The Last of Us Part I Review

An in-depth analysis of Naughty Dog's post-apocalyptic remake masterpiece.

What is the game about?

The Last of Us Part I follows Joel, a smuggler operating in a post-apocalyptic United States, devastated by a mutated Cordyceps fungus outbreak. Joel is tasked with escorting Ellie, a teenage girl who is immune to the virus, to a group of resistance fighters known as the Fireflies. As they journey across decaying landscapes, they must fight both hostiles (the infected and bandits) and their own inner demons. The game is highly praised for its storytelling, characters, and emotional impact.

This PC and PS5 remake rebuilds the 2013 classic from the ground up using Naughty Dog's modern engine technology, improving character models, lighting, facial animations, and AI pathfinding to match the fidelity of Part II.

How is the game optimization?

Developed using Naughty Dog's proprietary engine, the PC port suffered from severe VRAM usage and stuttering issues at launch. However, following extensive patches, it now runs stably on modern hardware. It supports advanced features such as AMD FSR, NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution, and Frame Generation. On PlayStation 5, it runs beautifully in Performance mode targeting 60 FPS, and native 4K in Quality mode targeting 30/40 FPS.

What is the launch price?

The Last of Us Part I launched at $59.99 USD on PC and $69.99 USD on PlayStation 5. A Digital Deluxe Edition was also released for $69.99 USD (PC) and $79.99 USD (PS5).

Which edition/version to buy?

We strongly recommend buying the **Base Game**. Unlike other releases, the crucial single-player prequel expansion *Left Behind* is already fully included in the base edition of this remake. The Digital Deluxe Edition only unlocks early weapon upgrades, speedrun mode modifiers, and cosmetic filters, which can easily be earned in-game.

Rating of the game

93 / 100
(Masterpiece)

A visually stunning, emotionally crushing remake of one of the greatest video games ever told.

The Good & The Bad

The Good

  • Breathtaking cinematic graphics, animations, and unmatched voice acting.
  • Unforgettable story that stands as a narrative masterpiece.
  • Exceptional suite of accessibility options for all types of players.

The Bad

  • Heavy PC hardware requirements, particularly for high texture settings.
  • The popular Factions multiplayer mode from the original game is omitted.

Is it worth to buy the game?

Yes. If you have never played The Last of Us, this is the definitive, best way to experience it. For veterans who have played the PS3/PS4 versions, the visual upgrade is phenomenal, though it is best picked up on sale.

Discount Predictor

The game frequently hits a standard low discount of 50% off ($29.99 on PC, $34.99 on PS5). At $29.99, it is an incredible value for both new and returning players who want to experience the narrative in stunning modern fidelity.

When are major sales for this game?

You can reliably find discounts during:

  • Steam Summer / Winter Sales (June and December)
  • PlayStation Store Seasonal Sales (Mid-Year Deals, Holiday Sales)
  • Autumn Sales (November)
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