The Last of Us Part II Remastered: Leaked Gameplay & Screenshots Confirm We Didn't Need A Remaster

As the remastered version of The Last of Us 2 approaches release, we delve into an analysis to show you what the update has in store for you and determine if this edition is worth your money.

Last of Us 2 Leak
Last of Us 2 leaks show gameplay. | © Naughty Dog

Fans of The Last of Us Part 2 eagerly waiting for the remaster that will be released on January 19 expect significant enhancements. Key interests include upgraded graphics and audio, ensuring the game leverages the advanced capabilities of the PlayStation 5.

Fans are particularly curious about potential improvements in texture details, lighting effects, and overall resolution, aiming for an even more immersive experience. There's also anticipation for smoother frame rates, faster loading times, and new content like different Trophies.

While all these are fair to wish for when it comes to a remastered version, we've now seen the first screenshots and gameplay that are leaked – and we can't help but wonder why you should buy this version, really.

Last of Us Part 2 Remaster Leaks Look Like Expected

Reddit user Terioss65 shared a collection of these leaks on January 14. Upon examination, the improvements, particularly in the graphics, appear subtle.

This remaster stands in contrast to the Last of Us Part 1 remake, which was a major overhaul of the original game from 2013. A remake typically involves significant changes to technology and gameplay, while a remaster focuses on graphical improvements.And when it comes to those we wouldn't really need Abby and Ellie in different looks to enjoy the story or the gameplay to be honest.

Ellie skins last of us 2 leak
Different skins for Ellie in The Last of Us Part II Remastered. | © Naughty Dog

Last of Us 2 Remaster Gameplay Leak Shows What To Expect In Terms Of Graphics

We also can see a first glimpse of what the new gameplay looks like with this Bloater boss fight. But let's be honest once more: this doesn't look like way better than the original game.

The second part of TLoU came out in 2020 – so instead of buying the new one now, you can also go for the original. There are however some features that sound cool, we'll list them below the video.

Early Bloater Boss TLOU 2 REMASTER by u/Teriosss65 in playstation

Last of Us Part 2: Most Important Modes & Features

Before deciding for yourself if it was really necessary to remaster the original game, here are the most important features that come with the updated version:

  • Native PS5 Enhancements (including native 4K in Fidelity Mode and 1440p upscaled to 4K in Performance Mode)
  • No Return – A Roguelike Survival Mode (choose your path through a series of randomized encounters featuring different foes and memorable locations from throughout The Last of Us Part II, all culminating in tense boss battles)
  • New Ways To Play (Three new levels not seen in the original The Last of Us Part II: Sewers, Jackson Party and Boar Hunt. Brand new unlockable character and weapon skins for players to use for both Ellie and Abby)
  • Graphical Improvements And Full DualSense Wireless Controller Support (increased texture resolution, increased Level-of-Detail distances, improved shadow quality, animation sampling rate, and more)
Last of us part 2 mode
Last of Us Part II will feature a roguelike mode. | © Naugthy Dog

Priced at $50, the remaster might be worthwhile for those who haven't played the original. Yet, some argue that new modes like "No Return" could have been released as DLC instead of requiring a full game upgrade.

Ultimately, the value of the three new levels and other enhancements will determine the remaster's appeal.

Lukas Scherbaum

The head of the EA Sports FC 24 category has played every FIFA since FIFA 04. In FC 24 you can find him mainly in Ultimate Team, but he is also a big fan of Career Mode, Clubs and VOLTA. Before joining EarlyGame, he worked for the German sports website Sport1 and as a gaming journalist for Kicker eSport....