harmless to humans. Without
Cordyceps, however, does affect insects, such as ants, in some
regions. This fungus infects them, alters their behavior and forces them to climb
to higher elevations, from where it releases spores to spread further. Lo
fascinating is that the game proposes a fictitious idea: what would happen if the fungus
mutated and could survive at human body temperature (37°C), being
that normally only lives between 25 and 30°C? So begins the story of The Last
of Us.
The
The narrative follows Joel, a man hardened by tragedy, and Ellie, a
infection, as they embark on an emotional journey to a new world.
through a devastated world. The story is intimate, profound, and emotionally
heartbreaking. The characters are superbly written, and the dialogue is
realistic and moving.
The
The objective of the trip is to take Ellie to a military base known as the
“Las Luciérnagas”, where a cure is expected to be extracted thanks to
immunity. During the journey, multiple events occur that cause this
adventure is unforgettable, and one of those games that one remembers for years. From my
point of view, it's the most original zombie apocalypse story I've ever seen.
in a long time. Add to that the endearing father-daughter type relationship.
between Joel and Ellie, I would argue that it is one of the best told stories in the
history of video games, even surpassing many films of the genre. A
narrative level, I have no outstanding negative points. I won't say much
more to avoid spoilers, but it is undoubtedly where the biggest lie ever is given.
I have seen and you have to play it.
Gameplay
To
At first it took me a little while to adapt to the style of play. If you have played
other Naughty Dog titles, it won't be that complicated since they share some of the same
mechanics. The gameplay combines stealth, weapon combat, exploration and management.
resource management. And I mean it: real resource management! It has been one of
the most challenging games I've ever played in terms of this. Even in
In the case of low difficulties, it is necessary to think carefully about how to use each resource because they are
Each and every one of them can make the difference between moving forward or not.
The
infected enemies are divided into several types: runners, snappers, and
chubby. Stealth is key, especially against snappers. Joel
has an auditory ability that allows him to “see” the silhouette of the
enemies, which allows you to plan strategies to eliminate them. Combat is
visceral and tense, with realistic animations conveying the weight of each
hit. The real time crafting system adds even more tension, as it
you have to decide quickly whether to make a Molotov cocktail or a first-aid kit, by
example.
The
The remaster controls are solid and superior to the PS3 version. They are well
thought out and are intuitive, although I wouldn't say it's an easy game. Requires
learn its mechanics and strategies. For me, it is not a game that you master in
minutes, but it is not unfairly difficult either. The learning curve is
well balanced.
As a point
negative, although not very serious, I would say that sometimes the objects as resources and
collectibles are too well hidden for a game.
linear. At some points it is even confusing to know how to move forward, which
can be frustrating since, being linear, one would expect to have more clarity in
the way. However, this also adds a certain level of exploration and challenge.
I highlight
missions like the one in winter, where we control Ellie alone, and the mission in
the university, which I remember for the tension of running away from enemies. At
overall, The Last of Us has solid, challenging, brutal, and well
designed. For its time on the PS3, it was one of the best titles in terms of
gameplay.
Graphics and visual design
It is necessary to
recognize that the original game already used the full capabilities of the PS3 to the fullest.
and it was practically the console's farewell title. The Remastered version
for PS4 is even more impressive, and attracted a lot of players to the new
generation.
The design
The artistic style is very good, although not very different from other productions of the genre.
zombie. However, where it really shines is in the design of the infected.
They are half-zombie, half-mushroom creatures, and their appearance generates a feeling of
repulsion that fulfills exactly what you are looking for. The first time I saw a
I didn't know whether to run, scream or just stay in shock.
The
remaster incorporates dynamic lighting, improved textures, animations
more expressive facial expressions and a cinematic visual style. Each scenario
has a unique color palette that conveys emotions such as melancholy,
hope or fear.
Sound and music
The band
Gustavo Santaolalla's soundtrack is simply a jewel. Minimalist, melancholic
and emotional. The iconic guitar of the main theme is easily recognizable and
difficult to forget. The sound effects are also very well achieved,
from footsteps to heavy breathing to rain.
The
voice performances are outstanding. Troy Baker as Joel and Ashley Johnson
and Ellie have a unique chemistry. Personally, I loved Ellie's voice.
and fits the character perfectly. The dubbing in Spanish is good, but
I consider the original voices to have a stronger emotional impact.
Difficulty and accessibility
The game
offers various levels of difficulty, from easy to the
“Permadeath. Already in normal mode there is a significant increase of
difficulty, and at high levels it is quite a challenge. In terms of accessibility,
is one of the most inclusive games, with many options for people with disabilities.
I greatly appreciate this because it makes it easier for me to improve my
people can enjoy the games.
Additional content
The campaign
The main course can last between 12 and 15 hours, although I took a little longer because of the
explore. If you go straight through, it can be finished in about 10 hours. Includes a DLC
called Left Behind, a prequel that delves deeper into Ellie's history before
to meet Joel. I highly recommend it, as it gives context and development.
additional to the character.
The game
has no mini-games as such, but it does have activities such as exploration, crafting and
weapon upgrades. It also has a multiplayer mode that I personally did not like.
I liked it a lot; I feel it doesn't fit with the narrative approach of the game. Still
as well, it has modes such as “Speedrun” and “New Game+” that give you a little more
replayability.
Technical Aspects
Run to
1080p native. You can choose between 30 fps locked (more cinematic) or
60 fps unlocked (smoother). This option was innovative for its time
on PS4. The technical improvements with respect to PS3 are remarkable: loading times
shorter, more responsive controls and better utilization of the touch panel
of the DualShock 4 (such as to see Ellie's diary). The vibration and
movement are present, although to a lesser extent.
The game
is quite stable, with very few bugs. Sometimes bugs can appear
minor, such as stuck enemies or rare physics, but they do not affect the
overall experience. Artificial intelligence has been improved compared to the
original version, although it still has details such as Ellie running in front of
enemies without being detected.
Value for money
The Last
of Us Part I costs between $50 and $70, which may seem high for a remake.
Personally, I would not pay that price for the remastered version.
available. Although it doesn't reach the technical levels of the remake, this version
perfectly fulfills and keeps the essence of the original intact. For the
remastered, I wouldn't pay more than $20, but if you decide to go for the remake, I wouldn't pay more than $20.
because you have never played it, do it will be worth it.
Trophies
/ Achievements
- Platinum obtained: No
- Percentage of trophies
obtained: 2% - Estimated time: 20-30 hours minimum.
- Platinum difficulty7 out of 10 (I consider it
difficult because it has to be played more than once and on survivor difficulty).
Conclusion
The
Last of Us is more
more than a video game: it is a narrative masterpiece that combines emotion, tension and
humanity in a hostile world. Both the version Remastered like Part
I offer exceptional experiences, although the remake stands out because of its
technical excellence and modern accessibility. A must for fans of
interactive drama, and a gem for those who value well-told stories.
My
final rating for The Last of US is:
4.7/5
