The Last of Us Part I Review - IGN

From IGN: "You almost have to admire the hedonism of looking at The Last of Us Remastered, which is still visually impressive eight years later, and saying, “Yeah, that looks pretty good, but we can do better.” There’s very little left to be said about the original The Last of Us, a potent, post-apocalyptic cocktail of stealth, survival, and slaughter that’s revered for its haunting storytelling in an amazingly well-crafted world. You almost certainly knew that. It’s widely lauded as one of the best games of all time and one of the few to get a 10 from IGN, but I reckon you knew that, too. In fact, it’s a game so nice they built it thrice, which is where we find ourselves with The Last of Us Part I – now the third version of Naughty Dog’s 2013 masterpiece to arrive inside a decade.

Unsurprisingly, this remake takes full advantage of the added grunt afforded to it by the PS5 by delivering astonishing new levels of detail and fluidity in its fully rebuilt world, characters, and animations. It's also equipped with some subtle but well-considered use of the haptic feedback in the DualSense controller, and a simply remarkable array of accessibility options. It’s missing the original’s multiplayer mode, but the result is undoubtedly the definitive way for solo players to experience this modern classic. Even so, there is something inherently inessential about it that it can’t quite shake, as a remake of an already fabulous remaster that remains a must-play on hardware only a single generation old."

[brewin]

Good review, but cant shake the feeling that it should be a free upgrade for previous version owners or on PS Plus Extra at the very least. Ill wait to play until one or the other comes to fruition.

Good for those who are playing for the 1st time, but I cant imagine there are many ps5 owners out there who didnt at least play the ps4 remaster already or both the ps3 original and the ps4 remaster. Looks to be worth a revisit, but I just cant wait to see what ND can do with the PS5. Hopefully they've been working on something big behind the scenes.

[Eonjay]

Check out Digital Foundry's coverage where they spend an hour going over imporvements both visually and gameplay wise and then tell me if you still can't 'shake the feeling' Almost every asset was completely remade. This by itself without even taking into account the dozens of other improvments is a huge task, and people did this work with the expectation of being paid for thier top tier talent.

If this was just an upres I would be able to understand your viewpoint but clearly credit has to be given where it is due. If you don't want to spend $70 on it I don't blame you. I not. I will wait for the inevitable holiday sale when its $30 or $40. But I'm not gonna pretend that this isn't huge undertaking and I'm not gonna pretend that I have a gun to my head forcing me to pay $70.

[ClayRules2012]

Well said.

[brewin]

Did you read the part in the review where the reviewer himself said it was an ultimately an inessential remake:

"there is something inherently inessential about it that it can’t quite shake, as a remake of an already fabulous remaster that remains a must-play on hardware only a single generation old'

Even the reviewer of the game feels that way. No reason for this not be an upgrade, but theyre charging full price with no upgrade path whatsoever.

[Ethereal]

"I'm not gonna pretend that I have a gun to my head forcing me to pay $70."
^ This. Already played it? You're a fan? Continue life as normal.

Honestly, this release is just a strategic use of the IP. They can offer a fully remastered game representing the best possible version to existing fans (and bring it up to Part II fidelity), simultaneously release that same version on a new platform they are leaning into (PC) to further the fan base and capitalize on an untapped market, AND advertise for the upcoming HBO adaptation. Makes sense to me.

[brewin]

When did I say or imply someone was holding a gun to my head to force a buy? But the fact is that there isnt even any upgrade path whatsoever. They're not even allowing fans who purchased it full price before pay an upgrade fee to get the new version, like they have with almost every other game theyve done a re release for. To say that this is so much different from other remakes/rereleases that it cant have an upgrade path like every other game is just pure marketing speak. Hell, Uncharted Collection was 3 full games with a very reasonable $10 upgrade fee. This just reeks of greed.

[darthv72]

I watched it and there were so many things improved that there was no way they could have done that with a patch. and they didnt want to go the route of spiderman remastered which was only $20. I guess they could have done like ghost of tsushima and charged $30 for a directors cut approach using the PS4 disc to PS5.

All i know is i have yet to get my shipping confirmation for the firefly edition from Sony. And it releases in 2 days.

[SullysCigar]

Some people just want to whine. Let them. The rest of us can enjoy this masterpiece either now or when the price is right for us.

There's no doubting the care this remake has rightfully had lavished on it at this stage, despite the hit pieces. It's right there for all to witness firsthand.

[n1kki6]

I've played it and payed for it several times already. But go ahead and keep paying full price for remade old ideas.

[Profchaos]

Yeah but Oliver from digital foundry did an earlier analysis on pre release materials has gone on record saying it's unessecery while the remaster still looks great.

And it's been spoken about regularly in the df direct weekly videos that although it's a great remake it's largely irrelevant because of the remaster still being excellent

[Good-Smurf]

To much work put into it just to make it a free uprgrade.
This is a completely different beast to your few settings turned up, 4k upgrade update.

[brewin]

Even a $10 upgrade would suffice, but nope, they want a full $70 from everyone, for a game theyre releasing for a 3rd time within a decade. Im not supporting this practice with another full price purchase. All I said was that Ill wait for it to be on ps plus Extra or for them to implement an upgrade path. I still want to check it out. Just not at $70

[crazyCoconuts]

I've got no beef with the pricing... It's a free market and the price will settle on what people are willing to pay. For me though, I need something more to even justify my time to play a game again, especially since I remember it so well. Give it the VR treatment like Skyrim VR and perhaps I'd pay to play it again.

[MeatyUrologist]

I have no problem with the price, it just means I won't be buying it. I feel like those of with two digital copies of the game already could have been given at least a 20-30 dollar discount, but that is their choice. As much as I love the game (favorite all timer), I just can't bring myself to pay 70 for essentially the same experience a 10th time just prettier and with better sound.

[CrimsonWing69]

I'm not trying to take a dig at you or anything, but what Remake has ever been a free upgrade for those who owned the previous version, especially when you only own the previous game for "free" included in a subscription service?

This isn't necessarily directed towards you, but when did we get to a point where we start believing games should be free if you own a version? If this is the case, then I want Nintendo to reimburse me for all the ports (I don't even think they're remasters) from the Wii U onto the Switch.

It almost feels like consumers aren't taking responsibility now. I think a lot of people point this out when others mention how unnecessary a port is, or in this case a Remake, but you even said it yourself and that's that this is great for newcomers and fans wanting to check it out.

I'm going to say this as someone who has suffered the same selfish outlook, but not all games are made for you and me. We don't stop to realize that there's a new generation of gamers just getting to the point where they can now experience these games. Maybe they were too young before or even adult gamers just recently discovering the hobby.

What gets me is so many people are quick to voice that they'll just stick to the original game and they can't leave it at that. As a consumer that's on you to make that decision, but then they slam this game as if there isn't a market for it or anyone who has an interest in it is a moron.

It's just tiresome.

[brewin]

Its the method used commonly this generation, to provide a bridge to upgrade to the new version of a game already bought last generation. This is what Sony themselves have been doing this whole generation. And its not been an option to upgrade for people with the free ps plus version either. Look at Uncharted Collection. You had to have purchased one of the games, there was no upgrade path to the PS5 version for people who only had the free version.

Even games that arent out yet have an upgrade path, God of War Ragnarok for example. This is the practice both Sony and Microsoft have implemented this generation. And most 3rd parties have also adopted such, its usually a $10 upgrade fee to go from the last gen to current gen version or totally free on most Xbox games.

This is not new, it's been the practice the release of the new consoles. Suddenly its different with this particular game? Makes no sense at all. It's pure money gouging plain and simple. I

f you can upgrade the biggest game they have coming out in God of War, why not here? Gamers have an inherent desire to play the best version of their favorite games. So for those gamers who paid $50 for the ps3 version, then another $50 for the PS4 version, theyre being asked to throw down another $70 for the ps5 version? Thats called exploitation. Yeah it's the same when Nintendo does it and they have been called out for it. The difference with the Switch vs Wii U versions is the portability of the Switch. Its still a greedy move, but that is expected of Nintendo's business practices. They're exploitative. Sony has been offering this upgrade path the entire generation and all of a sudden they stop doing it with this particular game.

Im just holding them to their own standards they have set this generation and expected more from them. Im not going to stand here and defend a purely anti consumer move, but you're entitled to do so if you choose.

[shinoff2183]

@brewin

This isnt just your run of the mill upgrade that upgrades resolution and fps. This is a whole game redone. Its different but some people just wanna be mad to be mad.

[JEECE]

This upgrade argument is getting really absurd. I can understand the argument that this remake should have carried a budget price (i.e. $40-50), but the idea that a company is going to offer a $10 upgrade for a game that is 8-9 years old (depending on which version you are talking about) is ridiculous. Both of the old versions have for a long time been available in bargain bins and have frequently been available for next to nothing on PSN sales. It's totally unreasonable to expect a $10 upgrade for a remake of a game you could buy for like $8.

[brewin]

God of War Ragnarok, a game that has not even released yet, has the upgrade path. Theres no reason to not offer such here. Its greedy and Sony is getting a reputation for such under the guidance of Jim Ryan. This is not a reputation they want to carry forward in this financial climate.

I am a stockholder with have a vested interest in Sony doing well and am also a longtime Playstation fan. They need to bring more people in, not push them away with a barrier such as cost. As it is, the stock is down 20% in the last few months. This kind of stuff does not bode well for stockholders.

Yes their products are premium, that's why people have no problem paying the upgrade fees. To not offer it or not put these kind of remakes and remasters on the subscription service is a risky move in my eyes and that of many stockholders. I am not alone in this despite what N4G commenters feel. We want more subscribers to the new Playstation Plus. That is where the money is made.

The Playstation Plus Extra and Premium services are wonderful and great revenue drivers. I want them to capitalize on this and use these kind of remakes to bolster the subscription lineup and direct more consumers to subscribe to the service. As it is now, this Remake has been a driver of more controversy than anything. We shall see about the revenue. Sony says within 3 months of release but I am pushing for Day 1 of these particular types of remakes and remasters and more of them. These will bolster the lineup and drive the adoption rates of the subscription.

[SonyStyled]

Brewin, the Uncharted collection with 3 games NEVER came with a $10 upgrade fee. You’re thinking of the Legacy of Thieves collection, which was 2 games

[Traecy]

There is no upgrade path on a game that is a brand new Remake. An upgrade path scenario would be..the PlayStation 6 is released & Sony enhanced the PS5 TLOU part 1 for the PS6,you put in the PS5 disc in the PS6 & Sony will let you play the enhanced version for free or a 10 or 20 dollar fee. That's an upgrade path. Do you think you should have gotten the remake of Demon Souls for free or a small fee because you had the PS3 version? Do you think you should have gotten Bluepoints remake of Shadow Of The Colossus for free or a small fee because you had the original PS2 or the remastered PS3 versions?

[brewin]

That wasnt a common business practice that generation. This generation it is. Apples to oranges. PS4 to PS5 Upgrades has been a thing since day 1 of PS5.

https://happymag.tv/ps4-gam...

They even have a list on the PS Store

https://store.playstation.c...

Im not talking about old stuff. Im talking about the current gen business practice

[shinoff2183]

Your spot on. Its like people arent understanding the difference and just wanna hate or draw bs negative attention

[CrimsonWing69]

@brewin

"Its the method used commonly this generation, to provide a bridge to upgrade to the new version of a game already bought last generation. This is what Sony themselves have been doing this whole generation. And its not been an option to upgrade for people with the free ps plus version either. Look at Uncharted Collection. You had to have purchased one of the games, there was no upgrade path to the PS5 version for people who only had the free version.

Even games that arent out yet have an upgrade path, God of War Ragnarok for example. This is the practice both Sony and Microsoft have implemented this generation. And most 3rd parties have also adopted such, its usually a $10 upgrade fee to go from the last gen to current gen version or totally free on most Xbox games.

This is not new, it's been the practice the release of the new consoles. Suddenly its different with this particular game? Makes no sense at all. It's pure money gouging plain and simple."

I'm going to stop you right there, you're completely confused. That "upgrade" plan was if you bought a "cross-gen" game. If you bought the PS4 version you could upgrade to the PS5 version for $10. Something Slippin' Jimmy said is no longer a thing.

The Last of Us Part 1 is not a cross-gen game. You bought the PS4 Remaster... this is not the PS4 Remaster on PS5. This is, for all intents and purposes, a next-gen Remake of The Last of Us only on PS5... and coming to PC. In short, it's not a cross-gen release so no, you don't get new games for free or as an upgrade to an old game.

[brewin]

Spider Man Remake was a $20 upgrade. That was a full on remake and not cross gen. No matter how you slice it, theres no reason to not have an upgrade path when that has become standard practice this generation.

[IRetrouk]

Spiderman was a remaster, not a full on remake, essentially a cross gen game, that you could only buy through miles morales, the last of us remake is a ps5 only game. Not the same.
Upgrade fees for versions of games on ps5 and 4, if there's no ps4 version, there's no upgrade path.

[neutralgamer1992]

Only thing I never understood is the fact when a game is 10/10 and gets remade to 9/10

Talking in general this review system is so damn comedic

[JEECE]

"God of War Ragnarok, a game that has not even released yet, has the upgrade path."

Dude, is it possible to miss the point more than you just did? An upgrade is reasonable-and should be expected-for a game that is cross gen, or when a last-gen game gets a minor patch a year or two later. Ragnarok is a perfect example-it is a cross gen game where you can upgrade the PS4 version you paid $60 for to the PS5 version that costs $70.

What you are asking for is a $10 upgrade for a remake of a 9 year old game. That's not like expecting an upgrade of Ragnarok at all - it's more like expecting the Dead Space Remake next year to have a $10 upgrade from the PS3 version, or like expecting the Resident Evil 4 Remake to have a $10 upgrade if you own the old version on a prior console. Honestly it's baffling to me how you can't distinguish between an upgrade for cross gen titles that release at the same time or close together and an upgrade for a remake.

[brewin]

I didnt say I expected it for $10, I said an upgrade path OR a PS Plus Extra release. I paid $20 for the Spider Man PS5 remake, no problem. I even paid the $30 to upgrade to the PS5 version of Ghost of Tsushima. There is no upgrade path whatsoever here. And no, its not like expecting Dead Space $10 upgrade to the remake of the ps3 version. The Last of Us was a PS4 game remastered from a PS3 game. There is literally no reason they cant offer a path for those who bought the PS4 version. Some of us bought both the PS3 and PS4 versions. Gamers have an inherent desire to play the nest version of their games. That is why the upgrade fees and free versions exist in the 1st place. Sony knows this fully and they are deliberately exploiting their fans by not offering ANY sort of upgrade path for those who bought the PS4 version.

[princejb134]

idk man i bought this game on ps3 and than bought it again on ps4. Yes is that amazing. If i had a ps5 i will get it again

[shinoff2183]

Its upgraded pretty well. Not just some small upgrade like alot of the ps4 games to ps5 upgrades games offered.

Ill buy it at some point. I dont really buy any new games lately so ill get this at 40 dollar mark or so. If i had the money id buy it in a heartbeat. I also played the og and the remaster for ps4. They put in pretty solid work imo it isnt just some bs

I also dont care about multiplayer. Never played the original multiplayer either.

[CrimsonWing69]

@brewin

“Spider Man Remake was a $20 upgrade. That was a full on remake and not cross gen. No matter how you slice it, theres no reason to not have an upgrade path when that has become standard practice this generation.”

Marvel’s Spider-Man was a Remaster, not a Remake. I still don’t know how anyone gets the two confused, but that’s a whole other rant.

Look, I’m going to use an example that’s a little drastic, but it applies. You’re saying that since I own the Final Fantasy VII PS1 port Remaster that I should get the Final Fantasy VII Remake for free or a $20 upgrade. That’s just not how this works or has ever worked.

I get that you want the game for free or cheap, or that because you bought the Remaster to the PS3 game on PS4 that you should get this Remake for free or cheap. That’s just not what was ever promised to you even when they were doing cross-gen upgrades for $10 or $20.

This isn’t the Remaster on a next-gen console. It’s a next-gen Remake. Yea, I get it, it’s a 1:1 Remake and everyone and their mother is upset nothing is changed. It’s funny I never heard any of this from Shadow of the Colossus Remake and Demon’s Souls Remake, but I digress, it’s a new game for full price. $70 is the new next-gen standard MSRP (and yes I threw up saying that), but that’s it man. You’re going to either have to wait for a discount or wait several years for when it may or may not come to PS+ as a free game.

[anast]

I'd shake that feeling and move on. It's worth the money for the work that was put it in. Why is ND the only company that should work for free?

[MajorLazer]

Yeah I'll wait for a sale

[Petebloodyonion]

Ok, this is the part where I feel that reviews are now complete garbage and it's more about who's doing the game and making sure not to ruffle feathers like Metal Gear Solid5 and Death Stranding instead of, I don't know, trying to give an educated piece into helping a customer make a choice between two products.
So what's my beef exactly?
THE COWABUNGA COLLECTION
https://www.ign.com/article...
Despite being called across the board the best damn retro collection is scoring less
How come remake/remaster that remove things like multiplayer (funny how Zombie is so important to COD when it's review time) charge you 70$ can score more to a game that offers 13 games (for 40$) with tons of NEW stuff?
Lets see some of the best beat em up game ever made
regional difference
tons of collectible
tons of options like no flickers and slowdown.

Again what's the best value between TLOU1 and the Cowabunga collection for a remake/remaster nostalgia trip?
Should this be factored in how to do a review (especially when the complete Spiderman was redone on Ps5 as a side bonus for Miles Morales.

[Redemption-64]

Seriously, move on, it's someone's opinion on a game they played. Value is subjective and they have no need factor price of a game if they enjoyed it.

[Petebloodyonion]

Price seems to be quite a factor in a lot of reviews so I fail to see why suddenly it shouldn't factored here especially when a similar remake was done in the past with Spiderman for 20$ instead of 70$.

And my problem isn't with IGN piece (I used it to highlight the different review) it's with the hive mind that we saw with MGS5 where all were giving 10 and praising the same details and not discussing the rest. because it's GOD kojima (ND in this case)
I don't recall now everybody praising MGS5 as the best MGS game but more as the worst.

Thus my point every youtubers that played Cowabunga Collection called it a must buy and the best of it's kind and it still score less compare to the same single player that we played 2 times already and offer less for more.

Now perhaps I'm wrong but Between Demon Soul and TLOU1 I wonder what feel like a true remake
I guess time will tell.

[Redemption-64]

If the price tag is too much for you don't buy it. Or wait for a sale. It's their opinion and they don't need to factor things that you want them to. Your opinion about what they should factor is not required and never will be for them. They enjoyed the game, simple as that, just because price is a factor for you doesn't mean it is for others.

[SullysCigar]

The usual suspects doing overtime here. We get it "Sony bad reEee" etc.

Buy it, don't buy it, but you don't need to waste your life trying to convince others to follow your lead. That's not normal.

[brewin]

Even the reviewer calls the game an inessential remake: "there is something inherently inessential about it that it can’t quite shake, as a remake of an already fabulous remaster that remains a must-play on hardware only a single generation old"

Definitely a bias but whatever. Cowabunga collection does look pretty dope though, some of those games are hard to find gems.

[Redemption-64]

You have been putting in a lot of over time. Did this game hurt you that much? I am more than confident you are not being forced to buy it.

[Germaximus]

society is just a bunch of mindless sheeple. this is the result

[VersusDMC]

IGN reviewed Death Stranding a 6.8 so i doubt they care about ruffling feathers.

The turtles collection review on IGN has valid criticisms like high input lag and bad online. After the recent capcom fighting collection setting a high standard you can't just say this is the best.

And people who can't tell the difference between remaster and remake should just have their opinion disregarded from now on... Spider Man PS5 is a remaster. It might seem like a remake because they changed peter parkers face. They didn't remodel environments and redo textures. You're pretty much saying the PS5 version of miles morales is a remake of the PS4 version....

[CrimsonWing69]

You can't argue price because now you get into the realm of "perceived value," that's just an argument you will never and can never win.

It's funny you bring up MGS V, even though you weren't using it as a price comparison. The reason I bring this up is MGS: Ground Zeroes was $30. I argued with my friend that $30 was a rip-off for what was essentially a glorified demo (think FF15's Duscae or Platinum demo) and he disagreed saying it was well worth the $30 and he got his money worth with the experience and the replay value.

It's all subjective, my friend.

[Germaximus]

LOL

[Asuka]

Nah.

[Inverno]

There was never doubt of good scores, it's The Last of Us, game came out already, it's great we know this. Good scores aren't here to justify the pricing, good scores are an indication that they made good effort in what they set out to do and that after all these years the game has proven to still be great. I'll wait for a sale on Steam to buy it a third time around since I wanna play it on Deck.

[ApocalypseShadow]

And as we can see, the usual Xbox fan suspect/suspects come in to downplay a game that defies their ongoing nonsense spewing. Doesn't matter if they own a PlayStation or not. You can clearly hear exactly what they want.

Sony creates a high quality remake that fans and new fans can look to as the definitive version. Might even advertise for the show or the show advertises the game. But what do you hear?

That they want to only get it in a subscription or that they want to get an upgrade path for $10 or some other silly nonsense. Basically saying they want it cheap or in a subscription. They just don't want to buy games or pay for quality when they see it just like I said in another article.

Just look who's riding hard on these ideas. You see them. Coming up with even more excuses. They just don't want to buy games or wait for a sale to buy games. They want it cheap like a subscription payment or *free* in a subscription like some other company. You don't even have to read between the lines to see it.

[darkrider]

That's their reality. Not Sony gamers. We buy games and trade them with friends and we buy special editions and we sell our games.

[Orchard]

Reviews for this landed pretty much where I expected. It's still a good game because the PS3/PS4 game was a good game. But they're re-selling it with a lick of paint for $70 while having removed content, so it's in the 80s rather than 90s which is fair. This is however the first time, of its 3 releases, that TLOU1 didn't break 90.

Now please let ND work on something new.

[RickRoland]

It has an 89 on metacritic....with two troll 60% reviews. Seems like a good "lick of paint"

[Orchard]

What makes the 60% reviews 'trolls'? I just checked them on Metacritic and they seem to have valid criticisms?

And like I said, I think 89 is fair. The original game is a very good game, and the gameplay, story etc remains largely unchanged, so it would make sense that it scores similarly. The ~6-7 point reduction is likely down to the price + being such an early remaster - which is also fair.

I think IGN France summed it up perfectly:

"If we were to judge Part I only as a remake which isn't bringing anything gameplay or story-wise, the score would be 70. But at the end of the day, the Naughty Dog masterpiece is getting its best version yet so it couldn't be anything else than a perfect 10."

[RickRoland]

"What makes the 60% reviews 'trolls'? I just checked them on Metacritic and they seem to have valid criticisms?"

When you have 93 reviews 80%+ out of 97 reviews and 2 at 60%..... trolls. Nothing more needs to be explained. We know what fits your usual agenda. This game isn't a 60% even if you disagree with the price.

[Orchard]

Right - we can disagree with reviews. But ultimately reviews are just opinion pieces, so giving it a 60 isn't trolling, it's just the guys opinion which differs from us.

I don't agree that the game should be a 60, it's essentially the same gameplay and story from before, so no reason for such a big delta in score from the original - but ultimately, that's their opinion and Metacritic doesn't just let anyone submit a review.

[Germaximus]

=q

[ARESWARLORD]

70 bucks to do what PC players can do for free every time they get a updated video card.

And they've been doing it forever.

I'm more than happy with this with the free PS4 pro update

Max settings

[RickRoland]

wow, didn't know a graphics card completely changes character models, lighting, animations, adds environmental objects (other than the usual foliage) and AI

[Charlieboy333]

Ha ha ha ha ha! No need to wait for the RE4 remake guys! Just update your video card and play the original again......same thing!

[Ryuk_2007]

So guys... is ign still ignorant or naww? lol

[Profchaos]

It's a more impressive update than initially shown by pre release trailers but I'm still not buying it for the third time.

[Binarycode]

Simple thing.

If you don't fancy rebuying. Just wait.

It looks like a great remake, no doubt and for some that have never played those games, maybe new owners of PS5'S will love it.

[anast]

Looks great!

[repsahj]

I don't know what is difficult to understand here. This game is a new game, yes they have the same story as the ps3/ps4 game but it was made with new assets.

Upgrade path? Does that mean that if there is a ps4 version that is $60 and then there is a $10 upgrade to the ps5, you will not complain?

[cluclap]

This whole fiasco around the remake lets me know how dumb some gamers are. Anything to hate naughty dog I guess.

[Abear21]

Buying on sale just like every other game, can’t pay more than $20 for a remaster is a hard rule I got