Review: The Last of Us Part I

PC Version

The long-standing rivalry between PC gamers and PlayStation owners has lasted for years. Sony has always been known for its impressive exclusives. One of the most iconic is The Last of Us, originally released in 2013 on the PlayStation 3, later remastered for PS4 and PS5. Meanwhile, PC gamers waited a decade to finally play it.

HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us generated excitement among PC players eagerly awaiting the release. For many who avoided spoilers, it was worth the wait. Finally, the PC version of one of Sony’s best exclusives arrived, but it surprised players with technical issues. Is the game worth playing on PC? Let’s find out in this detailed review of The Last of Us Part I (PC).

The Story

For PC gamers avoiding spoilers for years, here’s a brief overview of the story without major spoilers.

The game follows a fungal outbreak turning humans into zombie-like creatures that attack others to spread the infection. The protagonist, Joel, finds himself thrust into chaos. He eventually teams up with Ellie for a journey that could save humanity.

The game’s story is one of its strongest points, enhanced by real-world inspiration like cordyceps fungi. It adds a sense of realism. The adventure spans different seasons, from harsh winters to vibrant springs, making the journey visually and narratively engaging.

The characters play a crucial role in immersing players, with each leaving a significant impact. The story also explores various aspects of a post-apocalyptic world, including military control, societal collapse, and moral dilemmas, making it one of the best gaming narratives ever.

What’s New in the Remake

The remake, first released on PS5 and then adapted for PC, brought significant changes. Improved character models make animations more lifelike, and environments are richer and more detailed, utilizing the capabilities of modern hardware.

Weapon upgrades, first introduced in Part II, were added to the remake, along with quality-of-life improvements like interactive documents. AI improvements ensure enemies and allies behave more logically, addressing issues from older versions.

Graphics vs. Performance

Visually, the PC version delivers stunning graphics. However, technical problems like inconsistent frame rates and glitches overshadow its graphical fidelity. Sony offers customizable settings, but the initial experience was marred by poor optimization.

Technical Performance

Tests on high-end PCs revealed inconsistent results. While powerful setups can run the game well, mid-tier or budget PCs struggle with crashes and severe frame drops.

Naughty Dog issued apologies and released updates to address crashes and performance issues. Significant progress was made, particularly for high-end systems, but mid-range and low-end PCs still face challenges.

Conclusion

The PC version of The Last of Us Part I is not the ideal version of this iconic game. While the core story remains phenomenal, technical issues make it a risky purchase. Waiting for further patches is advisable to ensure a smoother experience.

Final Rating: 6.5/10