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The Last of Us Part II Remastered

The Last of Us Part II Remastered is a dense collection of content that fleshes out the main story, with a rogue-lite that is a lot of fun.
90%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
stability, grinding
90% User Score Based on 9,593 reviews
Critic Score 87%Based on 38 reviews

Platforms

PCPCPlaystation 5Playstation 5WindowsWindowsPlayStationPlayStationCloudCloud

About

"The Last of Us Part II Remastered, winner of over 300 Game of the Year awards, now has technical enhancements for PS5 including improved graphics, 4K output in Fidelity Mode, faster loading times, and DualSense integration. A new roguelike survival mode, 'No Return', offers a challenging experience with randomized encounters and unique playable characters. Experience Ellie and Abby's emotional journey like never before in this definitive version."

The Last of Us Part II Remastered screenshot
The Last of Us Part II Remastered screenshot
The Last of Us Part II Remastered screenshot
The Last of Us Part II Remastered screenshot
The Last of Us Part II Remastered screenshot
The Last of Us Part II Remastered screenshot
The Last of Us Part II Remastered screenshot
The Last of Us Part II Remastered screenshot
The Last of Us Part II Remastered screenshot
The Last of Us Part II Remastered screenshot
The Last of Us Part II Remastered screenshot

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 9,631 reviews
story1.7k positive mentions
stability139 negative mentions

  • Incredible graphics and immersive world design that enhances the emotional impact of the story.
  • Engaging gameplay with refined mechanics, allowing for a variety of combat and stealth approaches.
  • A bold narrative that explores complex themes of revenge, loss, and the consequences of violence.
  • The story's pacing is uneven, with some sections feeling drawn out and repetitive.
  • Divisive character arcs, particularly the forced empathy towards Abby, which may alienate some players.
  • Frequent crashes and performance issues on PC, detracting from the overall experience.
  • story
    4,748 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "The Last of Us Part II" has garnered a wide range of opinions, with many praising its emotional depth and complex themes of revenge, trauma, and empathy, while others criticize it for its pacing and controversial character arcs, particularly regarding Abby. Some players found the narrative to be a bold and ambitious exploration of human nature, while others felt it detracted from the beloved characters of the first game, leading to a divisive reception. Overall, the storytelling is seen as a significant aspect of the game, with its ability to provoke strong emotional responses and discussions about morality and perspective.

    • “The last of us part II delivers an unforgettable experience that pushes the boundaries of storytelling in video games.”
    • “It's a masterpiece, and we are glad we got to experience this story.”
    • “The story is incredibly bleak, but it's masterfully told.”
    • “The story is a complete mess, filled with plot holes and odd conveniences to push the story forward, but the gameplay still shines through and is a blast to play through.”
    • “The story is riddled with plot holes and odd conveniences to push the story forward, but the gameplay still shines through and is a blast to play through.”
    • “The story is poorly executed and the pacing is all over the place.”
  • gameplay
    1,867 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "The Last of Us Part II" has been widely praised for its intense and immersive mechanics, showcasing a significant improvement over its predecessor. Players appreciate the refined combat, stealth options, and fluid movement, which enhance the overall experience, making encounters feel dynamic and engaging. While some critiques focus on the pacing and repetitiveness of certain gameplay elements, the majority agree that the game excels in delivering a polished and satisfying gameplay loop, complemented by stunning visuals and a gripping atmosphere.

    • “Gameplay is intense and immersive, balancing stealth, combat, and exploration perfectly.”
    • “The gameplay itself is top tier and a vast improvement on the first game, and the graphics, while originally conceived for the PlayStation 4, are stellar.”
    • “The gameplay is tight and satisfying – stealth, exploration, and combat all feel polished and deliberate.”
    • “The first game was great because it focused on story, characters, and storytelling, while this one decided to focus on the stale gameplay.”
    • “It starts well, ends well, but the middle is poorly paced and riddled with meaningless, repetitive gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay does not change or vary enough to justify the length.”
  • graphics
    1,236 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "The Last of Us Part II" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning detail and realism, with many players noting the breathtaking visuals and atmospheric sound design that enhance the immersive experience. While the game showcases impressive graphical fidelity, some users reported minor graphical glitches and performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, the visuals are considered a significant highlight, elevating the game's emotional storytelling and gameplay mechanics.

    • “The world is stunningly detailed, bringing post-apocalyptic Seattle to life with breathtaking visuals and atmospheric sound design.”
    • “The graphics and level of detail in this game are top-notch.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful — nearly photorealistic at times — with masterful use of lighting and shadows.”
    • “Nothing but graphics issues from the start of the game that won't go away no matter how I mess with the settings, making the game unplayable.”
    • “I know it's labeled as a 'remaster', but in this case 'remaster' just means 'sloppily optimized' instead of 'meaningful graphical improvements'.”
    • “The game crashes a lot; especially if you're using a 'borderline' graphics card.”
  • optimization
    749 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of "The Last of Us Part II" has received mixed feedback from players. While many commend its significant improvements over the first game's PC port, noting smoother performance and fewer crashes, others report persistent issues such as stuttering, particularly during shader compilation and in demanding areas. Overall, the game is generally considered well-optimized for high-end systems, but players with mid-range or lower setups may still encounter performance challenges.

    • “The optimization of this game is excellent; I can play it with ultra graphics, with stable FPS, and I just had a few crashes during the game.”
    • “The last of us part ii runs much better than its predecessor, with solid performance and stunning visuals.”
    • “The optimization this time around is phenomenal, a huge step up from the first game’s performance.”
    • “The game optimization for PC is crazy bad.”
    • “Game kept crashing and stuttering, then it just wouldn't launch.”
    • “I really wanted to experience this game for the first time and can't even get past the first area due to terrible optimization.”
  • emotional
    652 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of "The Last of Us Part II" is described as a profound and often devastating journey, marked by intense character arcs and moral complexities that challenge players' emotional endurance. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke a wide range of feelings, from heartbreak to anger, through its narrative and character development, making it a deeply immersive experience. While some players found the emotional weight overwhelming or felt detached from certain characters, the overall consensus is that the game delivers a powerful, unforgettable emotional impact that lingers long after the credits roll.

    • “The last of us part ii is not just a game — it’s an emotionally devastating experience that boldly explores pain, revenge, guilt, and forgiveness in a way no other title dares to.”
    • “The emotional depth of the game will stay with you long after you've finished it, making it an absolutely unforgettable experience.”
    • “This game is a bold, brutal, and deeply emotional experience that leaves a lasting impact.”
    • “The story is linear and boring, starting with a literal snowball fight with the rainbow team.”
    • “The game has excellent graphics and sound, but the never-ending story is tedious and filled with unnecessary themes.”
  • stability
    224 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that it runs well overall, especially on high-end systems, but also reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various visual glitches. While some users experienced minimal issues and found the game enjoyable, others faced significant problems that hindered gameplay, particularly during critical moments. Overall, the game appears to be in better shape than its predecessor, but persistent bugs and performance inconsistencies remain a concern for many players.

    • “Runs great on my RTX 4070, maintaining a solid 80+ fps at 1440 on high graphics.”
    • “The game looks beautiful and, besides some minor hiccups, runs great even at high framerate.”
    • “No glitches, stutters, or crashes at all.”
    • “Game crashes constantly for me. I thought I found a 'fix' but have now reached another unpassable crash spot. I've 'played' the game for just over 3 hours, but that's just 2 hours and 40 minutes of repeating areas and troubleshooting.”
    • “Massive amount of game freezes and always at the worst possible time during critical action sequences.”
    • “The game is really good, but it is so buggy that it is beyond unplayable.”
  • music
    171 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising Gustavo Santaolalla's haunting and emotionally resonant soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere and storytelling. The sound design, including ambient music and sound effects, is described as top-tier, contributing significantly to the immersive experience. While some critics noted that the soundtrack may not be as memorable as the original, the majority agree that it effectively complements the game's intense and emotional moments, making it a standout feature.

    • “The music enhances every scene, perfectly matching the emotional tone and intensity of the gameplay.”
    • “The soundtrack, composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, adds to the emotional atmosphere with haunting and memorable melodies.”
    • “The gameplay is tight, the environments are immersive, and the soundtrack hits just the right notes to wreck your soul.”
    • “Instead of 10-15 songs we got 30, and that would be okay if it was a masterpiece, but it's not.”
    • “The soundtrack failed to leave an impression like the original's did.”
    • “The music is subtle but haunting, and Gustavo Santaolalla’s guitar work feels like a living, breathing character on its own.”
  • atmosphere
    120 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in "The Last of Us Part II" is widely praised for its stunning visual detail, immersive sound design, and emotional depth, creating a haunting and oppressive environment that enhances the storytelling. Players are captivated by the meticulously crafted settings, from overgrown ruins to eerie quiet streets, which, combined with Gustavo Santaolalla's evocative score, draw them deeply into the game's world. While some note a consistently dark tone, the overall consensus is that the atmosphere is a masterclass in game design, making it one of the most immersive experiences available.

    • “The world is stunningly detailed, bringing post-apocalyptic Seattle to life with breathtaking visuals and atmospheric sound design.”
    • “The atmosphere is incredibly dense and pulls you in from the very beginning.”
    • “From the lush environments to the haunting soundtrack, the atmosphere pulls you in completely.”
    • “It offers a dark, intense atmosphere that tries to recapture the magic of the original, but struggles to maintain consistency throughout its lengthy runtime.”
    • “The game relentlessly throws traumatic events at the player, creating an atmosphere of constant tension and unease.”
    • “It's a stunning looking game, let down completely by the incredibly dumb story and sad atmosphere.”
  • grinding
    60 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly in combat and collectible hunting. While some appreciate the challenge and replayability offered by modes like "no return," others feel that the grinding detracts from the overall experience, making the gameplay feel unnecessarily prolonged and monotonous. Overall, players suggest that the game could benefit from a more balanced approach to grinding to enhance enjoyment.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “It trades the original's greatness for tedious gameplay and a painfully weak plot.”
    • “Instead of feeling like a dynamic survival experience, it quickly becomes a tedious loop of familiar actions with minimal reward.”
    • “It's time-consuming, tedious, and there is way too much of it, and worst of all: it's not optional, you need it.”
  • character development
    56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the depth and complexity of characters like Ellie and Abby, highlighting their emotional arcs as both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. However, some players feel that certain character developments, particularly Ellie's, are stunted or lack nuance, leading to a disconnect in the narrative. Overall, while the game excels in storytelling and character design, opinions vary on the effectiveness and direction of character growth throughout the experience.

    • “Absolutely amazing game: a masterclass in storytelling, character development, developing themes, writing, voice acting, character modeling, combat - you name it.”
    • “The character development is profound, with Ellie and Abby’s arcs unfolding in a manner that is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking.”
    • “With its incredible character development, hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and jaw-dropping attention to detail, this game is a triumph in every sense.”
    • “The storytelling lacked the emotional depth and character development that made the original so impactful.”
    • “It's like they completely misunderstood the whole narrative and couldn't see further than 'player = good, enemies = bad' without any real character development and growth.”
    • “No real explanation on character development, just skips 4 years without any sort of context and boy, 4 years is a long time.”
  • replayability
    55 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game offers significant replayability, particularly enhanced by the new "no return" roguelike mode, which introduces various challenges and modifiers that keep gameplay fresh. While many players appreciate the variety and combat mechanics, some note that the mode can feel monotonous and lacks depth. Despite these criticisms, the game is generally regarded as highly replayable, with numerous ways to engage with its content.

    • “The new 'no return' mode adds a fresh layer of replayability, challenging players with procedurally generated levels, limited resources, and escalating difficulty.”
    • “The addition of the 'no return' mode provides excellent replayability for those seeking additional challenges.”
    • “The gameplay is amazing, making this game extremely replayable, and the new mode is very welcome at a $50 base price tag.”
    • “The addition of the no return mode, meant to extend replayability, falls flat due to its monotonous structure and lack of real variety.”
    • “Solid gameplay, but the game has very little to offer in terms of replayability apart from a roguelike mini-game or achievement hunting.”
    • “While the roguelike structure is fun and replayable, it suffers from a lack of variety.”
  • humor
    33 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is a mix of dark, situational comedy and absurd moments, often stemming from character interactions and technical glitches. While some players appreciate the dry wit and comedic elements, others feel that the overall tone leans more towards tragedy than humor, with moments of levity contrasting the game's heavier themes. Despite its serious narrative, players find humor in unexpected places, such as character quirks and gameplay mishaps, contributing to a unique blend of laughter and anguish.

    • “This character is just comedically built beyond what would even be naturally possible; it's hilarious.”
    • “I never use any weapons when I play as Abby because it's too damn funny yelling 'Abby smash,' then beating everything to death with my fists.”
    • “The rogue-like mode is good fun, and it's extremely funny to see this game that tries to condemn (poorly) the violence of humanity by making it more fun and *checks notes* giving you points for shooting human shields in the head.”
    • “Overall a good game, but it's not funny, happy, or joyful.”
  • monetization
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has received largely negative feedback, with users labeling it as a "cash grab" and criticizing the presence of microtransactions that detract from the overall experience. Many feel that the quality of the remaster does not justify the in-game purchases, leading to a perception of laziness and disrespect towards players.

    • “Microtransactions are well-balanced and don't feel intrusive.”
    • “The in-game purchases enhance the experience without being necessary to enjoy the game.”
    • “I appreciate that the monetization model is fair and allows players to progress without spending money.”
    • “A game of this caliber deserves a flawless PC experience, but instead it feels like a half-hearted cash grab.”
    • “This is a lazy, disrespectful cash grab.”
    • “What a cheap cash grab.”

Buy The Last of Us Part II Remastered

8h Median play time
14h Average play time
4-20h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 83 analyzed playthroughs

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