The Last of Us has become a highly anticipated game for PC gamers since its original release on the PS3 in 2013. It has been re-released twice for subsequent PlayStation consoles, standing the test of time. The PC version of The Last of Us Part I is a direct port of the PS5 remake, featuring enhanced visuals and modernized mechanics to match the standards set by 2020’s The Last of Us Part II. As one of Naughty Dog’s most iconic games, you would expect it to be in top shape at launch. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The studio partnered with Iron Galaxy for the porting duties, the same team responsible for the problematic PC version of Batman: Arkham Knight. This has resulted in an unoptimized mess, with issues cropping up even before you start playing the game.
The Last of Us Part I PC review: Preparation and Experience
If you’ve been active online in the past week, you’ve probably seen the infamous images of glitched-out characters from The Last of Us, such as a caveman-like Joel and Ellie with spaghetti-like hair. While these glitches are amusing, they are unacceptable coming from a AAA publisher like Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). It’s particularly baffling because Sony already has an in-house porting team, Nixxes Software, that has successfully brought games like Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales to PC with smooth framerates and support for older hardware. Instead, they chose to partner with a third-party team with a questionable track record, which raises concerns about Naughty Dog’s decision-making process. It seems that the rush to release The Last of Us Part I on PC to coincide with the HBO series has resulted in a subpar port. One major problem is the shader compilation process, which can take a significant amount of time, causing frustration among players. This issue is especially problematic for players with low-spec CPUs, potentially cutting their playtime in half. It’s concerning that this port’s quality raises the question of publishers using such tactics to maximize profit.
The Last of Us Part I PC review: Gameplay
Thanks to the upcoming HBO adaptation of The Last of Us, even non-gamers are familiar with its emotionally charged storyline. The game follows the journey of Joel and Ellie as they navigate a post-apocalyptic America filled with infected mutants and desperate survivors. The game’s content remains the same as the PS5 remake, including the base game, the Left Behind DLC, a photo mode, and a perma-death feature for experienced players. The PC version, however, does not include multiplayer, as Naughty Dog is working on a standalone entry with new characters and locations. The keyboard and mouse controls are intuitive and allow for button mapping. However, there are issues with camera control using the mouse, resulting in noticeable stutters when combined with character movement. This issue disappears when using a PS5 DualSense controller. It’s surprising that the developers didn’t prioritize default peripheral support for the PC version. Overall, the gameplay experience can be improved by using a controller, although occasional switching to keyboard and mouse for better aiming is necessary.
The haptic feedback on the PS5 DualSense controller adds immersion to the game, but PC players can only experience it through a wired connection. The vibrations and adaptive triggers accurately simulate various actions, such as the rumble of a tank, the impact of jumping off heights, and the sensation of firing a weapon or engaging in close combat. However, there are occasional issues with strong vibrations causing controller disconnection. The lack of vibrations when moving through foliage is also disappointing, as it detracts from the immersive experience. On the positive side, the game offers a wide range of accessibility options, making it playable for people with visual, auditory, or motor challenges. These options include audio descriptions, text-to-speech, and heightened color contrast for easy differentiation between allies and enemies.
The Last of Us Part I PC review: Graphics and Performance
Naughty Dog’s system requirements for The Last of Us Part I have proven to be inaccurate. The minimum specs suggest that a 4GB graphics card, such as the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 470, is sufficient to run the game at low presets and 720p, 30fps. However, when these settings are applied, the in-game VRAM usage indicates that the game utilizes 4.5GB of video memory (5.7GB when considering “OS + Apps”), exceeding the promised specifications. It’s unclear what the extra 1.2GB is used for, as idle usage reports much lower values. This discrepancy raises concerns about the accuracy of the system requirements and the game’s optimization. External monitoring software also confirms higher VRAM usage, indicating potential issues with resource management.
Overall, The Last of Us Part I for PC falls short in several aspects, including optimization, performance, and accurate system requirements. While the gameplay remains engaging and the story emotionally impactful, the technical issues hamper the overall experience. It’s disappointing to see such a renowned title receive a subpar PC port, especially considering the potential for improved visuals and performance on the platform. Naughty Dog’s decision to partner with Iron Galaxy instead of utilizing their in-house porting team seems questionable, and players are left frustrated by the unoptimized state of the game.
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Eugen Boglaru is an AI aficionado covering the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence. From machine learning breakthroughs to ethical considerations, Eugen provides readers with a deep dive into the world of AI, demystifying complex concepts and exploring the transformative impact of intelligent technologies.
