{"id":1532,"date":"2014-09-01T14:15:34","date_gmt":"2014-09-01T12:15:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-the-last-of-us-remastered-ps4\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T19:19:27","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T17:19:27","slug":"review-the-last-of-us-remastered-ps4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-the-last-of-us-remastered-ps4\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: The Last of Us \u2013 Remastered (PS4)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The game The Last of Us<\/strong> from Naughty Dog, was arguably the best game of its year. It stands as a potential contender for inclusion among the top 10 games of all time. Boasting exceptional production value, compelling voice acting, and technical brilliance that immerses the player in a uniquely realized dystopia, Naughty Dog reaffirmed their mastery, proving that their PlayStation-exclusive hits, such as the Uncharted<\/strong> games<\/a>, are no accident.<\/p>\n

The narrative unfolds in the near future within the United States, following a sudden and rapid outbreak transforming individuals into aggressive infected. The protagonist, Joel, having suffered profound loss, fights for survival against both the infected and the increasingly oppressive military regime. A rebel faction, known as the Fireflies, tasks him with escorting a young girl named Ellie to safety. Ellie and Joel embark on a journey that tests their survival skills and fosters a deep, platonic, father-daughter-like relationship. Players primarily control Joel, but are also presented with opportunities to experience the story from Ellie’s perspective during certain missions. Naughty Dog released the critically acclaimed DLC, Left Behind<\/em>, which delves into Ellie’s backstory. This expansion is included in this edition of the game.<\/p>\n

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In essence, the game is a third-person action\/survival horror title, sharing similarities with Uncharted<\/em>, though with a stronger emphasis on horror elements. As anticipated, the game delivers impressive graphics, diverse environments, and a well-crafted script and gameplay scenarios. The Last of Us<\/em> made a significant impact on the PS3 platform, not only due to its overall quality, but also its graphical fidelity. The game pushed the limits of the seven-year-old console, delivering realistic and stylized visuals. The PS4 version retains these details, animations, and character models, leveraging the increased processing power to deliver a higher resolution (1080p) experience at 60 frames per second, compared to the original’s 30 fps. Players can switch between these modes to appreciate the difference. While preference varies, the 60 fps mode enhances fluidity and cinematic feel in cutscenes. As 60 fps becomes the standard, older games at 30 fps may feel less responsive by comparison.<\/p>\n

Beyond the visual enhancements, the audio design is noteworthy. Complementing the excellent voice acting (Troy Baker’s performance is particularly commendable) is a professionally composed guitar-driven soundtrack by Hollywood composer Gustavo Santaolalla. The surround sound implementation is effective, providing positional audio cues to accurately indicate the location and movement of threats within the environment.<\/p>\n

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The Last of Us<\/em> demonstrates a high level of quality in every aspect. Naughty Dog has consistently pushed technical boundaries, from the seamless world-loading technology in Jak & Daxter<\/strong> on the PlayStation 2, to the climactic action sequences of Uncharted<\/em>, reminiscent of Hollywood blockbusters. With this title, they continue to refine their craft. A quality game should engage the player and foster a connection with the characters, much like a compelling film. While initial skepticism regarding the zombie theme was understandable, the execution in The Last of Us<\/em> transcends genre clich\u00e9s. Though a zombie outbreak is fictional (or at least considered highly improbable), the potential for real-world pandemics to disrupt society, as seen with diseases like Ebola, remains a valid concern. Works like World War Z<\/em> illustrate that the zombie concept can be explored with greater depth than traditional interpretations like Day of The Dead<\/em>.<\/p>\n

For those who enjoyed The Last of Us<\/em> on the PS3, the upgraded PS4 version warrants consideration. The enhanced detail and graphical improvements offer a fresh perspective on a highly replayable game, sometimes feeling like an entirely new experience. The inclusion of the Left Behind<\/em> DLC further enhances the value proposition. While the relatively short time between the original release and this remaster raises questions about the trend of remakes, The Last of Us<\/em> distinguishes itself through its exceptional quality. For those who have not yet played it, it is essential. If, against the odds, you disliked the original, the technical enhancements of the PS4 version are unlikely to change your opinion. However, the vast majority of players will find it difficult to disengage after investing just an hour into the game.<\/p>\n

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Our own team is eager to dedicate another 12 hours to re-experiencing this title, a testament to its lasting impact and overall quality.<\/p>\n