Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

The Last of Us Part II Remastered cover image

Links

Amazon

Twitch

MONSTER

The Last of Us Part II Remastered

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Last of Us Part II Remastered
Item: The Last of Us Part II Remastered
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Horror, Simulation, Stealth, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJan 19, 2024

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperNaughty Dog

Overview

Experience the winner of over 300 Game of the Year awards now with an array of technical enhancements that make The Last of Us Part Il Remastered the definitive way to play Ellie and Abby's critically acclaimed story.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Last of Us Part II Remastered garners mostly positive reviews for its emotional depth and complex narrative, with critics praising its themes of revenge and morality. New content enhances the experience, particularly the dual perspectives of Ellie and Abby. However, some note issues like ludonarrative dissonance and a lack of significant narrative enhancement in the remaster. Critics also mention heavy-handed storytelling and unlikable characters as potential drawbacks. Overall, it's a compelling experience, but not universally appealing.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment regarding the story of The Last of Us Part II Remastered is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its emotional depth and narrative complexity. Reviewers like Gameblog.fr and Gamereactor UK highlight the story as a masterpiece, emphasizing its immersive storytelling and rich character interactions. The narrative's exploration of themes such as revenge, trauma, and morality resonates strongly with players, as noted by CD-Action and Digital Chumps. Critics also appreciate the addition of new content, such as developer commentary and the Lost Levels, which provide further context and enhance the experience, as mentioned by God is a Geek and Dot Esports. The dual perspectives of Ellie and Abby are particularly lauded for showcasing different facets of violence and redemption, adding layers to the already compelling narrative. Despite the overall acclaim, some critics express reservations about certain aspects of the story. Atomix points out the issue of ludonarrative dissonance, particularly with Ellie's character, suggesting that the gameplay sometimes conflicts with the story's intentions. Additionally, IGN Spain expresses disappointment that the remaster does not significantly enhance the original narrative experience. Others, like ZTGD, found the story bleak and filled with unlikable characters, which may detract from the enjoyment for some players. Critics like Destructoid also mention heavy-handed storytelling moments that could be perceived as lacking subtlety, indicating that not all elements of the narrative resonate equally with audiences. In summary, while the majority of critics regard the story of The Last of Us Part II Remastered as a compelling and impactful experience, there are notable critiques regarding its execution and thematic coherence. The consensus leans towards appreciation for its emotional storytelling and character development, with many reviewers, such as Checkpoint Gaming and NME, acknowledging its ability to provoke strong reactions. However, the presence of criticisms regarding narrative execution and character likability suggests that while the story is widely celebrated, it may not appeal to everyone in the same way. Overall, the remaster is seen as a valuable opportunity to revisit a powerful narrative, even if some aspects remain contentious.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Last of Us Part II Remastered is a hit, praised for its engaging gameplay, refined combat, and immersive use of the PS5's DualSense controller. While the new No Return mode adds replayability, it faces criticism for being repetitive and lacking depth. Overall, the game excels in mechanics and environment, solidifying its place in the franchise, but the mixed feedback on No Return suggests it may not resonate with all players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

84%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

16%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of The Last of Us Part II Remastered has garnered significant praise from a majority of critics, who highlight its engaging mechanics and improved features on the PS5. Many reviewers, such as GamingBolt and Washington Post, commend the game's exceptional combat and stealth mechanics, describing the gameplay as "incredible" and "tight and responsive." The introduction of the new roguelike mode, No Return, is noted for adding Variety and replayability, with critics like God is a Geek and Variety emphasizing its potential to enhance the overall experience. The use of the DualSense controller's haptic feedback has also been positively received, as seen in GAMES.CH and Siliconera, which enhances the immersion and weight of actions like aiming and firing weapons. Despite the overall positive sentiment, several critics have pointed out notable drawbacks, particularly concerning the No Return mode. Reviewers from Inverse and TheSixthAxis criticize its repetitive nature and lack of depth in combat planning, suggesting that while it can provide some Variety, it may not sustain long-term engagement. Additionally, Twinfinite mentions that the mode lacks progression, which detracts from the overall combat experience. Some critics, like ZTGD, express that the gameplay felt forced at times, indicating that not all players found the experience enjoyable. In summary, the consensus among critics is largely favorable, with many agreeing that The Last of Us Part II Remastered offers a robust gameplay experience that builds upon its predecessor. While the No Return mode introduces exciting elements, its execution has drawn mixed responses, suggesting that it may not appeal to everyone. Overall, the game is celebrated for its intense combat, refined mechanics, and immersive environments, as highlighted by critics such as Vandal and Destructoid, making it a worthy addition to the franchise despite some criticisms regarding specific gameplay modes.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Last of Us Part II Remastered dazzles with impressive visuals on PS5, earning praise for its stunning character models, textures, and immersive landscapes. However, critics are divided, noting that the visual upgrades are minimal and may not justify a remaster, as the original was already visually stunning. Overall, it’s a gorgeous game, but opinions on the necessity of the remaster are mixed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

70%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

30%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of The Last of Us Part II Remastered is largely positive, with many critics praising the impressive visual fidelity that the game maintains on the PlayStation 5. Critics such as Variety and Siliconera highlight the stunning detail in character models and textures, noting that the remaster takes full advantage of the PS5's capabilities, including native 4K performance and enhanced lighting effects. Gameblog.fr and Daily Star also commend the lifelike animations and atmospheric landscapes, emphasizing that the visual improvements contribute to an immersive experience. The remaster is recognized for its enhanced textures, shadow quality, and overall visual appeal, with many reviewers stating that it remains one of the best-looking games available on the platform. However, despite the overall acclaim, several critics express disappointment regarding the extent of the visual upgrades. Reviewers from NME, IGN Spain, and Worth Playing point out that the improvements are not as significant as one might expect from a remaster, suggesting that the differences are often minimal and hard to notice during gameplay. Critics like Voxel and Gamereactor UK echo this sentiment, arguing that the remaster struggles to differentiate itself from the already visually impressive original version. Additionally, some reviewers mention that while the game looks good, it may not justify the need for a remaster, as indicated by GamingBolt and ZTGD. In conclusion, while the majority of critics agree that The Last of Us Part II Remastered offers a visually stunning experience that showcases the power of the PS5, there is a notable consensus that the graphical enhancements may not be as pronounced as anticipated. Critics like God is a Geek and Press Start Australia appreciate the technical marvels and improvements, yet many others, such as IGN Italia and CD-Action, highlight that the original game was already visually exceptional. Therefore, while the remaster is celebrated for its aesthetic quality, the lack of significant upgrades has led to a mixed response regarding its necessity.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Last of Us Part II Remastered impresses with enhanced sound design and music, especially on PS5, thanks to DualSense features and a fun "Guitar Free Play" mode. Critics laud the immersive sound effects, but some feel the music is too subdued and that the sound design lacks significant innovation from the original. Overall, it’s a solid remaster that enriches the experience for players, despite a few criticisms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

74%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

26%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of The Last of Us Part II Remastered have garnered largely positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding the enhancements made for the PS5. Reviewers like Atomix and GGRecon highlighted the impressive integration of the DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, which significantly enhance the immersive experience during gameplay. The sound effects, such as the crunching of snow and the physicality of combat, received praise for their detail and realism. Additionally, the inclusion of the "Guitar Free Play" mode was noted by multiple critics, including IGN Spain and Radio Times, as a creative and enjoyable feature that allows players to engage with the musical aspects of the game, showcasing characters' musical skills in a fun and interactive way. However, not all feedback was entirely positive. Carole Quintaine expressed disappointment with Gustavo Santaolalla's music being too subdued, suggesting that it did not play a prominent enough role in the overall experience. Some critics, like SECTOR.sk, noted that the sound design remains largely unchanged from the original release, which may imply a lack of significant innovation in this remaster. This sentiment was echoed by Impulsegamer, who praised the sound design but mentioned that it did not differ from what players experienced in the original game. Furthermore, while the guitar mode was appreciated, some critics felt it may not appeal to all players, indicating a potential limitation in its universal appeal. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Last of Us Part II Remastered successfully enhances the sound design and music through improved technology and new features, particularly the DualSense integration and Guitar Free Play mode. Critics like Player 2 and Push Square emphasized the high quality of the soundtrack, voice acting, and sound effects, contributing to a rich sensory experience. While there are some critiques regarding the music's prominence and the lack of significant changes in sound design, the majority of reviewers agree that the enhancements contribute positively to the game's immersive qualities, making it a worthwhile remaster for both new players and returning fans.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The voice acting in The Last of Us Part II Remastered has received unanimous acclaim from critics for its exceptional quality, particularly Laura Bailey's standout performance as Abby. Reviewers highlight how the voice work enhances emotional depth and narrative engagement, with no significant criticisms noted. Overall, the voice acting is celebrated as a key element in elevating the game's artistry and immersive experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

100%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in The Last of Us Part II Remastered has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting the exceptional quality of performances delivered by the original cast. Reviewers like Atomix and Inverse emphasize that the voice acting remains "top-notch," significantly enhancing character depth and emotional resonance throughout the game. Critics such as GGRecon specifically praise Laura Bailey’s portrayal of Abby, showcasing how individual performances contribute to the overall narrative experience. Additionally, Daily Star notes that the voice acting aligns perfectly with the action, further reinforcing the immersive quality of the game. Merlin'in Kazanı and SECTOR.sk echo this sentiment, stating that the voice acting is a strong point that adds emotional weight to character interactions, affirming its role in elevating the production quality. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there are no notable criticisms regarding the voice acting itself in the reviews provided. The absence of negative commentary suggests that critics did not find any aspects of the voice performances lacking or in need of improvement. This lack of dissent may indicate a consensus that the voice acting met or exceeded expectations, leaving little room for critique. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in The Last of Us Part II Remastered is a standout feature that significantly contributes to the game's emotional depth and narrative engagement. With multiple reviewers, including Player 2 and Checkpoint Gaming, affirming the high quality of the performances, it is clear that the voice acting is a pivotal element of the game's success. The inclusion of developer commentary, as noted by Variety, further enriches the understanding of the characters and scenes, underscoring the thoughtful craftsmanship behind the voice performances. Thus, the critics collectively celebrate the voice acting as an integral part of the game's artistry.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PS5 garners mostly positive reviews for its enhanced performance, reduced loading times, and effective use of DualSense features. Critics applaud its smooth gameplay and frame rate options, though some report issues like frame rate drops, bugs, and glitches. Overall, it’s a solid upgrade but not without flaws, indicating room for further optimization.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

68%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The overall sentiment regarding the technical performance of The Last of Us Part II Remastered on the PlayStation 5 is predominantly positive among critics. Many reviewers, such as Atomix and Eurogamer Poland, praise the game for its smooth performance, highlighting significant enhancements like reduced loading times and improved frame rates. Critics like God is a Geek and Hobby Consolas emphasize the game’s seamless gameplay experience, with the latter noting the effective utilization of the PS5's DualSense features. The remaster's ability to toggle between 30 FPS in Fidelity mode and 60 FPS in Performance mode, as mentioned by Gaming Age and GAMES.CH, further showcases the technical advancements made in this version. Overall, the remaster is described as a solid experience that leverages the PS5's capabilities effectively. Despite the positive feedback, some critics have pointed out notable negatives regarding the technical performance. IGN Spain's review raises concerns about frequent frame rate drops, bugs, and crashes, which detract from the overall experience. Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com mentions that while the remaster runs at 30 FPS in Fidelity mode, the frame rate is somewhat disappointing. Critics like TierraGamer also note the presence of programming errors that were not found in the original game, such as character glitches. While most reviews highlight the improvements, these criticisms suggest that the remaster is not without its issues, indicating that some technical aspects may still need refinement. The overall consensus among critics is that The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PS5 is a commendable upgrade that enhances the original experience, although it is not without its flaws. The majority of reviewers, including GameSpew and VGC, agree that the performance improvements make the game play better than ever, with many praising the polished presentation and solid mechanical systems. However, the concerns raised by critics like IGN Spain and TierraGamer indicate that while the remaster excels in many areas, it still faces challenges that could affect player experience. The balance of praise and criticism suggests that while the remaster is a significant improvement, it leaves room for further optimization.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Last of Us Part II Remastered is garnering mostly positive feedback for its new features like the 'No Return' mode and roguelike elements, which enhance replayability and customization. Critics praise the added survival challenges and behind-the-scenes content for adding depth. However, some express concerns about the long-term appeal, finding the new modes potentially repetitive or derivative. Overall, while the remaster offers a fresh experience for fans, its replay value may not satisfy everyone.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of The Last of Us Part II Remastered is largely positive, with many critics highlighting the new features and modes that enhance the gameplay experience. Several reviews, such as those from GameSpew and GamingBolt, emphasize the addition of the 'No Return' mode and the roguelike elements, which offer fresh challenges and the opportunity for players to customize their gameplay experience. Critics like God is a Geek and TierraGamer praise the replayability provided by the new survival mode and its various challenges, as well as the customization options that allow players to unlock new characters and skins. The inclusion of developer commentary and behind-the-scenes content, mentioned by Digital Chumps and GAMINGbible, also adds depth and encourages fans to revisit the game. However, not all feedback is entirely favorable, as some critics express concerns about the long-term replay value of the new modes. For instance, Inverse and Twinfinite mention that while the new modes like 'No Return' and 'Lost Levels' provide additional content, they may feel limited or repetitive over time. Critics such as Digitally Downloaded and Press Start Australia point out that certain modes can come across as derivative or lacking depth, which could diminish their appeal after initial playthroughs. Additionally, WellPlayed describes the 'No Return' mode as a "nightmare," indicating that not all players may find the new content enjoyable. In conclusion, the consensus among critics suggests that while The Last of Us Part II Remastered introduces several new features that enhance replay value, there are significant concerns regarding the longevity and depth of these additions. Many reviewers, including VGC and Meristation, acknowledge the value of the new modes but caution that they may not entice all players to return for extended gameplay. Overall, the remaster appears to offer a worthwhile experience for fans of the original, but the varying opinions on the replay value indicate that the appeal may differ from player to player.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

89%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

10%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding The Last of Us Part II Remastered is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its enhancements and additional content. Reviewers such as Guardian and VGC highlighted the remaster as the definitive way to experience the game, lauding its technical improvements and the inclusion of new modes like the No Return mode, which adds significant replay value. Critics like Digital Chumps and Push Square emphasized the compelling nature of the remaster, describing it as an excellent upgrade that is well worth the investment for both new players and those returning to the franchise. The remaster is seen as a celebration of the original, with many reviewers noting its polished presentation and emotional depth, making it a must-play for fans of the series. However, not all feedback is entirely positive. Some critics, like Radio Times and Digitally Downloaded, expressed disappointment, suggesting that the remaster feels unnecessary for those who already own the original game, lacking substantial narrative improvements or meaningful additions. There is a recurring sentiment among critics such as Gameblog.fr and IGN Spain that while the remaster has its merits, the graphical updates and additional content may not justify the full price for existing players. Furthermore, some reviews pointed out that the game’s bleak themes might not resonate with every player, potentially limiting its appeal. Despite the criticisms, the overall consensus among critics leans towards a favorable view of The Last of Us Part II Remastered. Many reviewers, including CGMagazine and Eurogamer Poland, recommend it as a worthwhile upgrade, especially for newcomers to the series. The remaster is generally regarded as a high-quality title that enhances the original experience, with enough new features and content to engage a broad audience. While some critics raised concerns about its necessity for existing players, the majority agree that it is a solid addition to the PS5 library, making it a highly recommended experience for both fans and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

The Last of Us Part II Remastered garners mostly positive reviews, praised for its technical enhancements and new modes like No Return, making it a must-play for newcomers. Critics laud its polished presentation and emotional depth, but some argue it's unnecessary for original owners, lacking substantial narrative improvements. Despite mixed feelings about its value for returning players, the consensus leans toward it being a solid upgrade and a worthwhile addition to the PS5 library.

MONSTER

Reviews

182 reviews found

100

Eurogamer Poland

PlayStation 5

Jan 16, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Last of Us: Part 2 Remastered is described as the most polished and feature-rich version of an already acclaimed game, making it a must-have for fans.

Read full review

100

GAMINGbible

PlayStation 5

Jan 16, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Considered a perfect experience for fans of the franchise, praised for narrative depth, gameplay variety, and attention to detail.

100

God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Jan 16, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Last of Us Part II Remastered is a magnificent achievement by Naughty Dog, offering new and exciting content that enhances the already incredible game. It is the perfect version of the game.

Read full review

100

VGC

PlayStation 5

Jan 16, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is praised as the best way to play one of the best games ever made, with excellent bonus content and visual improvements.

Read full review

100

GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Jan 16, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is a treat for fans and newcomers alike, offering a visually impressive and improved gameplay experience.

Read full review

100

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Jan 16, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Compelling and worthwhile experience for both new and existing players, recommended for purchase.

Read full review

100

Games.cz

PlayStation 5

Jan 26, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Last of Us: Part II Remastered is a content-rich definitive edition that offers an emotional experience and is highly recommended for fans.

Read full review

100

Daily Star

PlayStation 5

Jan 16, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that The Last of Us Part II Remastered is a hefty package that delivers a remastered version of an immense video game in its most-playable, best looking state ever. It is recommended for both new players and those who have played before.

Read full review

100

GameOver.gr

PlayStation 5

Feb 6, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Last of Us Part II Remastered is seen as a definitive edition that enhances the original experience, making it worthwhile for both new players and returning fans.

Read full review

100

Guardian

PlayStation 5

Jan 18, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Last of Us Part II Remastered is praised as a carefully curated celebration of a landmark release, offering a visually and haptically enhanced experience that is as exhausting, moving, and invigorating as the first playthrough. It is recommended for both new players and those who want to experience it on PS5.

Read full review