The Last of Us’ rumored PlayStation 5 remake has divided fans, but such a game would be a solid addition to the console’s lineup.
The Last of Us is rumored to be receiving a remake on PlayStation 5, with a possible release during the 2022 holiday season. The first Last of Us game is beloved, and rumors of a remake just nine years after its original release have taken the community by surprise. Some gamers question the value of remaking the Naughty Dog classic less than a decade after it launched, but despite these concerns, there would be some value for gamers and Sony alike with a new version of The Last of Us.
The latest version of The Last of Us is the remastered edition in 2014 for PlayStation 4, which features improved visuals and 60 frames per second gameplay. Rumors of a remake have been circling since 2021, and the latest reports suggest a remade Last of Us will launch this year. While controversial, but there are some positive aspects to consider regarding a Last of Us remake for PlayStation 5.
First, a remake could draw attention to the upcoming HBO television adaptation of The Last of Us. The series is reportedly launching in 2023, so releasing a remake at the tail end of 2022 could build hype for the show. Since the first season is set to cover events from the first game, a remake would act as a reminder of the key events of the critically-acclaimed storyline and encourage existing fans to check out the TV series.
A remake could also serve as something of a palette cleanser after the divisive reaction to The Last of Us Part II. While the 2020 sequel was well-received by critics, some fans disliked certain characters and story elements. A remake of the beloved first game could re-engage fans who were disappointed by the sequel and have moved away from the series in its wake.
A remake of The Last of Us could be an opportunity for the developer to bring in gameplay changes that were introduced in its sequel. The Last of Us Part II introduced major additions, such as a dedicated jump button and dodging, alongside new enemy types and upgrade branches. The combat in Part II is more open and allows for player experimentation, and it would be interesting to see how these changes affect the original title's gameplay loop.
Another change a remake could bring from TLOU2 are its semi-open-world sections, which provided more content for players to explore. While The Last of Us contains some relatively open areas, some chapters could easily be expanded in a remake. Even more open levels like Bill's Town, Pittsburgh, and the University could be even more impressive with an expanded scope akin to TLOU2's Seattle sections. With expanded gameplay and gameplay environments, a Last of Us remake could feel fresh.
Additionally, a Last of Us remake launching holiday 2022 could be important for PlayStation itself. While God of War: Ragnarok is still said to be launching this year, the lack of a firm release date and delays for games like Starfield have fans worried it will also be pushed into 2023. If it doesn't launch this year, PlayStation would be without a major first-party release for the back half of 2022. The Last of Us remake would be a safe bet for Sony thanks to its name recognition, and it would have the potential to be a big seller over the holiday period.
While its existence remains unconfirmed, a Last of Us remake would ultimately be a good move for PlayStation that could provide an enjoyable new take on a modern classic. With gameplay additions inspired by The Last of Us Part II, a fresh take on the original could deliver hype for the upcoming HBO show while bringing gamers back to the franchise's roots. With The Last of Us Part III likely on the horizon as well, the remake could act as the starting point of the franchise's revitalization.
Paul is a Gaming Features Writer at CBR with over two years of experience. His work has been featured on Game Rant and WhatCulture over the last few years. As a lifelong gamer, it’s a dream come true for him to have the opportunity to write about gaming. Paul is currently working on finishing a Masters’s in Journalism, and when he occasionally has some free time, he dives head first into in-depth RPG games like Pillars of Eternity and Baldur’s Gate and continues his journey of getting good at Elden Ring.
