Info about The Last of Us™ Part I:

Official game description:
Steam Exclusive Offer
=====================
In The Last of Us™ Part I for PC, get 2 free in-game t-shirt cosmetics for Ellie, as soon as you beat the main story:  
*   Left 4 Dead  
*   Portal
You can find them through the extras menu.  
Digital Deluxe Edition
======================
The Last of Us™ Part I Digital Deluxe Edition includes the following content:  
*   The Last of Us single-player story and Left Behind prequel chapter  
*   Early unlock of the following in-game items:  
    *   Increased Crafting Speed Skill  
    *   Increased Healing Speed Skill  
    *   9mm Reload Speed Increase Upgrade  
    *   Rifle Clip Capacity Increase Upgrade  
    *   Explosive Arrows Gameplay Modifier  
    *   Dither Punk Filter  
    *   Speedrun Mode  
    *   Six Weapon Skins: Black Gold 9mm Pistol, Silver Filigree 9mm Pistol, Rubber Tactical Shotgun, Sculpted Oak Shotgun, Arctic White Bow, Carbon Black Bow
About the Game
==============
Experience the emotional storytelling and unforgettable characters in The Last of Us™, winner of over 200 Game of the Year awards.
In a ravaged civilization, where infected and hardened survivors run rampant, Joel, a weary protagonist, is hired to smuggle 14-year-old Ellie out of a military quarantine zone. However, what starts as a small job soon transforms into a brutal cross-country journey.
Includes the complete The Last of Us single-player story and celebrated prequel chapter, Left Behind, which explores the events that changed the lives of Ellie and her best friend Riley forever.
Built for PC
------------
The Last of Us Part I PC release brings with it plenty of PC features to bring Joel and Ellie’s tense and unforgettable journey to life. This version of The Last of Us Part I is optimized for PC with PC-centric quality-of-life enhancements. Part I will feature AMD FSR 2.2 support\*, Nvidia DLSS Super Resolution support\*, VSync and frame rate cap options, and a host of features designed specifically for PC, including adjustable Texture Quality, Shadows, Reflections, Ambient Occlusion, and more.
Through the experiences of Joel and Ellie, PC players can fully immerse themselves in beautiful yet haunting environments in stunning detail with true 4K resolutions\*\*. From the harsh, oppressive streets of the Boston QZ to the overgrown and abandoned homes of Bill’s Town to so much more, embark on a beautiful journey across the United States of America with Ultra-Wide Monitor Support for both 21:9 Ultrawide and 32:9 Super Ultrawide aspect ratios.
Experience all these locations, stealthily sneaking through abandoned homes and cities (and picking their drawers and cabinets clean looking for supplies) or engage in tense, captivating action with 3D audio support to better hear the rustle of leaves, the crack of glass, or the footfalls of enemies trying to ambush you\*\*\*.
AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution 2
----------------------------------
Supercharge your framerates and fight for survival as Joel and Ellie with next-level temporal upscaling technology from AMD. FSR 2 uses cutting-edge algorithms to boost your framerates and deliver high-quality, high-resolution game experiences in The Last of Us Part I across a wide range of compatible graphics cards.
Peripheral Support
------------------
The Last of Us Part I on PC features DualSense support through a wired connection so players can feel the impact of battle, the rumble of a tank rolling by, and so much more through haptic feedback and dynamic triggers. With support for the DualShock 4 controller, a wide range of other gamepads, and keyboard and mouse, players can adjust their playstyle to suit their preferences. The PC release includes a number of new control customization options including full control remapping, primary and secondary bindings for keyboard and mouse control, an adaptive mode that allows players to combine keyboard and controller inputs, and more. Part I’s PC launch will also include The Last of Us Part I’s suite of accessibility features so that players can adjust the experience to suit their needs and preferences.
\* Compatible PC and graphics card required for enhanced graphics.  
\*\* Compatible PC, graphics card, and 4K display device required.  
\*\*\* 3D Audio requires stereo headphones or compatible speakers.

Release date: 28 Mar, 2023

Categories: Single-player Story, Survival, Resource Management, Crafting, Stealth Gameplay, Third-Person Shooter, Action-adventure


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Masterful, Emotional Storytelling (weight 1): Players consistently praise the game's narrative as a masterpiece, highlighting its emotional depth, compelling plot, and ability to evoke strong feelings. The story is frequently described as captivating, unforgettable, and on par with or surpassing cinematic and literary works.
- Engaging & Polished Gameplay (weight 0.39): The gameplay is generally well-received, described as fun, engaging, and fluid. Players appreciate the polished core mechanics, variety in combat approaches (stealth vs. action), and the overall enjoyable experience, especially after PC optimization patches.
- Compelling Joel & Ellie Relationship (weight 0.32): The relationship between Joel and Ellie is universally lauded as the emotional core of the game. Players deeply connect with their evolving bond, character development, and the authentic portrayal of their struggles and affection, often citing it as one of the best relationships in gaming.
- Immersive Post-Apocalyptic World (weight 0.22): The game's post-apocalyptic world is consistently admired for its stunning visual detail, realism, and immersive atmosphere. Players appreciate the meticulous world-building, the blend of desolation and natural reclamation, and how the environment itself tells stories.
- Stunning Visual & Technical Upgrade (weight 0.18): The remake's graphical overhaul is a significant highlight, with players noting substantial improvements in textures, lighting, character models, and animations. These visual enhancements elevate the overall experience, making the game look and feel modern.
- Tense & Strategic Combat (weight 0.13): Combat is frequently described as tense, brutal, and satisfying, with players appreciating the strategic depth offered by stealth and resource management. The intelligent enemy AI and impactful melee combat contribute to a challenging and rewarding experience.
- Exceptional Audio & Soundtrack (weight 0.11): The game's audio, particularly Gustavo Santaolalla's soundtrack, is consistently lauded as exceptional. Players highlight how the music perfectly complements the game's emotional tone and atmosphere, creating a deeply immersive and memorable auditory experience.
- Definitive Remake Experience (weight 0.09): The remake is widely considered the definitive version of the game, offering significant improvements over previous iterations. Players praise its enhanced visuals, smoother gameplay mechanics, and overall fidelity, making it a worthwhile purchase for both new and returning fans.
- Meaningful DLC Content (weight 0.06): The 'Left Behind' DLC is highly regarded as a valuable addition to the main story. Players appreciate its emotional depth, character insights, and how it enriches Ellie's backstory and motivations, making it a meaningful complement to the overall narrative.
- Customizable Difficulty & Accessibility (weight 0.05): The game offers extensive customization options, particularly in difficulty and accessibility settings. Players appreciate the ability to tailor the experience to their preferences, from challenging survival modes to more story-focused, accessible playthroughs.
- Satisfying Crafting & Upgrades (weight 0.05): The weapon upgrade and crafting systems are noted as satisfying and well-implemented. Players enjoy the visual changes to weapons at workbenches and the strategic layer added by resource scavenging and crafting, enhancing the survival experience.

Common complaints:
- Poor PC Optimization & Performance (weight 0.37): Players consistently report severe performance issues, including frequent crashes, significant FPS drops, and persistent stuttering, even on high-end hardware. A major contributing factor is the excessively long and recurring shader compilation times, which often re-trigger with driver updates or game restarts. This indicates a fundamental lack of optimization for the PC platform.
- Repetitive & Linear Gameplay (weight 0.24): Many players found the gameplay repetitive, linear, and lacking innovation, especially compared to modern titles. The game's structure, often described as a 'walking simulator' with limited player choice and simple puzzles, led to boredom and a feeling of monotony. The overall game length was also frequently cited as too short for its price.
- Persistent Bugs & Glitches (weight 0.06): Despite patches, players still encounter various bugs and glitches, ranging from minor visual artifacts like hair rendering issues to more impactful problems like AI inconsistencies and collision bugs. While some are minor, others can break immersion or disrupt gameplay, leading to frustration.
- Clunky Combat Mechanics (weight 0.05): Combat mechanics, particularly gunplay and melee, are often described as clunky, stiff, and unsatisfying. Issues include unrealistic weapon handling, awkward weapon switching menus, and a lack of fluid movement options like dodging. This contributes to a less enjoyable combat experience.
- Tedious Crafting & Movement (weight 0.05): Players found the resource gathering and crafting mechanics tedious and disruptive to the game's flow. Repetitive environmental puzzles (e.g., moving ladders/pallets) and slow, forced movement (constant crouching) were also criticized for feeling like artificial padding and hindering exploration.
- High Price for Content (weight 0.04): A significant number of players feel the game is overpriced, especially given its age and the fact that it's a remake of a previously released title. The perceived short game length further exacerbates this sentiment, leading to a poor value-for-money perception.
- Story Lacks Novelty (for some) (weight 0.03): For players who had already experienced the story through the TV series or other media, the game's narrative lacked novelty and impact. Some also found the plot predictable or felt certain developments were underdeveloped, diminishing the 'wow' factor.
- Character & Relationship Issues (weight 0.03): Some players felt the relationship between Joel and Ellie, while central, was not always organically developed or that certain character actions (like Joel's lie) felt awkward. There were also criticisms regarding Ellie's AI in combat and the repetitive nature of character-based puzzles.
- Weak DLC Content (weight 0.03): The 'Left Behind' DLC received mixed feedback, with many finding its story weak, uninteresting, and too short. Its integration into the main game's narrative flow was also criticized, and some felt it offered minimal gameplay, resembling more of an extended cutscene.
- Inconsistent AI Behavior (weight 0.03): The enemy and companion AI often breaks immersion. Enemies are sometimes slow to detect the player or their allies, even when in plain sight, while companion AI can expose itself without consequence. This inconsistency undermines the stealth experience and overall challenge.
- Inconsistent Difficulty Balance (weight 0.02): The game's difficulty balance is inconsistent, with some finding it too easy even on harder settings due to abundant resources and slow enemy reactions. Others found higher difficulties artificially challenging or frustrating, particularly with resource scarcity and melee weapon durability.

Gameplay feedback:
- Linear Story-Driven Experience (weight 0.38): The game features a linear, story-driven progression with clear objectives and guided level design. While exploration for collectibles and resources is present, the overall path is predetermined. The main story and included DLC offer a substantial playtime, with replayability enhanced by New Game+ and various difficulty settings.
- Balanced Stealth and Combat (weight 0.24): The core gameplay loop combines stealth, resource management, and third-person combat. Players are encouraged to use stealth and strategic thinking due to limited resources, but direct combat is also a viable option. The game offers a balanced mix of these elements, allowing for varied playstyles.
- Crucial Resource Management (weight 0.24): Resource management is a critical aspect of gameplay, with ammunition and crafting materials being consistently scarce. This scarcity forces players to make strategic decisions about when to engage, use items, or conserve resources, enhancing the survival horror feel.
- Customizable Difficulty Levels (weight 0.22): The game offers multiple difficulty levels, allowing players to customize their experience from very easy to extremely challenging 'Grounded' mode. Higher difficulties significantly increase resource scarcity and enemy aggressiveness, demanding more tactical play. The remake also features improved AI and additional difficulty options.
- Essential Crafting System (weight 0.22): The game includes a robust crafting system where players scavenge for materials to create essential survival items like medkits, bombs, and weapon upgrades. This system is integral to resource management and adapting to combat situations.
- Joel and Ellie Dynamic (weight 0.07): The dynamic between Joel and Ellie is central to the game's narrative and gameplay. Ellie acts as a helpful companion, assisting in combat and puzzles, and her character development is a significant plot point. Joel's role as her protector and their evolving relationship are key themes.
- Varied Enemy Types (weight 0.04): The game features a variety of enemy types, including different stages of infected (Runners, Clickers, Bloaters) and hostile human factions. Each enemy type presents unique challenges, with Clickers being particularly dangerous due to their instant-kill attacks and reliance on sound.
- Included 'Left Behind' DLC (weight 0.04): The game includes the 'Left Behind' DLC, which serves as a prequel to the main story and provides deeper insight into Ellie's past and her relationship with Riley. This DLC offers additional gameplay and narrative content, enriching the overall experience.
- Low Replay Value, No Grind (weight 0.03): The game is generally considered to have low replay value for its core narrative, as it is a linear, story-driven experience. However, New Game+ and various difficulty settings, along with collectibles, offer some incentive for additional playthroughs. There is no significant 'grinding' required for progression.
- Limited Melee Weapon Durability (weight 0.01): Melee weapons, such as pipes and bats, have limited durability and break after a few hits. This design choice, while contributing to resource management, is sometimes criticized for its lack of realism.

Performance notes:
- Improved Performance & Stability (weight 0.18): The game has significantly improved its technical performance and stability since its initial launch, with many players reporting a largely bug-free and smooth experience after numerous patches. While some minor issues or occasional stutters may still occur, the overall consensus is that the game is now well-optimized and playable.
- Demanding PC Requirements (weight 0.14): Despite significant improvements, the game still requires a powerful PC, especially for higher graphical settings and resolutions. Many players with mid-range to high-end systems report good performance, but older or less powerful hardware may need to lower settings to achieve stable frame rates.
- Lengthy Shader Compilation (weight 0.05): Initial shader compilation upon first launch or after updates is a recurring issue, often taking a significant amount of time (from minutes to over an hour) and causing high CPU usage. While this process generally resolves itself, it can lead to initial lag spikes and a frustrating first-time experience.
- DLSS/FSR Essential for Performance (weight 0.02): Technologies like DLSS, FSR, and Frame Generation are crucial for achieving higher and more stable frame rates, especially on demanding settings or less powerful hardware. Many players utilize these features to enhance their gameplay experience, with FSR 3.0 and Frame Generation being particularly effective.

Recommendations:
- Highly Recommended Masterpiece (weight 0.41): The game is overwhelmingly recommended by players, often described as a 'must-play' or 'masterpiece' due to its compelling, emotional, and immersive story. Many consider it one of the best games ever made, offering an unforgettable experience for both new players and returning fans.
- PC Version Not Recommended (weight 0.07): Some players do not recommend the game, particularly the PC version, citing performance issues, crashes, and high system requirements. Others suggest watching the TV series or a gameplay video instead, or playing on console for a better experience.
- Buy on Sale (weight 0.06): While highly recommended, many players suggest purchasing the game during a sale or at a significant discount. This is often due to perceived high full price or to mitigate risks associated with potential technical issues on PC.
- Anticipation for Part II (weight 0.04): Many players are eagerly anticipating or planning to play Part II after finishing the first game, highlighting the strong narrative pull and desire to continue the story. Some also express hope for better optimization in the sequel's PC release.
- Remake for New Players (weight 0.01): The remake is seen as a great opportunity for new players to experience the classic with updated visuals. However, some existing PS5 owners are advised to stick with the PS4 remaster or utilize PS Plus Extra for the remake, suggesting the full price might not be justified for those who already own it.
- Play on Higher Difficulty (weight 0.01): For players revisiting the game or seeking a greater challenge, several reviewers recommend playing on higher difficulties like 'Hard' or 'Grounded' for a more immersive and intense experience.
- Controller Recommended (weight 0.01): A notable number of players recommend using a controller, especially a Dualsense, for the best experience. Some even suggest playing on a PlayStation console (PS4/PS5) for optimal performance and immersion.

Other player notes:
- Exceptional Story & Characters (weight 0.27): Players overwhelmingly praise the game's narrative, character development, and emotional depth. The story of Joel and Ellie's evolving relationship is consistently highlighted as the game's core strength, creating a deeply immersive and impactful experience.
- Immersive Graphics & Atmosphere (weight 0.17): The game receives high marks for its stunning graphics, detailed environments, and immersive atmosphere. Players appreciate the visual fidelity, realistic animations, and sound design that contribute to a believable post-apocalyptic world.
- High Replay Value & Nostalgia (weight 0.15): Many players are replaying the game across multiple platforms (PS3, PS4, PC), often purchasing it again. This indicates strong replay value and a desire to revisit the experience, despite some initial performance concerns on PC.
- Anticipation for Part II & TV Series Comparison (weight 0.08): There's significant anticipation for the PC release of Part II, with many players having watched the TV series or played Part I and now eager to experience the sequel. Comparisons to the TV series are common, with many preferring the game's narrative depth.
- Mature Thematic Appeal (weight 0.07): The game is widely considered suitable for a mature audience, focusing on themes of humanity, survival, and moral choices within a post-apocalyptic zombie setting. It's noted for its ability to appeal even to those not typically fond of the genre.
- Excellent Localization & Voice Acting (weight 0.02): Players highly appreciate the inclusion of diverse language support, particularly high-quality Turkish and Russian voice acting. This enhances immersion and accessibility for non-English speaking audiences.
- Naughty Dog's Masterful Development (weight 0.02): Naughty Dog is recognized as a master storyteller and developer, praised for their ability to create memorable games with strong narratives and detailed worlds. Players express gratitude for their work.
- Manageable Game Length & Size (weight 0.02): The game's file size is noted as substantial, which can be a consideration for storage. Playtime is generally considered average, offering a satisfying experience without being excessively long.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.3): Players felt satisfied primarily due to the game's compelling narrative, well-developed characters, and immersive atmosphere. The overall high quality of graphics, sound, and gameplay mechanics, especially after PC port improvements, also contributed significantly to this emotion. Many expressed satisfaction with the game's value, replayability, and the emotional impact it delivered.
- Admiration (weight 0.12): Admiration stemmed from the game's perceived status as a masterpiece, setting new standards in narrative depth, character writing, and artistic value. Players praised its emotional depth, strong soundtrack, and the enduring quality of its story and visuals. Naughty Dog's technical capabilities and the game's impact on modern gaming were frequently cited as causes for admiration.
- Frustration (weight 0.1): Frustration was largely driven by technical issues, particularly poor PC port optimization, frequent crashes, and long shader compilation times. Players also expressed frustration with repetitive gameplay, clunky controls, and perceived linearity or lack of player agency. Some found resource management tedious or AI inconsistent, leading to a less enjoyable experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.08): Excitement was generated by the game's captivating and unpredictable story, intense combat encounters, and immersive atmosphere. Players felt thrilled by the strategic gameplay, the prospect of future installments, and the overall high quality of the experience. Many expressed excitement about finally playing the game or re-experiencing it with improved visuals and performance.
- Disappointment (weight 0.08): Disappointment arose from the game not meeting high expectations, often due to initial poor PC port optimization, crashes, and perceived high price for its length. Some players found the gameplay repetitive or dull, and the absence of a multiplayer mode was a common source of disappointment. Comparisons to the TV series or the sequel also contributed to this feeling.
- Awe (weight 0.04): Awe was evoked by the game's profound story, deep characters, and stunning visual fidelity, particularly the impressive graphics and environmental design. Players were deeply moved by the emotional impact of the narrative and specific poignant moments, often describing the game as an artistic masterpiece that surpassed their expectations.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.02): Enjoyment was a broad emotion stemming from the game's overall quality, including its engaging story, characters, and immersive atmosphere. Players found the gameplay, combat, and tactical depth to be fun and satisfying. The ability to replay the game multiple times without boredom also contributed to sustained enjoyment.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Joy was experienced through the game's emotional impact, particularly its humor and heartwarming character interactions like Ellie's jokes. Players felt joy from the game running perfectly after updates, the quality of the remake, and the nostalgic experience of replaying a beloved title. Achieving platinum or sharing the experience with friends also brought joy.
- Immersion (weight 0.02): Immersion was primarily caused by the game's realistic and detailed world, coupled with its captivating storytelling and strong sound design. Players felt deeply connected to the characters and their journey, often feeling like they were truly part of the post-apocalyptic environment. Playing on harder difficulties or with specific settings enhanced this feeling.
- Love (weight 0.02): Love for the game stemmed from its overall high quality, particularly its amazing story, well-developed characters, and emotional depth. Many players expressed a deep personal connection to the game, considering it a long-standing favorite or even the 'game of their life.' The enduring quality and impact of the franchise also fostered this love.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Appreciation was felt for the craftsmanship and effort put into the game, especially the remake's visual and animation quality, and technical performance improvements. Players valued the inclusion of features like Turkish voice acting and PC-exclusive enhancements. The game's subtle storytelling and its impact on interactive narratives were also appreciated.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia was a strong emotion for players re-experiencing the game, often recalling childhood memories or past playthroughs on older consoles. The feeling of returning to a beloved classic and re-living its story contributed significantly to this sentiment. The game's enduring appeal and its historical impact on players' gaming journeys also fueled nostalgia.
- Emotional (weight 0.01): Players felt emotional due to the game's profound story, deep character connections, and impactful plot points, such as Joel's injury or the giraffe scene. The narrative's ability to evoke strong feelings, including sadness and empathy, was a primary cause. Specific cutscenes and character development also contributed to this emotional response.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement was driven by the game's challenging yet fair gameplay, its captivating atmosphere, and its emotionally rich story. Players felt drawn into the narrative and compelled to continue playing, often due to the constant tension and strategic survival elements. The deep emotional connection to characters also fostered strong engagement.
- Emotional connection (weight 0.01): Emotional connection was forged through the game's deep story and the relatability and development of its characters, particularly the bond between Joel and Ellie. Players felt a strong attachment to their journey and experiences, leading to a profound emotional resonance with the narrative and its themes.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness was primarily caused by the game's intended emotional impact, including major character deaths and the poignant themes of loss. The emotional weight of the story, particularly the ending and specific scenes like Sarah's death, often brought players to tears. The removal of the multiplayer mode also caused sadness for some.
- Fear (weight 0.01): Fear was evoked by the game's terrifying enemies, especially Clickers and other Infected, and the creepy sound design. Tense gameplay moments and the overall scary atmosphere contributed to this emotion. Some players also experienced initial fear regarding potential bad performance on their systems.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise arose from the game exceeding expectations, particularly regarding its technical improvements, smooth performance on various PCs, and the quality of animations and details. Players were also surprised by the game's extensive settings, effective accessibility options, and unexpected enjoyment of a genre they typically disliked.
- Relief (weight 0.01): Relief was felt when initial performance issues and crashes were resolved, allowing players to finally experience the game smoothly. The game running well on PC after patches and the reassurance about its technical state brought a sense of calm. Finding fixes for persistent issues also contributed to this feeling of relief.
- Emotional impact (weight 0.01): Emotional impact was a direct result of the game's unique, intense, and poignant story, coupled with its well-developed characters and their relationships. Players reported feeling deeply moved, often to tears, by character deaths, difficult choices, and the overall gut-wrenching narrative. The game's ability to evoke a wide range of strong emotions was a key factor.}