The Last of Us Part II: Remastered Launches on PS5 – Unveiling ‘No Return’ Roguelike Survival Mode and Intense Combat

The Last of Us Part II: Remastered hits PS5 on January 19, 2024, offering new features like the ‘No Return’ roguelike survival mode. Get ready for an intense combat experience against randomly generated enemies in this acclaimed game.

According to the former Naughty Dog employee’s LinkedIn profile (via @Joanastic), Colin Freeman worked on 12 levels for the game’s new mode. This hints that players will have a wealth of at least two dozen maps to navigate, showcasing the diverse challenges highlighted in the announcement trailer.

Project: The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered (In-Development Multiplayer Project):

• Worked with the audio department to identify problem areas, integrate specific level changes, and ensure proper integration of audio assets by coordinating and performing testing guidelines.
• Assisted development team across multiple project stages through a variety of development support tasks such as placing dialogue location regions, render regions, and Navmesh.
• Created, implemented, and tested AI dialogue regions in-engine across 12 different No Return roguelike level layouts in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.
• Created, modified, and tested render regions in-engine by adjusting lighting levels to fit visual filter aesthetics throughout 135 tasks in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered story mode.
• Tested and modified extraneous audio regions, and adjusted PAT tags on surfaces and objects throughout 12 different No Return roguelike levels in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.
• Created test cases and implemented workflows with the audio QA team to assist with task tracking and monitoring overall progress.
• Trained multiple new hires individually to properly use complex audio debug tools, and about how systems such as environment, combat, AI behavior, and more affect sound. Focus on Audio Portals, Regions, and AI Behavior SFX.

The new mode includes unlockable characters like Tommy, Dina, Jesse, Lev, and Mel, each with unique traits for different playstyles. Players chart their own course in each run, facing various stealth and combat encounters with unexpected twists. More details will be revealed closer to the release. Each run offers a chance to decide on rewards, specializing characters, and unlocking more content as you progress. Players can compete globally in the Daily Race with an internet connection.

According to PlayStation, The Last of Us Part II Remastered will feature enhanced graphics, including native 4K output¹ in Fidelity Mode, 1440p upscaled to 4K¹ in Performance Mode, an unlocked framerate option for TVs that support VRR, increased texture resolution, increased level-of-detail distances, improved shadow quality, animation sampling rate, and more. It all brings the world of Part II’s story to life in richer and smoother detail, from the snow-swept mountains of Jackson, Wyoming, to the rainy cityscape of Seattle, Washington, and should make a first visit or a return trip to the complex journeys of Ellie and Abby all the more engrossing.

• ‘No Return’ introduces a roguelike survival mode.
• ‘Lost Levels’ offers playable early-dev cut levels.
• Director’s commentary is included.
• Enjoy ‘Guitar Free Play.’
• Enhanced graphics for an improved visual experience.
• £10 PS4 upgrade path is available.

PS4 players can digitally upgrade for $10, around R$50 in the current conversion. Save imports from the original PS4 game to the PS5 Remastered Part 2 are supported, potentially earning an instant platinum trophy.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered is set to launch on the PlayStation 5 console on January 19, 2024, with preorders opening on December 5, 2023.