Summary
- The Last of Us Part 2's No Return roguelike mode offers a refreshing twist on the genre by blending stealth and survival-horror gameplay mechanics.
- The inclusion of iconic characters in No Return adds variety, and a similar approach could be taken in a roguelike mode for Ghost of Tsushima 2.
- Ghost of Tsushima's less restrictive and more fantastical world opens the door for unique combat and traversal tools, as well as potential narrative content in a roguelike mode.
Following the surprisingly robust Valhalla game mode for God of War Ragnarok, Sony has gone on to release a roguelike mode for The Last of Us Part 2, leading some to speculate as to whether the company will continue this trend with other first-party exclusives. As PlayStation fans prepare for a potential follow-up to Ghost of Tsushima, it's worth wondering how the intense roguelike gameplay of The Last of Us Part 2 could be adapted to Sucker Punch's historical action-adventure IP.
The No Return roguelike mode for The Last of Us 2's remaster offers a unique twist on the seemingly ubiquitous genre. Though there are exceptions, the most popular roguelike games feature fast-paced, nonstop action, but since No Return operates within the confines of the already established Last of Us 2 combat mechanics, things are a little bit different. The Last of Us 2's gameplay is focused on stealth and survival-horror fundamentals—two game design pillars that are rarely found in roguelikes. This makes No Return something of a genre cocktail that is refreshing and strange, but also filled with potential and could be the launching pad for other, similar concoctions.
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered Makes Great Use of the PS5's Unsung Hero
The PS5 is still a powerhouse of a console almost four years later, and there's one unsung PS5 hero that shines in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.
How Ghost of Tsushima 2 Could Iterate on TLOU2's No Return
Ghost of Tsushima 2's Roguelike Mode Could Offer Varied Playstyles
One of the most exciting elements of No Return is its roster of iconic Last of Us characters. Those playing the post-launch mode can fill the roles of not just Abby, Ellie, and Joel, but other much-loved (or much-maligned) characters, such as Mel, Tommy, and Jesse. With Ghost of Tsushima introducing players to a similarly well-written and intriguing supporting cast, this same sort of variety could be achieved in a roguelike of its own.
No Return is somewhat limited when it comes to offering truly varied gameplay styles through its different playable characters, though. This can be partially attributed to the modern and grounded style of The Last of Us, as the physicality and particular skills possessed by each playable character are de-emphasized. Since Ghost of Tsushima is a samurai game, it could overcome this issue of sameness. For example, playing as a bulky warrior like Khotun Khan would feel different from playing as someone like Ishikawa, who favors long-distance methods like archery and throwing knives.
The World of Ghost of Tsushima Is Less Restrictive than The Last of Us
A major difference between The Last of Us and Ghost of Tsushima is that the latter is less afraid to wade into more fantastical waters. Whether it's through the psychedelic substances of Iki Island or the more abject supernatural forces found in the Legends multiplayer mode, a roguelike based on Ghost of Tsushima could certainly offer some otherworldly combat and traversal tools, which players could engage with through typical roguelike progression systems. Sucker Punch is no stranger to superhuman gameplay mechanics, so some more out-there character abilities could be well-integrated within Ghost of Tsushima 2's design.
Aside from making gameplay more varied and unique, subtle or explicit fantasy elements could play a role in the premise of the roguelike mode. Ghost of Tsushima 2 could, for example, use the psychedelics of Iki Island as the justification for the alternate mode, pulling a similar move as the God of War Ragnarok Valhalla DLC and opening the door to new, meaningful narrative content. This is a luxury that isn't afforded to the strictly realistic Last of Us 2.
By learning from the strengths and weaknesses of No Return, a theoretical roguelike mode in Ghost of Tsushima 2 could be a welcome addition to the game. Of course, the post-launch roguelike modes of Ragnarok and The Last of Us Part 2 could be the last of their kind in single-player Sony games. But if more are on the way, Ghost of Tsushima 2 seems like a good candidate.
The Last Of Us Part II Remastered
- Released
- January 19, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
EXPERIENCE ELLIE AND ABBY'S EMOTIONAL JOURNEYS, REMASTERED FOR PS5 Play the winner of over 300 Game of the Year awards, remastered for the PlayStation®5 console. Relive or play for the first time Ellie and Abby’s story, now with graphical enhancements, new gameplay modes like the roguelike survival experience No Return, full DualSense® wireless controller integration, and more. Five years after their dangerous journey across the post-pandemic United States, Ellie and Joel have settled down in Jackson, Wyoming. Living amongst a thriving community of survivors has allowed them peace and stability, despite the constant threat of the infected and other, more desperate survivors. When a violent event disrupts that peace, Ellie embarks on a relentless journey to carry out justice and find closure.
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Developer(s)
- Naughty Dog
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Franchise
- The Last of Us
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
