The Last of Us Part I Review: A Remastered Masterpiece

After I finished watching season 1 of HBO’s The Last of Us, I wondered how good the game it must have been to release a whole TV Series for it. I’ve purchased the remastered version of The Last of Us Part I, finished the storyline, and completed it for a second time with Game+, and here’s everything there is to know.

What is The Last of Us Part I?

Originally released in 2013 on the PS3 (I know, ancient history!), this remade version brings a fresh coat of paint and much more to the PS5 and PCs. But it’s not your typical post-apocalyptic game, oh no, the other way around, as the game sees the wild world of America full of infected fungus-faced monsters and other people who want to harm you.

Whether you’ve watched the TV Show or played the older version of the same game, the remastered title is so much better than many would have thought, and it’s so worth playing. The company behind this masterpiece is called Naughty Dog, and unlike many other gaming developers, they’ve created a game that’s worth every penny (although I bit expensive).

The publisher behind the game is Sony Interactive Entertainment, and the remastered version of the 2013 remake was released on September 2, 2022, for PlayStation 5 and on March 28, 2023, for PCs. In this review, I’ll be talking about the remastered version, as I haven’t played the original 2013 title.

It’s all about the game’s storyline

In “The Last of Us: Part I,” the main character is Joel. Before the outbreak, Joel was a single father living in Texas with his daughter, Sarah, which is the first character that players will play when the game begins. Once you complete the first part, the game will then be set twenty years into the future, where Joel is a smuggler in a post-apocalyptic world.

Joel has been tasked with a simple – yet not that simple – task: To escort Ellie, a young and snarky 14-year-old girl who seems to be immune to the infection, across the country. Their mission is to find the Fireflies, a revolutionary group trying to restore democracy and find a cure for the Cordyceps infection.

During their journey, players will quickly understand that Clicker, the plant-like zombies, it’s not just the monsters that pose a threat, humans are (as always) pretty terrible too. With beautiful (yet deadly) environments, hostile survivors, and Clickers in every corner, this is an absolute masterpiece worth playing both day and night.

Gameplay: Stealth, Shooting, and Screaming (Mostly Screaming)

Unlike other games that I’ve played in the past, The Last of Us Part I had a different gameplay, especially when it comes to shooting, finding weapons and bullets, and later upgrading them for faster reloading and shooting, increased range, and more. The best part comes with aiming, which I found a bit difficult and exciting at the same time, and has nothing to do, let’s say, with games such as the Call of Duty titles. Not that kind of shooting.

The game truly shines in its tension-filled stealth mechanics, which are all about being as careful, smart, and stealthy as you can. Walking very slowly and sneaking behind enemies and Clickers is arguably one of the best things about this game. Every encounter feels like a puzzle. Should you sneak by the enemies, taking them down one by one with a well-placed shiv, or go in guns blazing and risk waking up every Clicker within a 10-mile radius?

Combat is intense and often nerve-wracking. You’ll scavenge for supplies to craft makeshift weapons, health kits, and Molotov cocktails. The game forces you to think strategically because resources are limited, nothing says panic like realizing you’re out of ammo while a Bloater (think: a giant fungal tank of death) is charging at you. This scarcity makes every bullet count, and there’s an undeniable thrill in narrowly escaping a horde with only a brick and your survival instincts.

But it’s not all about combat. There are quieter moments of exploration where you can take in the dilapidated beauty of the world. From abandoned suburbs overtaken by nature to creepy, claustrophobic tunnels, every environment tells a story. The pacing is fantastic, alternating between high-tension battles and calmer, more introspective segments.

And then there are the memorable “Ellie and Joel moments” where their relationship deepens, often with a heartwarming – or heartwrenching – conversation. Those were some of the best moments of the whole campaign, it was like watching a movie or being the main character in one. Many of those moments reminded me of various scenes from the TV Show, as it’s closely based on the actual story and events of the original game.

Graphics: A Beautiful and Terrifying World

This remake truly shines in the graphics department. Naughty Dog has gone all out to make this version a visual masterpiece, and it’s like they gave the game a spa day, facial, and brand-new wardrobe. The environments aren’t just beautiful to look at, they become one with you and are all interesting to explore.

The crumbling buildings, overgrown streets, shadowy alleys, and even the sounds are stunning both on the PS5 and PC, with lighting that doesn’t disappoint. Rays of sunlight keep piercing through the clouds in the abandoned cities, while the underground and dark places are all about using your flashlight to see where to go – and that’s all you need for a great post-apocalyptic world.

I’m not going to get too deep when it comes to the differences between the classic and remastered versions, but looking at various of images and videos online, I can arguably say that there are many significant improvements and upgrades with the newest version. The sounds have also been improved and the voice acting feels even more powerful in the remastered title, which is exactly what every older player will feel like.

Whether you’re exploring the ruins of civilization or sneaking through a dark basement filled with spores, the graphics help build an oppressive atmosphere. It’s a world you’ll want to soak in (from a safe distance), yet it’s as visually haunting as it is beautiful.

Game+ Mode: Ready for Round Two?

Once you’ve finished the roughly 15-20 hour campaign (depending on how stealthy or… not-stealthy you are), you can jump back into the action with New Game+ mode.

For the uninitiated, New Game+ lets you replay the story while keeping all the gear and upgrades you acquired in your first playthrough. This is great for players who want to experience the story again but with a more powerful Joel, who doesn’t have to rely on his fists so much.

New Game+ is also a perfect way to explore different playstyles. Did you spend your first run as a sneaky assassin, shivving enemies left and right? Now’s your chance to go all Rambo with a fully upgraded shotgun. And since this game’s world is packed with hidden notes, Easter eggs, and environmental storytelling, going back for another round often reveals things you missed the first time.

It’s like getting a second serving of cake. Sure, you already had a taste, but you’re not gonna say no to one more piece, are you?

Platforms and Availability

Originally, this game was exclusive to PlayStation, but the Part I remake is now available on both PS5 and PC. If you’ve been itching to experience this masterpiece but were trapped in the world of keyboard-and-mouse, now’s your chance.

The port for PCs brings the same visual enhancements but with the added benefit of modding possibilities. Fancy a low-gravity Ellie? Want Joel to be able to throw Molotovs like a baseball pitcher? While the mods aren’t officially supported, we all know the PC community has a wild imagination.

Developers and Their Magic: Naughty Dog Does It Again

Naughty Dog has a history of creating narrative-driven experiences that push the boundaries of gaming, and they’ve outdone themselves with this remake. They’re known for their attention to detail and immersive worlds, whether it’s “Uncharted” or “The Last of Us.”

Every part of the game, from the smallest visual detail to the subtle dialogue between characters, shows their dedication to storytelling as a craft.

The development team worked hard to ensure this remake wasn’t just a simple remaster, but a rebuild of the game that uses the full power of modern consoles. And boy, does it show. This isn’t a lazy cash grab; it’s a genuine attempt to refine an already exceptional game for a new audience.

Graphics, UI, and Settings: Polished to Perfection

The UI in The Last of Us Part I is intuitive and sleek, allowing you to seamlessly navigate your inventory, crafting menu, and settings without ever breaking the immersion. The heads-up display (HUD) is minimalistic, keeping your screen uncluttered so you can fully absorb the world around you. Need to swap weapons? Done. Craft a shiv mid-fight? Easy. The fluidity of the interface makes gameplay smoother than ever.

Settings-wise, the game is incredibly accessible. Whether you’re tweaking difficulty, turning on assist modes, or adjusting the game’s impressive array of accessibility options (visual aids, control remapping, audio descriptions – the works), it’s clear Naughty Dog wanted as many people as possible to enjoy their creation.

On PS5, the game also takes advantage of the system’s power to include options for 4K resolution, performance modes, and ray tracing, making the world even more immersive.

Final Thoughts: Worth the Journey?

Absolutely! Whether you’re a newcomer or a returning fan, The Last of Us Part I is a masterclass in game design, narrative, and emotional impact. It’s not just a game, it’s an experience that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

Sure, it’s a familiar story for some, but the polish, upgrades, and raw emotional weight of it make it worth every second. Just be ready for those gut-wrenching moments… and maybe play with a box of tissues nearby.