The Last of Us Remastered - PlayStation Hits (PS4)

Having been a gamer since the days of the ZX81, before we even called ourselves "gamers" (back then, we were the decidedly less punchy "home computing enthusiasts"), I have played more video games than I should rightly admit, across numerous and competing formats. Indeed, today's PS4 versus Xbox One is historically mirrored with yesteryear's ZX Spectrum versus the Commodore 64. All this is a fairly long-winded way of getting to the point that this particular game, The Last of Us Remastered, is simply one of the finest single player campaigns that I have ever played. This game is fantastic. Fairly simple controls and a linear game narrative are embiggenend, to use a perfectly cromulent word, by a masterful narrative, terrific voice acting and the best production values that gaming currently allows. The sound design, too, is superb, with the crack of a rifle bullet echoing around (mostly) deserted city streets. The Last of Us Remastered is incredibly easy to learn but a game that rewards those with attention spans, as much of the rich detail is conveyed not simply through the stunning vistas of post-apocalyptic landscapes but through the notes left behind by other characters (this is particularly effective in the "storm drains" chapter). All of these factors help develop a story that is both credible (the virus in the game actually exists - it's a tropical infection that only attacks insects (Cordyceps, a lethal fungi) and thankfully it hasn't actually jumped the species barrier) and emotionally affecting - a real achievement in gaming history. This is an absolutely stunning game about the cost of survival and the paths that humanity might take, whether banding together to look for hopeful solutions or turning into self-centered, sadistic sociopaths. If you enjoy the great television series (or graphic novel precursor) The Walking Dead (with a tip of the hat towards Terry Gilliam's brilliant film, 12 Monkeys), you'll probably love this game. If you prefer open world games or run and gun shooters, then this might be too restrictive or too slow for you. I think both GTA V and Battlefield 4 are great games for different reasons but the Last of Us Remastered has simply blown me away in a fashion that a game hasn't for many years. I haven't yet played the multiplayer, so I'll update the review once I've had a good crack at that but this game is worth getting simply because it's possibly the best single player story ever made. If you missed this game the last time around - and I did because I owned an Xbox 360 - don't miss this second bite of the apple. This is a stunning game that shows you just how powerful a video game narrative can be and is certainly one of the strongest arguments in the "is gaming art?" debate. Edit: after some time on the multiplayer, Factions, I can confirm that this comprises quite a fun metagame within the campaign's overall theme. While initially appearing to be similar to Gears Of War's unforgiving multiplayer, Factions is a quite splendid online multiplayer in its own right. Dispensing with irrelevent statistics like the kill/death ratio (surely one of the worst ideas in online shooters), the concept behind Factions is that during an online match, you scavenge supplies from dead opposition players and loot boxes around the map. These supplies then help you grow and maintain the population of your camp (there's no management required, everything is done for you). So you win a game with a net surplus of supplies and perhaps three more people will join your camp. Suffer a net loss of supplies and you can expect your meagre band of followers to start going hungry or getting sick and ultimately dying. Consequently, the games have real tension, as there's more at stake than a drop in your k/dr but rather your camp population may start to dwindle. The overarching idea is to maintain and grow your camp for as many days and weeks as possible. Sitting at the perimeter of a map and just sniping will get you nowhere. Sticking close to your team and supporting each other is key to success. Also, there's no grind to unlock scopes and other weapon attachments, though you can choose which perks and custom loadout best suit your play style. All of this combines to make The Last of Us Remastered a complete package. The single player campaign is one of the best ever and the online multiplayer is refreshingly different and tense, despite it being three variations on team deathmatch. The recommendations can not be strong enough.

The Last of Us: Remastered on PS4 is a masterpiece. The updated graphics look incredible, and the story is just as gripping as ever. The gameplay feels smooth, and the remaster really enhances the overall experience with improved textures and lighting. The characters and emotional depth are unmatched, making it one of the best action-adventure games out there. If you haven't played it yet, this is the perfect version to experience. Highly recommend! I've been told part 2 takes things to the next level, so that's next on my wishlist.

I've never been much of a PS gamer, had my Xbox for years and with Game Pass and all the other benefits, I doubt I'll ever change. That being said, I got a PS4 about a year ago from a friend who was looking to upgrade to a PS5. He let me have it for a decent price on the condition I actually gave it a go. Ended up putting it in our bedroom and the wife used it more than I did! She bought herself the full VR setup along with the Sackboy game which I had to sit through hours watching her walk into walls and get everything wrong 🙃 For Xmas last year, she bought me the Spiderman game as she knew I'd always wanted to play it but couldn't with it being a PS exclusive. That game was the 1st game in years I went through with the aim of 100% everything. Almost did it too. Then came along the gamechanger. My Alexa recommended it to me out of the blue one day as it was on sale for peanuts. Like Spiderman, it was one of those games I'd wanted to try but just never bothered so thought why not. I am so glad I did. Its an old game but I won't include spoilers just incase anyone, like me, has stumbled on it by chance as that would just take away from the story - and what a story! From beginning to end, I was hooked. I've been a gamer since I was a kid and between this and Spiderman I feel I've experienced 2 of the best games I've ever played. Yes, EVER! I got the remastered version for the PS4 and am seriously considering getting a PS5 so I can try out the new remaster too its that good! I've recently bought TLOU2 and am about half way through that. It's good, much bigger but with the changes made, I feel TLOU1 slightly edges it in terms of quality abs experience. It's hard to catch lightning in a bottle once, nevermind twice but kudos to Naughty Dog for doing such a world class job. It's hard to write a review where you can't say too much so I'll close on this. Play this game, enjoy this game and explore everything to the finest detail to appreciate the effort put into its design. It's not often a game (if ever) has really got me emotionally but this did. An absolute masterpiece!

Simply put The Last of Us is the best game I have ever played. It’s more a cinematic blend as, forthcoming movie adaptation proving, the narrative is way and above most games and an integral part of why it is so good. My girlfriend was pretty happy to sit and watch me play this because it played like a movie in a way and also has great survival horror action. For PS4 this is the best game available. I played it on the PS3 and to be honest the enhanced graphics although beautiful really don’t enhance the gameplay as the game was already so great on its own and I tend to forget the graphics getting pulled into the action and story. Luckily I did not play the multiplayer nor the Left Behind DLC on the PS3 which gave me good reason to buy this game for the PS4. Left Behind is just wonderful and a great addition. Shorter than I’d have liked however that’s really only because it’s so good. It also once again pushes the boundaries between CGI computer game and a well crafted movie. It may have got emotional. Lastly but in no means least is the Multiplayer Factions, this is no tacked on MP bit it is one of the best MP games I have ever played. Compared to Call of Duty, Halo, or Tomb Raider it’s much more layered and strategic, and violent. Customisation of how you play is quite deep essentially allowing you to create a class in all but name by the skills and weapons you choose and what you do with the upgradeable in game options. It really is quite marvellous and the aforementioned games seem desperately simple in comparison. Not good for your nerves however as death is quite violent and due to the use of stealth and tactics seems to affect you more rather than just another respawn. Altogether however The last of Us Remastered is an unmissable PS4 game however if you have played all elements on the PS3 already and are done with it there is no reason to upgrade. Lastly however now the Walking Dead season has started this game (despite the Walking Dead having its own game) is really the spiritual gaming incarnation of that series.

Finally got round to this game years later. It's a good game, fun and definitely of cinematic quality. This is the PlayStation Hits version, so all extras and DLC is included. The story is good and the two leads Joel and Ellie are great and entertaining. I won't repeat what others have said so I'll keep it brief. This is very much a stealth game, you'll need patience to play this, you probably won't enjoy this if you prefer only games with a lot of action. My only issue with the stealth is when sneaking around, my companions were basically invisible to the enemy, there were countless of times Ellie (or whoever) was right in someone's sight but it didn't trigger combat at all until they found me. Then in combat, the enemies could see everyone with me, a bit of a "huh?" moment. Though the Clickers in this could define it as a zombie game (you do go up against people too), you won't be able to just shoot and bash your way through the enemies. In a sense this is similar to the older Resident Evil games (and their remakes), with limited ammo and restricted inventory. Don't know about the multiplayer mode, but I don't really care for the multiplayer part. I was a little disappointed with it, seeing as people rate it highly I expected something more. Don't get me wrong it's a great game, I'm glad we've got a modern "zombie" game that isn't just shooting and bashing every enemy in sight. For me personally it doesn't match up to its hype. Though if you enjoy games with a good story then I'll still recommend getting this. Hopefully Part II will improve the parts I don't like.

This game is simply put, incredible. Everything from the immersion, combat, crafting, pace, story, graphics, animation and overall enjoyment are just absolutely on point. It throws enough at the player to keep you interested, but not so much you become overwhelmed, and that's something many modern games simply fail to get right. The level of detail that goes into each area is simply astounding, and feels like a very believable environment. What I enjoyed most about this game is that it gives you plenty of room to explore and pick up little relics and clues about the situation, but it doesn't force you to do so, so whether you are a player that likes exploring or prefers to blast your way through the levels, it is adequate for either play style. Unlike many other similar games, this game doesn't shower you with ammo and supplies, you have to make do with what you are given, which is often not much. Although you can go into an area guns-blazing if that's more your style, playing a stealth approach is often more rewarding with the very limited supplies you have. The story line is very believable and the way the characters interact with each other often made me admire what a brilliant job Naughty Dog did with this game. It feels real, which is something that can not be said for most other games. The facial expressions and emotions are absolutely on-point, and do a great job of adding to the already high immersion of the game. I would honestly say this is probably the best game I've ever played.

As someone who has been unable to sit and play a single player game for the past 3 years (I think my last was Skyrim from release until like March 2012) I would say my review would be very telling of this game. I loved it. You don't know me but I don't praise games. Ever. I never feel like a fan of a game, I just play them because I have nothing better to do. The Last of Us was different, everything about it was perfect, the gameplay was fitting and fun, the graphics were great for a console game that isn't all that new, the environment was beautifully crafted, the characters were lifelike and human in their character, the story was beautiful and not once did it bore me, there wasn't a single mission or area that I just hated like there is in every other game. On harder difficulty levels ammo is basically non-existent and makes the game a decent challenge, especially as Ellie when you have to fight infected. The feel of the game is very The Walking Dead, but I must say that The Last of Us is a much better game than The Walking Dead is a TV show (TWD isn't bad but it isn't exactly a noteworthy TV show). All in all, I would highly recommend this game.... just don't try it online. 9.5/10

I don't play as many video games anymore these days and my threshold has gone up significantly over the years. I was also reluctant to play a long drawn out story which didn't look like would have a ton of action. I was completely wrong. This is one of the best games I've ever played in over twenty years. Probably top 10 ever (the awards speak for themselves). I've literally got emotionally attached to the characters and their story. And I looked forward to coming home after work and playing it when my wife and baby were asleep. It was like watching a really great movie (or a show that you love and want to keep watching). And the game play and graphics and music and just the whole experience is top notch. There's been enough said by others about the technicals which are really awesome. What I liked the most was the story and the characters. Literally reminded me of a book or a movie that I loved reading or watching and really falling in love with the characters and their stories. I was sad to have finished the game!!! I mean seriously, these developers and their whole team have done a superb job. If there were oscars for video games and best screen play, best cinematography, etc this game would certainly win them all. Terrific game. Great job to the whole team and wish you make more games like it!