Naughty Dog has released a surprise update for The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered that adds a novel "Chronological Experience" mode, a brand-new way to experience the game's story. Available now on both PS5 and PC, the feature arrives as part of a free update that also includes bonus content and gameplay tweaks for The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.
When The Last of Us Part 2 first launched in 2020, its complex, non-linear storytelling format attracted both criticism and praise in enormous quantities. The Last of Us Part 2 plays a lot with time and chronology, alternating between protagonists Ellie and Abby and weaving in emotionally charged flashbacks. This structure was central to Naughty Dog's storytelling philosophy for The Last of Us Part 2, designed to maximize the emotional impact of character revelations and thematic beats.
Interview: The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered Devs Go Behind the Scenes on PC Port
The Best War Games sits down with Naughty Dog and Nixxes to discuss what went into The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered's PC release.
However, some fans have long wondered what the experience would be like if it unfolded linearly, and others even find The Last of Us Part 2's story difficult to follow due to this exact approach. Naughty Dog has now catered to them with the new Chronological Experience mode in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered's latest update on PS5 and PC, which restructures the game's story so that events unfold from beginning to end in timeline order. Players will now see Joel gift Ellie her guitar before she learns to play, and follow the events in Seattle with a clearer understanding of how closely Ellie and Abby's paths cross.
Alongside the Chronological Mode, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered Adds Uncharted-Inspired Cosmetics
Collaboratively developed by Naughty Dog and porting experts Nixxes Software, Chronological Experience is touted as a "fascinating new way" to enjoy The Last of Us Part 2's story, with new trophies for completing the game in this mode as well. Additionally, the update enhances The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered's roguelike No Return mode by introducing two new character skins, which come from none other than the Uncharted series. Players can now equip Joel with Nathan Drake's iconic blue Henley shirt, shoulder holster, and brown pants, while Tommy receives an outfit styled after Sam Drake. Numerous bug fixes and performance improvements across PS5 and PC are also included in the update.
Interestingly, Naughty Dog has cautioned first-time The Last of Us Part 2 players against jumping straight into the remaster's Chronological Experience mode, and instead recommends experiencing the game's story "as was originally developed." This, then, is purely for the fans who are well-acquainted with The Last of Us Part 2's story, and it should be interesting to see what they think of everything unfolding chronologically. While the surprise update for The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is more than welcome, there's quite a lot of anticipation bubbling around Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, Naughty Dog's next game. With the studio celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, only time will tell if it drops some new details about Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet over the coming months.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 89 /100 Critics Rec: 90%
- Released
- January 19, 2024
- 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
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
