While we all wait for Naughty Dog’s next big thing, the nearly forty-year-old gaming company has kept itself busy on what is arguably its magnum opus, The Last of Us Part II Remastered. While many criticised the content contained within the sprawling storyline, a few took issue with the oftentimes choppy, non-linear storytelling. If they did, they probably just weren’t paying attention.
Either way, Naughty Dog has delivered yet another update for Part II that’ll allow players to experience the game chronologically, as never before. The new ‘Chronological mode’ is part of a free update, reserved for owners of the more expensive Remastered version (because of course it is). Naughty Dog makes it clear this mode is intended for returning players hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the story, and isn’t aimed at new players.
Again, this time from the top
“It was no small feat to bring The Last of Us Part II’s story chronologically together, given that Part II’s story is so meticulously put together. We’re grateful to the developers both at Naughty Dog and our partners at Nixxes to make the Chronological mode as smooth as possible,” said ND’s Jonathon Dornbush.
“And while we of course recommend players still new to the game to play through Part II’s story as was originally developed, the team’s hard work has paid off with a fascinating new way to enjoy this chapter.”
Read More: What2Watch: The Last of Us
Personally, we’re still drawn to Part II’s intended structure, with the perfectly-spaced narrative beats arriving right on cue to deliver yet another gut-wrenching punch to the stomach. Even so, we can’t deny that a chronological mode would, in theory, make for a dramatically more interesting replay. Seeing just how intertwined Ellie and Abby’s stories could make for a more heightened sense of dread in this manner.
Part II’s chronological mode doesn’t just change up the story beats. It adds new trophies for players trying to play this way, explaining why Joel and Tommy are cosplaying as Nathan and Sam Drake. Upon completion of this new mode, players will be gifted these outfits that can be used in The Last of Us Part II Remastered’s No Return mode. The update is out for PS5 and PC, bringing with it a host of bug fixes and performance improvements.
