This Friday, January 19, The Last of Us Part II is coming to PlayStation 5 in a remastered edition that no one expected. As with the announcement of the PS4 remaster in 2014 or The Last of Us Part I in 2022, players have questioned the point of such a reissue for such a recent title. If the PS5 version of the first opus has the merit of updating a title published two generations earlier, The Last of Us Part II Remastered is a unique case to say the least. This one makes its appearance four years after the original, an end-of-life production for the PS4 that has already benefited from numerous improvement patches on PS5.
The approach of the launch and the publication of the first tests have been the source of new virulent reactions from some players. Are a few graphical improvements, comments from the developers and new skins enough to justify the marketing of an edition at a high price (49.99 euros) when the PS4 version can now be found for a pittance? Owners of this original version are also eligible for an upgrade level billed at 10 euros, making it almost more profitable to buy a PS4 disc to take advantage of the offer. The game director of the remaster Matthew Gallant confided to VGC about these reactions that he says he doesn't understand.
An edition that is “not for everyone“
Remakes and other remasters have become regular sources of conflict between gaming communities and developers. While consumers see it as a technique by studios to more easily capitalize on their popular licenses with the least possible effort, industry players want to show good faith. “I don't understand the consternation that the content of The Last of Us Part II Remastered arouses. It's the best way to play The Last of Us Part II if you're a new PlayStation owner and you don't know the franchise yet” explains Matthew Gallant.
These kinds of editions effectively make it possible to offer the best possible playing conditions for newcomers and the biggest fans. Is it fair to blame developers for their desire to offer the ultimate version of their own title? It is obvious that The Last of Us Part II will have little interest for a majority of players, and that is quite normal. Naughty Dog has however chosen to pursue a completely new audience. Following the broadcast of the series and the release of The Last of Us Part I on PS5 and PC, the franchise is enjoying a second wind with an audience discovering it for the first time.
Just as reboots of nostalgic series and films exasperate long-time fans, it is sometimes difficult to realize that these updated editions concern a completely different demographic, in a very real market. “I have the impression that there is an audience for whom the idea of a PS5 version is exciting” recalls Matthew Gallant who adds “If it’s not for everyone, that’s okay.“ As for the question of the high sale price, newcomers still have the possibility of obtaining the PS4 version by different means. Moreover, The Last of Us Part II Remastered offers a slew of adjustments – including the integration of the DualSense controller, the Lost Levels mode and the developer commentaries – which will delight players wishing to delve ever further into the game’s universe.
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