The Last of Us Remake Includes an Improved AI and a Permadeath Mode

In the run-up to the upcoming release of The Last of Us Part I, Sony released a new official 10-minute video where the Naughty Dog developers talked about the features and improvements the remake will bring.

According to Neil Druckman, creative director of both Last of Us games, thanks to the capabilities of the PS5, the developers were able to get even closer to the original vision of The Last of Us, which had to be partially abandoned due to the limitations of the PS3.

Naughty Dog paid special attention to character models and facial animations. The developers noted that now players will be able to catch even the smallest changes in emotions and facial expressions.

The footage the developers demonstrated in the video indeed shows improved graphics and facial animation but what is more important is that the developers made significant changes to the gameplay – according to them, the remake will feature an improved artificial intelligence system for enemies and companions. Due to this, the battles should become more intense, and the allies will begin to behave more logically – for example, your companions can hide if they realize that they will soon be in the field of view of the enemy.

The developers also shared that one of the big enhancements they've brought to the game is the technology called Motion Matching. "Motion Matching is this technology that's basically using logic that tries to match the desired movement to a bucket of hundreds of animations," explained The Last of Us Part I game director Matthew Gallant. In other words, this technology allows having much smoother and cleaner character animation.

The developers also shared that the remake will support DualSense's haptics which will add more immersive feelings. For instance, players will be able to feel as Ellie draws a bowstring, or get a better tactile feel of Joel and Ellie petting a giraffe. The developers also noted that each weapon is now felt in its own way.

Other significant changes that The Last of Us Part I will add are a new permadeath mode along with a speedrun mode in which the player will constantly have a timer. Other new features include additional unlockable costumes for Joel and Ellie, a separate menu where you can view 3D models in full detail, and enhanced photo mode.