The Last Of Us launched on the PlayStation 3 in June 2013, and immediately met universal acclaim from critics for its bold narrative, grounded gameplay, and impeccable visual and sound design. A remastered version came out for the PlayStation 4 in 2014, but Naughty Dog decided to rebuild the game again to utilize the PlayStation 5's features in 2022, renaming it as The Last Of Us Part 1.

The Last Of Us Part 1 contains tighter gameplay, stunning visuals, and a plethora of accessibility options. These improvements have turned The Last of Us into one of the most technically-impressive games out there, but it might be hard to convince yourself that buying a game for the third time just for some shiny lighting and quicker load times is worth it.

Updated on January 7, 2024, by Kyle Chamaillard: We have updated this article to include bits about the PC port of The Last Of Us Part 1.

Review

While TheGamer decided not to give The Last Of Us Part 1 a score, writer Andy Kelly went into full detail about the pros and cons of the remake and if it was worth purchasing for full price. He praised the environmental storytelling, singular fidelity, and more, while addressing whether this remake was ultimately necessary. He said "...as you play the remake it'll occasionally dawn on you that, despite the dazzling 2022 visuals, you're still very much playing a game from 2013".

An unfortunate side effect of the remake's modern production values, however, is that it highlights how old the original game can occasionally feel. The inorganic way it uses notes and diaries scattered around the world to relay the story feels very 2010s.

Andy goes into remarkable detail about The Last of Us Part 1 and the many upgrades from the original that somehow make the adventure more immersive. Everything from crunchier snow to improved facial animations showcases the power of the PlayStation 5, and the phenomenal 3D audio and haptic feedback from the DualSense controller draw you into its world like never before.

Even if you've played through the original game multiple times, the remake provides a fresh makeover that makes everything feel new again. "As a fan of the original game, it's a delight visiting familiar locations and seeing how dramatically they've been made over...Every inch of every level, no matter how minor or fleeting, has been given an equally absurd level of attention to detail. Now the game looks like I thought it did when I played it on PS3 in 2013."

Time Expenditure

Joel and Ellie's journey across a post-apocalyptic America should take around 15 hours to complete, but there are a ton of collectibles, like Firefly pendants and comic books, to discover along the way. If you don't find everything on your first playthrough, it should take roughly 20 hours to collect everything using the chapter select function.

The Last of Us Part 1 also includes The Last of Us: Left Behind - a short campaign that follows Ellie and her friend Riley three weeks before the events of the main story. It's just as detailed and immersive as The Last Of Us, but Left Behind only takes two to three hours to collect and witness everything within it.

Cost

The Last Of Us Part 1 is currently exclusive to the PlayStation 5, and a new copy of the game will cost you $69.99 USD. The game was officially ported for the PC on March 28, 2023, and costs $59.99 USD - $10 cheaper than the PS5 version.

Used copies of The Last Of Us Part 1 will save you a bit of money, as most retailers have them listed for only $10 to $15 less than a new copy.

What Players Are Saying

An Unmissable Experience That Changed Video Game Storytelling Forever - Alpay Dedezade

Every so often, there comes a piece of fiction that forever changes how you view stories. The Last Of Us is one of those cases, elevating the medium of video games through its thoughtful and measured plot, sensitive subject matter, and outstanding cast of memorable characters. Beat by beat, the plot rarely falters and captivates you from start to finish. You are there with Joel and Ellie every step of the way, not knowing what will happen next and wishing so desperately that it will all be ok for them in the end. For those that have yet to experience the game, the PS5 remake is a no-brainer and is undoubtedly the best way to see what all the fuss is about and experience this masterpiece in all its gritty glory.

An Emotional Rollercoaster Through And Through - Gabrielle Castania

The Last Of Us has more than earned the attention and praise it's gotten since the game first launched. The story is a fresh twist on the biological apocalypse trope that prevailed in media during the late 2000s and early 2010s, with enough difference and pizzazz to make it stand clear above the rest. The characters and their stories pluck intensely at your heartstrings, meaning you're liable to shed a tear from the moment you begin the game until the second the credits roll. It's a game you'll finish and wish you could experience for the first time all over again.

A Connective Experience - Keitha Sims-Korba

It seems a little strange to say playing The Last Of Us Part 1 is excellent as a group activity, considering how intensely solitary it often feels - yet, it is. Some moments are simply better shared, whether they be deeply emotional plot beats or goofy gameplay frustrations. Having someone to unravel the story with you heightens the entire experience - even if you don't want them to see you sob. Besides, what is The Last of Us about, if not forging connections?

An Unforgettable Journey - Zoë J. Osik

I don't often replay games, but when I do, it's The Last Of Us. The story is gripping and keeps you invested every step of the way as you navigate what's left of the world. Some of the most powerful moments are where things are left unsaid, but the weight of them hangs in the air. The linear story leaves no room for choices, but it's almost comforting to know that the only way to make progress is to move forward.

A Bit Too Much For A Journey Already Tread - Jerel Levy

If you've already played The Last of Us before, dropping a whopping $70 to replay it is a bit steep. While yes, it's an emotional rollercoaster of a title, it's a 15-hour game, with a short campaign. Unless you've never played it, playing a cheaper version of the original for a fraction of the cost is the best way to go. Enjoy the details of the sequel with the haptic feedback and audio design system without spending too much on a remake.