The Last of Us Part 1: Unleashing the Untapped Potential or a Disappointing Missed Opportunity?

Highlights

The untitled multiplayer spin-off for The Last of Us, which fans were eagerly anticipating, has been put on hold by Naughty Dog, leaving its release uncertain.

Naughty Dog's failure to include the beloved online mode, Factions, in The Last of Us Part 1 is now seen as a significant oversight. Fans expressed their disappointment and frustration after the studio decided against incorporating the revamped multiplayer mode, and the future realization of a separate multiplayer game remains uncertain, leaving fans let down.

The Last of Us franchise has experienced significant growth in recent years. Its captivating narrative has led to remasters, remakes, and even a popular live-action show. However, fans have expressed a desire for a fresh experience within the franchise, as the show and existing games only cover the same two stories. Consequently, the highly anticipated untitled multiplayer spin-off for The Last of Us has generated excitement among fans. Unfortunately, recent reports indicate that development for this game has been halted by Naughty Dog. As a result, the absence of a fan-favorite online mode in the original game now feels like a missed opportunity on Naughty Dog's part, particularly until the spin-off is resolved.

The Last of Us Part 1's Multiplayer Mistakes

The Last of Us Part 1, released in 2022 as a remake of the initial installment in the franchise, which had debuted nine years earlier. Fans were already questioning the necessity of such a remake considering the timeless graphics of the original game. These criticisms were heightened by the remake's decision to exclude the popular PvP Factions mode.

The multiplayer component of the original game, The Last of Us, was a highly popular feature. Factions allowed players to pledge loyalty to either the Fireflies or Hunters and engage in intense battles against their opposing faction, either to secure vital supplies or to dismantle the rival group. The multiplayer aspect of The Last of Us successfully brought the crafting, strategic elements, and tense atmosphere of the single-player story into a multiplayer setting. Additionally, it provided players with a glimpse into the struggles and horror experienced by other characters in the franchise.

Content The announcement of The Last of Us Part 1 without a remade Factions mode led to understandable fan backlash. To compensate for this, Naughty Dog confirmed the development of an unnamed multiplayer-focused spin-off that would offer a standalone experience with the formula of Factions. This alleviated the concerns around Part 1's release. However, recent reports indicate that the development of the spin-off has been suspended or even canceled, which is disappointing news for the passionate community of The Last of Us. Given the immense support and anticipation for the spin-off, Naughty Dog's decision to potentially cancel it has left many puzzled.

The news itself is disappointing, but it makes fans reconsider The Last of Us Part 1. The decision to exclude multiplayer modes in a full-priced remake was somewhat accepted due to the promise of a separate multiplayer title in the future, which may never happen.

Despite rumors about The Last of Us 3, a multiplayer spin-off could have been a great way to fill the gap and breathe new life into one of the franchise's most beloved features. The uncertainty surrounding the release of The Last of Us' multiplayer only highlights the missed opportunity of Part 1. At the very least, including a Factions mode in Part 1 could have satisfied fans until a standalone multiplayer experience was available.

The Last of Us Part 1 is available now on PC and PlayStation 5.