When The Last of Us first launched in 2013, it was hailed as a landmark in storytelling, atmosphere, and emotional depth for video games. Nearly a decade later, The Last of Us Part I on PlayStation 5 serves as a full remake, rebuilt from the ground up to take advantage of modern hardware. The result is a strikingly beautiful and technically impressive reintroduction to Joel and Ellie’s harrowing journey—but one that might feel more essential to newcomers than longtime fans.
Visuals and Presentation
The PS5 remake delivers an enormous leap in graphical fidelity compared to the original and even the 2014 Remastered version. Character models are more lifelike, with subtle facial animations that enhance the already powerful performances. Environments brim with detail—overgrown streets, decaying buildings, and flickering firelight make the world feel both dangerous and hauntingly beautiful.
The game also benefits from reworked lighting, improved textures, and increased density in environmental detail, making exploration feel richer. DualSense integration adds immersion, with haptic feedback during tense moments and adaptive triggers for weapons.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Core gameplay remains true to the original: tense stealth, weighty gunplay, and resource management that constantly remind players of the fragility of survival. The AI has been improved, with enemies and companions acting more realistically. Ellie in particular feels more capable, no longer standing awkwardly in enemy sightlines during stealth encounters.
However, while combat feels refined, it doesn’t reinvent itself. The absence of gameplay mechanics introduced in The Last of Us Part II—such as going prone or dodging—may leave some players wondering why these weren’t incorporated.
Story and Emotion
At its heart, The Last of Us Part I tells the same story that captivated millions: Joel, a hardened survivor, escorts Ellie, a girl immune to the Cordyceps infection, across a ruined United States. The narrative remains one of gaming’s most emotional and well-acted, with moments of quiet humanity balanced against shocking violence.
The enhanced facial animations and environmental storytelling make the emotional beats hit harder than ever. Key cutscenes, already powerful in 2013, now feel almost cinematic in quality.
Accessibility and Extras
Naughty Dog has included robust accessibility options, following the example set by Part II. From customizable controls to visual and audio aids, the game is more approachable than ever. The inclusion of the Left Behind DLC further adds value, fleshing out Ellie’s backstory.
That said, some may be disappointed that additional modes from The Last of Us Remastered, like Factions multiplayer, are absent here.
Verdict
The Last of Us Part I is without question the definitive way to experience this story. For newcomers, it’s an absolute must-play, presenting one of gaming’s greatest narratives with modern visuals and polish. For veterans, the question of value comes down to how much you want to relive Joel and Ellie’s journey with current-gen fidelity.
It may not justify a full-price purchase for everyone, but as a showcase of PS5 hardware and as a narrative masterpiece preserved for a new generation, it stands tall.
Score: 9/10
A breathtaking remake of a modern classic—essential for first-time players, worthwhile for devoted fans, and a reminder of why The Last of Us remains one of the most impactful games ever made.
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