An unfortunate trend has emerged within the gaming industry, where companies release lackluster remakes or ports to extract money from devoted fans. These projects often hold a glimmer of the dream, yet they are marred by poor execution, leaving fans disillusioned. The original vision is snatched away, replaced by disappointing realities. A case in point is the polarizing reception to The Last of Us Part 1, which, upon reflection, seems less egregious compared to the recent Red Dead Redemption port.
Let’s begin by examining The Last of Us Part 1. Released in 2013 for the PlayStation 3, the game garnered critical acclaim. Its narrative follows Joel, a man who, having lost his daughter, gradually forges a paternal bond with Ellie as they traverse the country together. The game’s storytelling prowess left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. A remastered version for the PS4 arrived in 2014, subsequently made accessible on the PS5 through backward compatibility.
Following the release of The Last of Us Part 2, Naughty Dog embarked on a remake of the original to align its visuals and character designs with its sequel. Dubbed “The Last of Us Part 1,” this remake debuted in 2022 and faced criticism for its perceived superfluousness. The PlayStation 4 version still held up well, and remakes typically warrant substantial changes, as demonstrated by the transition from Demon’s Souls 2009 to Demon’s Souls 2020. The technological leap between the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 seemed insufficient to justify a remake, hinting at a potential cash grab capitalizing on the TV show adaptation.
Despite the critique, optimism lingered that The Last of Us Part 1 might incorporate new mechanics from its sequel, introduce fresh sections, and integrate DLC into the main storyline. Regrettably, it largely failed to deliver on these expectations, resembling more of a glorified remaster than a full-fledged remake.
It was a commendable “remaster.” The game was painstakingly rebuilt from the ground up for the PS5 (the PC launch was fraught with issues), resulting in enhanced character models that better-captured actors’ motion-captured performances, elevated resolution, and pristine graphics throughout every facet of the game. While these enhancements were undeniably improvements, they paled when one considers that the remastered version could already achieve 60 FPS on the PS5. Beyond technical upgrades, an extensive array of accessibility options was introduced, along with playful gameplay modifiers (such as an optional slow-motion aiming feature) and a speed run mode.
Unfortunately, it was lacking in gameplay updates. Surprisingly, the dodge mechanic from The Last of Us Part 2 was omitted, even though it significantly enhanced combat fluidity. The hope that The Last of Us Part 1 would play like Part 2 remained unfulfilled. Compounding matters, the multiplayer mode was omitted, and “Left Behind,” an expansion delving into Ellie’s formative years, was detached from the campaign, despite its seamless fit within the narrative flow. The remake’s lack of innovative gameplay and redundancy did not justify its $70 price tag.
Let’s shift to the present and explore the Red Dead Redemption port. Fans eagerly embraced rumors of a potential port, brimming with excitement. Unlike The Last of Us, Red Dead Redemption warrants a revisitation. Initially launched in 2010, the game has remained largely untouched by significant upgrades. Moreover, it holds a place among the greatest games ever, immersing players in a lifelike Western open world and affording them unparalleled freedom. Its compelling narrative culminates in one of gaming’s most iconic endings. However, this dream was tantalizingly presented and then abruptly snatched away.
In a bewildering decision, the game is not slated for a remaster or remake but is instead earmarked for a port. What’s more, it’s set to be ported to the PS4 and Switch at a $50 price point. Essentially, a decade-old game is being ushered onto the PS4 (rather than the PS5) devoid of the multiplayer component and any graphical enhancements. Ironically, the original Xbox 360 release is already backward compatible with the Xbox Series X.
Upon retrospection, we may have been overly critical of The Last of Us Part 1. At least Naughty Dog undertook the task of reimagining the game for the PS5 and implemented visual enhancements. However, this comparison does not absolve the cash-grab nature of The Last of Us Part 1. Both examples illustrate how companies can exploit consumer loyalty for financial gain. The strategy involves repackaging older games, presenting them as new, and pricing them at market rates.
Much like loot boxes, this tactic has evolved into another dubious ploy within the realm of video games. It offers a subpar manifestation of our aspirations. Imagine the prospect of experiencing a ground-up reimagining of Red Dead Redemption on the PS5, complete with updated gameplay. Instead, we are presented with a full-priced re-release. Rather than endorsing these profit-centric practices, consider revisiting your PS3 or Xbox 360 to relish Red Dead Redemption there. We ought not to settle for lackluster remakes and ports, and with hope, companies will be held accountable for such actions.
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