Now, that is an fascinating sport to assessment. Solely 5 years since its authentic launch, The Final of Us Half 2 Remastered is right here. A sport you swear you solely performed a short time in the past, again with a vengeance. Phrase on the road is it is shinier than final time, with some further goodies added to tempt you and your pockets into the fray.
However is it value taking part in the sport once more on PC for people who have already invested time in it earlier than? What about those that’ll end the brand new season of the HBO present and have to decide on between this remaster or the unique package deal? I used to be skeptical at first, leaning into the camp of these unconvinced that such a contemporary sport wanted freshening up, I’ve obtained to say it is a excellent improve to the unique package deal.
TLOU2 is a cinematic story of vengeance and the price of single-minded revenge, masterfully exploring the psychological (and bodily) value of searching for justice in a world the place such ideas not exist. It is visually attractive, throwing gamers right into a derelict, pessimistic USA, overtaken by nature, the place outdated societies and their norms have lengthy since died. The sport is aware of it seems good, too. You are given ample time to take all of it in, your journey accompanied by wonderful performances and emotionally charged dialogue that forces you to care in regards to the characters and their struggles.
In your fingers, it is a implausible testomony to violence. The fight itself is brutal. Gunshot wounds rupture individuals in a really actual, borderline-uncomfortable vogue. This sends their buddies frantically ducking behind cowl whereas crying out the names of the lifeless. You are rewarded for utilizing your mind in The Final of Us Half 2 – operating and gunning is enjoyable, however expensive. Taking a extra methodical strategy, managing your sources and selecting off foes one after the other, is extremely morish. I felt drawn to the motion with the identical ferocity as I did half a decade in the past; there is no different sport doing this fairly pretty much as good as Naughty Canine even right now.
So. All this was nice in 2020, and it is nonetheless nice now. What The Final of Us 2 Remastered on PC brings to the desk is available in two components: technical enhancements and new methods to play, just like the rogue-like sport mode: No Return. Each carry added worth to the sport, even in the event you’ve performed it earlier than (say, on PS4 Professional, in the course of the pandemic – this new model is best, particularly in the event you’ve obtained a juicy PC). 5 years is not too way back, actually, so The Final of Us 2 Remastered inevitably has to work more durable to persuade of us to purchase it when a less expensive copy of the sport will be grabbed at your native gaming retailer on PS4. Particularly when that cheaper copy that largely will present the identical expertise.
Let’s contact on these technical enhancements, first. Trying higher and with faster loading occasions, it is all actually a welcome addition. Even for myself – somebody who, frankly, remains to be completely pleased with how the unique sport seems and performs – it is one thing you discover. I imply hey, in the event you’re paying for a remastered model of the sport, you’d hope so proper? The sport does take a while to compile shaders between new settings, one thing that is not an enormous deal throughout the principle story, however actually is a extra outstanding presence taking part in No Return. Should you’ve obtained a correct nuts PC, it’s best to see the sport at its sharpest.
It isn’t all peachy. Throughout my time taking part in the sport, I bumped into a number of crashes, and a momentary freeze right here and there. For me, crashing came about once I tried crafting stuff, and it was an actual bummer. Fortunately the sport checkpoints you effectively, so not a lot progress is misplaced every time, it is nonetheless not one thing you wish to see from a giant finances triple-A remaster. I am not taking part in on a potato both, so this will very effectively be one thing gamers must confront making their means by the story.
As for these further modes, whereas the choice to speedrun the sport and strum away at guitar in free play are each good touches, the true star is No Return. It had lots using on its shoulders, being the principle draw for many who had already performed the sport and did not actually fancy sitting by the story once more. On this mode, you choose a personality and take off by numerous ranges, gathering crafting materials and combating to your life. Once you full a mission, you are given scrap, dietary supplements, and foreign money to improve your “construct” to raised energy by the run.
This mode is an absolute scorcher. The way in which it thrusts you into difficult encounters, throws randomized weapons at you so every run is totally different, and would not shrink back from sticking you in an actual jam is absurdly enjoyable. I consider the Remaster ought to get factors for implementing this further exercise in a means that does not really feel ham-fisted. It isn’t an afterthought. It is a significant addition to the sport and, as somebody who performed the 2020 model, I have to admit, an even bigger draw than really taking part in the story itself as of late.
Particular shout out to all of the challenges, enjoyable unlockable cosmetics, and understanding nods to each The Final of Us Half 1 and a pair of by way of playable characters. You begin with Ellie and Abby, protags of Half 2, however can get your fingers on extra gamers than that. I shan’t spoil who right here, although, and I might completely suggest you observe the recommendation the sport offers you and beat the story first if that is your first time round.
Should you’ve performed the unique model of Half 2, and wish to expertise it once more in an envigorating means, this PC re-release good for that. Should you’ve by no means touched the sport earlier than in any kind, it is an important alternative to hop on board. The timing, with The Final of Us Season 2 about to hit HBO, is right.
