The Last of Us Part 1 (PC) - Before You Buy

TL;DR

The PC version of "The Last of Us: Part One" suffers from major performance issues.

Transcript

(graphics pinging) - [Jake] Hey, we're back with another episode of "Before You Buy" that show where we give you some straight up gameplay and our first impressions of the latest games releasing. As usual, it's me Jake. And today we're talking about ""The Last of Us": Part One" finally released on PC. If you're at PlayStation gamer, this might not ... Read More

Key Insights

• ❎ The PC version of "The Last of Us: Part One" is marred by performance issues, leading to a negative reception from players.
• 😀 Many users have faced challenges such as long loading times and inconsistent frame rates, impacting overall gameplay enjoyment.
• 👾 The game demands a considerable amount of VRAM, causing systems to struggle even with high-end hardware, which is unexpected for a modern title.
• 👾 Despite its numerous graphical settings, the game appears poorly optimized for various setups, frustrating even dedicated fans waiting for a PC release.
• 👾 Users are recommended to wait for patches and fixes before buying the game, as many initial experiences have been inadequate.
• 👾 The game was launched amidst increased fanfare due to the HBO series, adding to the disappointment regarding its technical performance.
• 🎮 The remake does include beneficial features and enhancements compared to earlier versions, such as improved controls and additional content.

Questions & Answers

Q: What issues have players reported since the PC release of "The Last of Us: Part One"?

Many players have reported significant performance issues, such as crashes, prolonged loading times, and stuttering frame rates. The Steam reviews reflect a largely negative reception, with users expressing frustration over the technical problems that prevent optimal gameplay.

Q: How does the reviewer describe their system specs and performance while trying to run the game?

The reviewer mentions using a high-end gaming setup, including a 2080 Super graphics card, a top-tier processor, and a good SSD. Despite meeting the recommended specs, they struggled to achieve stable performance, often reducing settings to medium or low and still encountering playback issues.

Q: What unique features does "The Last of Us: Part One" offer that might appeal to PC players?

The PC version includes detailed display and graphical options, allowing players to extensively customize their experience. The remake also features improved controls, new gameplay elements like the weapon desk system from Part Two, and the "Left Behind" expansion, enhancing overall gameplay immersion.

Q: Why is the reviewer disheartened about the timing of the game's release?

The reviewer is disappointed because the game was released at a time when interest in "The Last of Us" had surged due to the HBO adaptation. The expectation was for a polished PC version that capitalized on this popularity, but the poor performance undermined this opportunity.

Q: What does the reviewer suggest PC gamers do before purchasing the game?

The reviewer advises potential buyers to conduct thorough research before purchasing the game. They recommend reading several reviews and considering the performance reports of others, especially in light of the ongoing technical issues that affect gameplay.

Q: How did the reviewer’s attempts to run the game on Steam Deck go?

The reviewer experienced repeated crashes while trying to load the game on the Steam Deck, resulting in rebooting the device. Despite some players reporting better experiences, the reviewer expressed significant concern about the game's stability on this platform.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The PC release of "The Last of Us: Part One" has been plagued with performance problems, leading to mostly negative reviews on Steam. Many players experience crashes, long loading times, and inconsistent frame rates, detracting from the gameplay.

• Despite having a capable gaming PC, the reviewer struggled to achieve smooth gameplay, often needing to lower graphics settings to maintain a playable frame rate. The game's demand for VRAM was excessive, resulting in a frustrating experience.

• While the remake features improved graphics and gameplay elements, the overall execution on PC has disappointed longtime fans. Players are encouraged to wait for patches and updates before purchasing or to do thorough research on their specific systems' performance.