The Last of Us Part II is getting a remaster with a slew of brand new content.
The announcement came today (officially, after leaks spoiled the big reveal that has been rumored for months) with a trailer and details about what players can expect from the new version.
As with all other TLOU remasters, visual enhancements are expected, along with DualSense support and an upgraded Photo Mode with features from The Last of Us Part I. With that being said, TLOU Part II‘s graphics are already exceptionally close to the PS5 remaster, TLOU Part I, so it’ll be interesting to see just how much of a difference the enhancements add to gameplay.
However, it’s the new content that has curiosity piquing.
The Lost Levels will give players a chance to play some of the scenes that were cut from the final game, such as Ellie in Jackson heading into the winter dance. The levels are not completely finished, but will provide an insight into extra pieces of the TLOU world complete with embedded commentary from the creatives.
The most exciting is the new No Return mode, a “roguelike survival mode designed to let players prove their mettle in randomized encounters and experience The Last of Us Part II’s combat in a fresh experience” according to the PlayStation announcement. There will be multiple playable characters that have not been playable in previous versions that will each come with their own set of traits for different playstyles. Players can change their course each playthrough, taking on all sorts of different enemies in stealth and combat encounters. Bonus, rewards are available after each run, and they’ll change depending on each path you take. More details on No Return will be released soon.
If the guitar-playing sequences in Part II were totally you’re thing, good news, the remaster includes a Guitar Free Play Mode. You can play the six strings all TLOU fans have come to love as multiple characters in different settings to really get the mood right with unlockable instruments and audio FX pedals.
Bonus skins for Ellie and Abby and their weapons will also be available to unlock.
A digital version of the remaster will be available, including a $10 USD option for those who already own The Last of Us Part II. All save data can be imported over to the remastered version (I don’t have to platinum it again!?) If collector’s editions are your thing, you’re in luck again, because TLOU Part II Remastered will have a W.L.F. Edition complete with tons of bonus items.
It includes a SteelBook® display case, four enamel pins, a Washington Liberation Front Patch, and a total of 47 Society of Champions trading cards, including eight holographic cards.
Pre-orders for the game go live on December 5, 2023. It will be released on January 19, 2024, exclusively on PlayStation 5.
