Gaming

The Last of us Part II Remastered is worth the upgrade

The additions truly add value

All images c/o Sony PlayStation

Published

January 16, 2024

Rodneil Quiteles

It’s always tricky writing about Remastered released for games that were released to a console just a generation ago. But some games make it easy by introducing truly new valuable additions to the game, and The Last of us Part II Remastered does just that.

For context, the game that precedes it, The Last of Us Part I, was remastered for a second time. The game first came out for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) and then a remastered version was released for the PlayStation 4 (PS5). And just in 2022, it received its most significant graphical overhaul when it got a remake, this time, for the PlayStation 5 (PS5).

That last one wasn’t exactly received well when it was first announced. Primarily because PlayStation and Game Developer Naughty Dog priced it as if it was a totally brand new game. But those who played it, like us, can attest that the changes did feel significant.

But those graphical changes aren’t exactly that necessary for The Last of Us Part II. After all, it came out at the tail end of the PS4 Pro and was easily one of the best looking first party games of that console generation.

So, what’s new?

A lot, actually. It has everything from native 4K and improved graphics, support for the DualSense controller, to a brand new game mode you can sink your teeth into as soon as you finish the story.

The graphical improvements don’t feel significant at first. However, if you look for it, there’s a noticeable seamlessness into how the game transitions from cutscene to gameplay. Not that it wasn’t seamless before, it just is even smoother now in this remastered version.

It’s worth noting that if you have beaten the game before, your save file will be recognized and all your trophies will carry over. This also means you can jump right into the couple of new gameplay stuff that The Last of us Part II Remastered has to offer.

Guitar Free Play

This was a popular thing when the game first came out. Many players posted cover songs using only the game’s guitar playing mechanic. If you’ve advanced to the story enough, you’ll also gain access to more than just the acoustic guitar with Ellie playing during the early part of the game.

Speedrun

This is pretty self explanatory. Speedrun mode challenges you to beat the game as fast as you can. You can even post your best times for bragging purposes.

No Return

No Return is most certainly the addition that most players will sink their teeth into. Naughty Dog describes it as A Roguelike Survival Mode. Survival is very apt.

Essentially, you progress from one map to another defeating waves of enemies and collecting loot as you go along. The maps and waves of enemies are randomized. But they’re all ones that you’ve encountered in the main game.

After every wave, a treasure chest becomes available allowing you some time to retool your loadout or heal if necessary. After completing a stage, you are sent back to the first area which is a hideout. Here you can use the loot you collected in your runs to improve your stats and equipment with the work bench.

A punishing experience

The kicker is if you die at any point during your run, you lose all your items and you have to start over from the beginning. It can be punishing but it will certainly test your mastery of The Last of Us Part II’s combat.

You start off with just Ellie and Abby available as playable characters. The more runs and challenges you complete, the more characters are unlocked. Each character handles a little differently from each other. Much like how Ellie is more agile and Abby is flat-out stronger, each character will have their own strengths and weaknesses.

If you love a challenge, then this is certainly for you, but if you’re anything like this writer who is quite impatient and does not really care for roguelikes, this can be an infuriating experience.

Should you play The Last of Us Part II Remastered?

Despite this being a game that yours truly doesn’t exactly vibe with, this is objectively a masterpiece.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered polishes an already well-made product and adds some gameplay touches that elevate the experience. Most importantly, the new No Return game mode presents a challenge for those that truly enjoyed the game’s combat mechanics. The nature of the game mode even invites multiple playthroughs so it’s definitely something you’ll be investing some time in.

Unlike The Last of Us Part 1, The Last of Us Part II is a mere US$ 10 upgrade if you already own the game. And if you don’t, it’s worth every damn penny.

If you missed the first game and don’t have the bandwidth to play through it, you can watch either some quick recaps on YouTube or the Emmy Award-winning HBO show starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.

Related Topics:Naughty Dog PlayStation The Last of Us The Last of Us Part II Remastered

Gaming

New Civilization VII update will address everyone’s biggest issue

Soon, everyone can play as a single Civ.

Published

February 3, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Despite being enjoyable in its current state, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is a work in progress. Firaxis Games is still working on improvements, especially as suggested by the franchise’s fans. Now, approaching the new game’s first anniversary, Civilization VII is getting a massive patch, called the Test of Time update, later this spring.

Playing as a single Civ

Test of Time will address the biggest problem that players had with the base game: the inability to play as a single Civ. Currently, players are forced to evolve into Age-appropriate Civs at the end of the previous Age. The system leads to odd histories, such as Maurya somehow evolving into modern-day America.

Starting with the update, players can now take a single Civ across the test of time. And it’s not a shoehorned feature, too. Civs will now have an Apex Age, meaning the Age they were historically associated with. Playing Civs outside of their Apex Age will introduce a new kit that corresponds to the other Ages.

Plus, this also introduces a new system called Syncretism. Playing a Civ outside of their Age allows players to choose a unique military unit or infrastructure from other Civs to help bolster their strategy.

The new system works in reverse too. Players can start a game in the Modern Age using an Antiquity Age Civ. Finally, if players decide to use this system, the AI will follow suit, ensuring an equal playing field.

Reworked victory conditions

Besides the playability of Civs, Civilization VII will rework Victories. Instead of a clear path to victory via Legacy Paths (which players have complained as being too rigid), the new Triumph system will introduce new optional objectives to prod players further down the line of victory.

Plus, getting extraordinary progress in one victory condition can help players earn victory even before the Modern Age. Victory can be earned as early as the Exploration Age, but Firaxis has not explained how this can happen.

Firaxis says that the new system should help the game feel more dynamic and exciting after the Antiquity Age.

Now, to celebrate the actual anniversary, players will get access to a new leader, Gilgamesh, a fan favorite from the previous game. He will be free for all players with update 1.3.2.

Gaming

CM Punk graces cover of WWE 2K26

The game will feature over 400 playable characters, the largest to date.

Published

February 3, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Compared to the gigantic NBA 2K, WWE 2K is a relatively small series. Well, with thirty teams and a healthy roster of hall of famers, that’s no surprise. This year, however, WWE 2K26 wants to catch up, featuring the biggest roster that the franchise has ever had and a plethora of new features.

WWE 2K26 will feature over 400 playable characters, which includes current Superstars from RAW, SmackDown, and NXT. As always, Legends and Hall of Famers will be playable wrestlers.

This year, however, the roster of classics are much healthier. Specifically, there are three different editions dedicated to past wrestlers. The first, called The King of Kings Edition, centers the spotlight on Hall of Famer and Chief Content Officer, Triple H (or Paul Levesque). The Attitude Era Edition features Superstars from that era, including Stone Cold Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, and The Rock. Finally, the Monday Night Wars Edition includes Superstars from WCW such as the nWo’s Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall.

Meanwhile, the Standard Edition features a Superstar that’s been no less decorated over the years. CM Punk, who will also grace the cover, will have his entire career featured in the annual 2K Showcase.

For gameplay, WWE 2K26 has four new match types: I Quit, Inferno, Three Stages of Hell, and Dumpster. Intergender matches are also available now. The environment is now more interactable with more usable weapons. Plus, the Stamina and Reversal systems have been reworked.

The Standard Edition (US$ 69.99) launches on March 13 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.

The King of Kings Edition (US$ 99.99), the Attitude Era Edition (US$ 129.99), and the Monday Night War Edition (US$ 149.99) will all launch a week prior, on March 6.

Gaming

PlayStation, LE SSERAFIM Chaewon team for the ‘Love of Play’ campaign

Chaewon meets PlayStation

Published

February 3, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

PlayStation is kicking off 2026 the Chaewon way.

Sony has officially teamed up with KIM CHAEWON of LE SSERAFIM for its New Year “Love of Play” campaign, blending cozy moments, playful energy, and very real gamer vibes into one stylish collaboration that spans videos, promos, and some surprisingly cute merch.

At the heart of the campaign is a four-part video series built around how we actually play: Family, Friends, Sisters, and Solo. The first episode, Family, is already live, with the remaining episodes rolling out daily from February 4 to 6. Each one leans into a different mood, but the message stays the same—PlayStation fits whether you’re gaming alone, hanging out, or sharing the screen with people you love.

Chaewon, meanwhile, is clearly having fun with it.

Chaewon’s PlayStation picks

In an interview released alongside the campaign, she shared that her very first PlayStation game was Stray on PS5—yes, the cat one—and that she instantly fell for its atmosphere and puzzles. She also tried out a full lineup of DualSense controller colors during the shoot, calling out Chroma Indigo for its elegant look, while admitting that Midnight Black still feels the most “her.”

And when asked about the most fun game she’s played so far? Astro Bot took the crown, with Chaewon praising the DualSense’s haptics and adaptive triggers for making the experience feel extra special.

Naturally, PlayStation is turning that energy into rewards. Fans across Asia can join upcoming social campaigns for a chance to win DualSense wireless controllers signed by Chaewon, with more details dropping on PlayStation Asia’s Instagram channels.

Festive New Year Sale 2026

The collaboration also ties directly into PlayStation’s Festive New Year Sale 2026, which runs from February 6 to 19 at participating retailers. Expect discounts on PS5 consoles, accessories, and a long list of games, including Astro Bot, God of War Ragnarök, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Stellar Blade, Ghost of Yotei, and more. Deals vary by market, but this is one of those sales where both hardware upgrades and backlog shopping make sense.

There’s also a lifestyle twist.

PlayStation has partnered with South Korean brand Wiggle Wiggle for a limited-edition “Love of Play” merchandise set featuring PlayStation-branded home slippers, acrylic clips, and coasters. The set is available through select PlayStation Asia social activities, including a live Instagram Stories sticker contest where fans can decorate a template, post it, and tag PlayStation Asia for a chance to win.

The Wiggle Wiggle collab is available in South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, making it a fun bonus for fans who like their gaming gear a little more colorful.

More Chaewon content is still on the way, too. PlayStation will release additional short-form videos, including “Unstoppable Play!” on February 5 and “Balance Game” on February 11, exclusively on its official Instagram and Facebook channels.

Between the videos, the sale, and the merch, this PlayStation x Kim Chaewon collaboration feels less like a one-off endorsement and more like a full-on New Year mood—and honestly, that tracks.