Naughty Dog’s controversial but successfulThe Last of Us Part 2received a substantial addition to its base campaign, with a roguelike mode known asNo Return. Players can dive into this mode and put their combat skills to the test, with waves of enemies and bosses to overcome. This is alongside the remaster’s additionalLost Levels, which allow players to experience some of the levels that were cut from the game.
While there are a variety of improvements and changes that should be made to this mode for its longevity, especially after the cancelation of the standalone multiplayer game,No Returngives fans a good reason to return to the title since its 2020 release on PlayStation 5. Here’s why it’s worth checking out.
5Multiple Playable Characters
Both Main Characters and Side Characters Are Playable In No Return
UnlikeThe Last of Us Part 1and2’s main campaigns, players can now use side characters from both games inNo Return. Characters such as Tommy, Jesse, Dina, and Yara are now playable, and more notably, so is a series favorite, Joel. Since the base game only has Ellie and Abby as playable characters, fans have been awaiting the opportunity to use Joel once again to take on a plethora of enemies.
With these characters involved, extra replay value is added. It is essentially a way for players to enjoyThe Last of Us-style gameplay in a new way while they wait for the next title or IP. It is disappointing to see that the animations of characters such as Joel, Tommy, Jesse, and Abby are all shared, but fans will hope this can be rectified in an update.
4Custom Level Settings
Use Modifications To Change Encounters
As well as multiple characters available inNo Return, there are a variety of mods and map adjustments that players can use to add a layer of difficulty to each encounter. These adhere to theroguelikestyle that Naughty Dog developers were aiming for, and it adds an element of fun to the game to help lighten the heartbreaking and gut-wrenching main story.
For both new players and those returning to this installment, it creates an experience that more than likely includes elements that were set to be used in the aforementioned canceled multiplayer game. It is a nice addition to the engaging gameplay and combat present in the game.
3Multiple Campaign Locations
Abby & Ellie’s Playable Segment Locations Can Be Used For All Characters
Considering the playable segments of the two main characters of the main story, Ellie and Abby players now have a chance to play in those same locations using whoever they please. This also means enemies such as theRat King, who was exclusive to Abby’s segment, can now be taken on by Ellie, Joel, Jesse, and others.
These locations make for a great spectacle and experience for players, giving them more ways to take out enemies and dive into cover. Aside from replaying encounters from the main campaign, this is now another option for players to enjoy, and is much more interesting with the choice of more characters.
2Replay Value
Multiple Difficulty Levels
For those who are familiar withPart 2’s story, there may not be much to do aside from replaying the encounters as aforementioned. However,No Returnhas changed that. With skins and characters to unlock, along with a chance to customize each run, there is an opportunity for this new mode to hold players over until Naughty Dog’s new project.
It is frustrating for fans to not get their hands on a new Factions mode, which was present inThe Last of Uson PS3 and PS4 and is still available on PS4 through theRemasteredversion. However, there is hope that a future update could see multiplayer added toNo Return. This would only further solidify the currentreplay valuethat it adds to the game.
1AI Companions
Other Characters Can Join Players During Runs
During encounters that may be a little too overwhelming to take on alone, allies can join and offer support where required. This is not only great to see in the aspect of better gameplay and combat sequences, but it finally allows players to see team-ups and partnerships that weren’t present during the campaign.
Duos such asJoel and Tommy, or Joel and Jesse, are possible within theNo Returnmode. While there are no story elements or extended dialogue between the characters, it is wholesome to see characters who did not get to say their final goodbyes or were given tragic endings, finally get to link up with one another.
