- The Last of Us Part 2 remaster will be released on 19 January.
- An analysis has revealed the lack of much graphical difference between the two versions.
- However, the remastered version brings more detail in subtle ways and better loading times.
The Last of Us Part 2 is still one of the best-looking games from the last generation. Despite its impressive visuals, Naughty Dog decided to make a remaster of the game last year, proving to be an unpopular move.
Following the reveal, the announcement trailer was met with dislikes on YouTube. Also, the trailer showed visuals almost identical to the PS4 version, but many hoped the final version would come with more noticeable changes.
An in-depth analysis now confirms that barely any graphical changes were made to The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.
Why it matters: Many fans still find it hard to believe that a remaster looks so close to its original version.
Digital Foundry notes that visuals across both games look nearly identical in many cases. The original game already ran at 1440p 60FPS on the PS5 after an update, and the remaster uses a similar resolution in the default settings.
Aspects like the character models, objects, and shadows look extremely similar between both versions. Improved shadows were advertised as one of the features of the remaster by PlayStation, but the analysis states that differences are not immediately obvious.
However, one major improvement has been made to foliage quality and level of detail. Foliage exhibits less pop-in in the remaster and appears sharper overall. Texture filtering is also better in this version.
However, these changes are so subtle that it is easy to miss them. Compared to the jump shown by its predecessor’s remaster, The Last of Us Part 2 does not have much to offer.
Visuals aside, there are several quality-of-life changes in this remaster. The loading times, in particular, are much better on the PS5. Where the PS4 release took over a minute to load, the remaster is usually done loading in 16-27 seconds.
Other changes include additional gameplay content, DualSense Haptical Feedback integration, and restored cut content. All of this for a $10 upgrade does not sound like a bad deal all things considered, but those already familiar with The Last of Us Part 2 might want to sit this one out.
With Naughty Dog receiving backlash for this remaster since November, the director has recently failed to identify the cause behind this negative feedback. He understands that the remaster is not too appealing for everyone but believes there is much to be gained from the overall package.
Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋
How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔
[News Reporter]
Obaid is pursuing a Law degree, while working as a content writer. He has worked as a gaming writer for over a year because of his passion for the medium and reporting the latest updates in the industry. Having played hundreds of games, Obaid finds himself coming back to Elden Ring and Red Dead Redemption 2, with these games being among his favorites. He has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as Wccftech, Metro UK, PS Lifestyle, GamePressure, VGC, and Gamespot.
