This is a comprehensive remake of a critically acclaimed narrative-driven adventure game, rebuilt from the ground up for modern hardware. It transports players to a post-apocalyptic United States, twenty years after a devastating fungal pandemic has transformed much of humanity into aggressive, infected creatures. Players step into the shoes of Joel, a hardened survivor tasked with escorting Ellie, a young girl who may hold the key to humanity's survival, across a dangerous and unforgiving landscape.

The remake meticulously recreates the original experience, focusing on delivering its powerful story and character development with enhanced visual fidelity and updated gameplay mechanics. It aims to provide a faithful reproduction of the original's emotional core while incorporating modern advancements to deepen immersion and accessibility.

Story and Setting

The narrative unfolds in a world ravaged by a Cordyceps fungus outbreak, which has decimated civilization and left survivors struggling against both the infected and desperate human factions. The journey follows Joel and Ellie as they navigate quarantine zones, abandoned cities, and wilderness, encountering a variety of threats. The atmosphere is characterized by a sense of desolation, tension, and the enduring struggle for survival, emphasizing the emotional toll of loss and the bonds that form in extreme circumstances.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

Gameplay blends third-person shooting with survival-horror elements. Players must manage limited resources, scavenge for ammunition and crafting materials, and strategically engage enemies. Stealth is often a crucial component, allowing players to bypass or ambush threats. The crafting system enables the creation of essential items like health kits and Molotov cocktails. Combat is designed to be visceral and impactful, reflecting the scarcity of resources and the brutality of the world.

What are the key enhancements in this remake?

This version represents a significant technical overhaul of the original game. Visuals have been completely reimagined with advanced rendering techniques, including improved lighting, detailed environments, and more lifelike character models. The game also features modernized gameplay, incorporating updated controls and AI behavior to enhance the player experience. Audio has been refined, with a focus on immersive sound design and a re-recorded musical score. Furthermore, expanded accessibility options have been implemented, allowing a wider range of players to enjoy the game's narrative and gameplay.

Preservation vs. Change

The remake remains faithful to the original game's narrative structure, character arcs, and overall pacing. The core story, dialogue, and key plot points are preserved. Gameplay mechanics have been modernized rather than fundamentally altered, ensuring the familiar feel of the original while benefiting from contemporary design principles. This includes refinements to movement, combat, and AI, aiming to create a more fluid and responsive experience.

Added Content

This edition includes the "Left Behind" story DLC, which serves as a prequel chapter focusing on Ellie's past. No other significant content has been added or removed compared to the original game's main campaign and its included expansion.

Available Platforms and Release Information

This game was released on September 2, 2022, and is available on PlayStation 5 and PC (Microsoft Windows).

What makes this game unique?

The game's distinctiveness lies in its mature and character-driven narrative, which explores themes of loss, morality, and the complex relationship between Joel and Ellie. The gameplay emphasizes strategic survival and resource management within a richly detailed and atmospheric post-apocalyptic setting. The remake's focus on visual and technical fidelity aims to present this acclaimed experience with unprecedented clarity and immersion.