The Last of Us Part I, developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, reintroduces players to a post-apocalyptic world filled with heartbreak and hope. As a huge fan of The Last of Us on PS3, I was excited to dive back into Joel and Ellie’s journey, this time with updated graphics and improved gameplay mechanics.
I remember my first playthrough of The Last of Us. I was blown away by its storytelling, and revisiting it with modern enhancements was both a nostalgic and new experience. All these years later, I was curious to see how this remastered version would hold up against the emotional weight of my first playthrough, especially with the massive improvements in graphics and gameplay.
Does The Last of Us Part I capture the same magic as the original? Or, is it just another remaster? Let’s dive in and find out!
Emotional Depth in a Post-Apocalyptic World
For me, the story is the best part of The Last of Us. It is centred around Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a teenage girl who might hold the key to saving humanity. Their journey across the United States is filled with moments of survival, loss, and growth. Even though I knew the story well, replaying key scenes—like the heartbreaking prologue—still hit me emotionally. The updated facial animations bring even more depth to the characters’ emotions. When Ellie cracks a joke to lighten the mood, or when Joel’s voice trembles with loss, you can see, hear and feel it.
One moment that stood out during my recent playthrough was when I reached Chapter 9, the Lakeside Resort. Playing as Ellie, as she fights to survive, brought back memories of my initial playthrough, but this time, her struggle felt even more visceral. Every snow-covered step felt like a battle for survival, and the increased detail in the environments made it even more immersive. This is where the remaster shines—not in changing the core of the narrative but in deepening the impact of every beat.
Strategic Survival
Gameplay-wise, the core mechanics of the original are intact but with quality of life improvements. Playing it now feels smoother, especially when navigating through intense combat and stealth sections. In particular, I found the updated AI to be far more engaging. I remember during one encounter, I was sneaking past a group of clickers, and unlike my experience with the original, they felt less predictable. I had to think more strategically about how to move through the environments, which made stealth segments feel less forgiving but more rewarding.
Switching between stealth and combat feels more fluid, too. I love the tension of deciding whether to use precious ammo or avoid enemies altogether, just like I did in the original. However, now it feels even more immersive with the refined controls. One specific moment during The Last of Us Part I that stood out for me was when I had a standoff in a dark basement filled with clickers. The eerie sounds paired with the tight, claustrophobic environment gave me chills. I remember barely scraping by with only two bullets left, my hands were sweaty and my heart raced just as much as it did in my first playthrough.
A Stunning Reimagining
The updated graphics in The Last of Us Part I are nothing short of amazing. The game looks incredible, with realistic lighting and highly detailed character models. Revisiting places like the overgrown streets of Boston or the haunting, desolate university campus left me in awe all over again. While playing, I found myself stopping to take in the beautifully decayed environments, a stark contrast to the chaos of the world around me. The lighting and textures make every location feel alive yet broken, much like the world itself.
A standout moment for me during my playthrough was the giraffe encounter scene. Seeing those creatures in the original game was impactful, but this remaster takes it to a new level. The moment is breathtaking, and it reminded me why this game resonates so much—those quiet, peaceful moments amid the chaos. The improved facial animations make Ellie’s wonder and Joel’s bittersweet smile all the more heartwarming. The Last of Us Part I succeeds in perfectly maintaining the delicate balance between beauty and horror.
The Last of US Part I’s Masterful Storytelling, Refined Gameplay and Next-Gen Visuals Make It One of the Best Games ever Made
In the end, The Last of Us Part I remains an exceptional experience, enhanced in all the right ways. While it doesn’t radically change the core of what made the original great, it elevates it in every possible way. Revisiting this game felt like re-reading your favourite book—you know what’s coming, but the journey is just as impactful the second time around.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a returning player, The Last of Us Part I is a must-play. The combination of masterful storytelling, refined gameplay, and next-gen visuals make this one of the best games ever made. Let me know in the comments—will you be playing The Last of Us Part I again or sitting this one out?
The Last of Us Part I
Summary
The Last of Us Part 1 is a faithful remake that visually and mechanically upgrades the original, making it the definitive way to experience this post-apocalyptic adventure. The emotional journey of Joel and Ellie is as powerful as ever, backed by exciting gameplay and amazing visuals. Whether you’re a newcomer or a returning player, The Last of Us Part I is a must-play.
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