Sony has officially announced that The Last of Us Part II will be making its way to the PlayStation 5 on January 19, 2024.
This remastered edition of the popular post-apocalyptic zombie adventure promises to deliver an upgraded gaming experience, featuring enhanced loading times, 4K graphics in Fidelity mode, and seamless integration with the PS5's DualSense wireless controller.
"The team here at Naughty Dog is excited to announce The Last of Us Part II Remastered, the definitive way to experience the acclaimed The Last of Us sequel originally released in 2020," the company said in an official statement.
"We're thrilled to confirm you won't have to wait long for it either; players can jump into Ellie and Abby's emotional journeys on the PlayStation 5 console on January 19, 2024."
New Modes and Features
A notable addition is the introduction of the "No Return" mode, described as a roguelike survival experience. This mode challenges players with randomized encounters, offering a fresh take on The Last of Us Part II's combat dynamics. With various playable characters, players can navigate through stealth and combat encounters with unexpected twists.
For enthusiasts of the playable guitar sections in the game, the remastered edition introduces the "Guitar Free Play" mode. This feature allows players to strum across various unlockable instruments, use audio FX pedals to modulate their performance and play as different characters in different in-game locations, customizing the mood and feel of their musical set.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered offers an extensive exploration of its development and mechanics through the inclusion of "Lost Levels." While not fully finished levels, these segments, complete with embedded developer commentary, provide a unique glimpse into Part II's world and the creative process behind it.
The game also boasts enhanced visuals, including native 4K output in Fidelity Mode, improved shadow quality, animation sampling rate, and more. These improvements aim to bring the world of Part II's story to life with richer and smoother detail, from the snow-swept mountains of Jackson, Wyoming, to the rainy cityscape of Seattle, Washington.
Taking full advantage of the PS5's capabilities, the remastered edition promises improved loading times and incorporates the DualSense wireless controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for a more immersive gaming experience.
When Will Pre-Orders Start?
Existing owners of The Last of Us Part II on PlayStation 4 can upgrade to the digital version of The Last of Us Part II Remastered for $10 USD at launch, with the ability to import their saves from the original game.
Pre-orders for The Last of Us Part II Remastered, as well as The Last of Us Part II Remastered W.L.F. Edition, will be available starting December 5.
The W.L.F. Edition, exclusive to select markets, 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.
