The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered goes beyond a standard remaster by not only enhancing the game's graphics but also introducing a variety of new content. One particularly intriguing addition is the Lost Levels, which consist of unfinished game segments that were cut mid-development and are now repurposed with developer commentary. This unique feature serves as a perfect addition for a rerelease and could be considered excellent bonus content for other remasters as well.
While the remaster elevates the visuals from the original 2020 release, it goes further by offering a range of new content. Notable elements include the roguelike game mode, No Return, three Lost Levels, galleries of concept art, new skins for characters and weapons, and a developer commentary track for the main game. Although developer commentary in video games may seem somewhat unusual, especially in a lengthy and narrative-driven experience like The Last of Us Part 2, it remains a debatable choice for re-experiencing Ellie and Abby's story. On the other hand, the Lost Levels, devoid of a traditional commentary track, emerge as incredibly interesting and serve as the kind of bonus feature that would be warmly welcomed in many other video games. The Lost Levels could have been a great addition to The Last of Us Part 1 on PS5 as well.
TLOU 2 Remastered's Lost Levels Are Cut Content
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered incorporates three levels that were cut from the game during various stages of development: Jackson Party, Sewers, and Boar Hunt. While each level was designed to fit into TLOU 2's narrative, they were ultimately excluded for various reasons. Jackson Party was intended to extend the player's time in Jackson before the pivotal moment of Ellie's kiss with Dina at the dance; Sewers was planned as an elongated puzzle and platforming sequence following Ellie's encounter with Stalkers in Seattle; and Boar Hunt was supposed to serve as an extended opening to the Farm sequence, focusing on Ellie tracking an injured boar.
Each Lost Level is introduced by director Neil Druckmann, providing context on where the level was intended to fit into the story, what players can anticipate in its unfinished state, and some of the reasons behind its removal. Inside the Lost Levels, interactive icons trigger developer commentary, offering a wealth of insights into the design process. While the Lost Levels are still playable to a certain extent, some elements such as animations, voice lines, and overall polish might be incomplete in places, making the developer commentary particularly valuable for understanding the design decisions.
More Games Should Include Unfinished Levels With Developer Commentary
Developing and releasing a AAA game is an immense collaborative undertaking, but experiencing unfinished levels with explanations from developers is the type of additional content that would captivate players in numerous games. The Lost Levels in TLOU 2 Remastered guide players through Naughty Dog's intentions for each level, the reasoning behind item and object placements, challenges faced during the design process, and more. This level of insight is typically reserved for development documentaries, but here, it is condensed into easily digestible additional gameplay.
While including cut levels in new releases may be a significant endeavor, it represents the kind of bonus content that could enhance the value of remasters, such as Part 2's Remastered edition, or the various Definitive Editions and Director's Cuts that have become common. To the average consumer, the intricacies of game development are often a mystery, and even brief glimpses behind the curtain are delightful. Although The Lost Levels may not provide a comprehensive understanding of how a meticulous studio like Naughty Dog operates, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered offers a peek into the earlier visions for the game before reaching its final state.
