Originally released back in 2013 on the Playstation 3, then remastered again in 2014 for the PlayStation 4. The Last of Us is back for a third time, this time in 2022 for the Playstation 5 with The Last of Us Part 1.

So what’s different this time around? The Last of Us Part I has been rebuilt from the ground up using Naughty Dog’s latest PlayStation 5 engine technology giving the game new life, with advanced visual fidelity, fully integrated DualSense wireless controller features, modernized gameplay mechanics, improved controls, enhanced exploration, character animations and more, all while keeping faithful to the game storytelling.

A quick recap of what the story is about for those that haven’t played The Last of Us. The story takes place 20 years after a virus outbreak, with you playing the part of Joel, played by Troy Baker, who lost his daughter prior to the outbreak. Joel finds himself escorting a young girl named Ellie, played by Ashley Johnson, who is on her way to a resistance group called The Fireflies.

Not having played The Last of Us since its original launch on Playstation 3, jumping into The Last of Us Part 1 on the Playstation 5 was like playing the game for the first time all over again. I honestly forgot how much I loved this game, and if you didn’t get around to playing the Left Behind DLC, fear not, Sony has also included it. It too has been rebuilt in Naughty Dogs Playstation 5 engine and can be accessed from the main menu.

The game offers two different modes targeting either visuals or performance. The first is Performance Mode, which offers a good balance between resolution, being Dynamic 4K or 1440p, and a framerate of 60 fps. The other is Fidelity Mode, which aims for 4K resolution over framerate, targeting 40 fps.

Other than a fancy new visual makeover and a crazy amount of new accessibility options, The Last of Us Part 1 sports a ton of new features made only possible on the Playstation 5, such as faster loading times and 3D Audio, making use of the Playstation 5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, which delivers richer soundscapes and bigger explosive moment through Naughty Dogs newly upgraded audio engine drivers.

The features don’t stop there. With the Playstation 5’s DualSense controller, your gaming experience is enhanced even more with Haptic feedback, allowing you to feel gunshots and elevating combat encounters like never before. The DualSense’s Adaptive triggers also play a big part now, with things like Joel’s gun or Ellie’s bow now delivering trigger resistance when pulling the trigger allowing for much deeper immersion.

Also added to this version of the game are two new modes; “Speedrun” and “Permadeath”. While Permadeath is pretty straightforward, Speedrun mode enables an in-game timer that will track your current playtime, your personal best chapter time, and your current chapter name in a new UI element in the top right of your screen. This timer will also automatically pause during any cinematic cut-scenes and transitions. Though something that is sadly missing from this version is the inclusion of Multiplayer. You’re going to have to go back to the Playstation 4 versions of the game if you plan on revisiting Factions.

In conclusion, Naughty Dog has delivered a true next-gen remake of a game that most people would consider a masterpiece. Whether you played the original on Playstation 3, or the remaster on PlayStation 4, The Last of Us Part 1 on the Playstation 5 is by far the best way to experience this incredible story.

Written by: MKAU Gaming