The Last of Us 2 Remastered’s No Return Mode: An Ideal Expansion Opportunity

Exploring the potential for expanding The Last of Us Part 2's No Return mode through collaborative additions from its predecessor.
The Last of Us 2 Remastered’s No Return Mode: An Ideal Expansion Opportunity

Highlights

  • No Return in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered offers replayability with various difficulties and score multipliers, encouraging players to attempt harder runs and earn greater rewards.
  • Previously unplayable characters are now accessible in No Return, each presenting unique strengths and weaknesses, enhancing the overall entertainment value.
  • While No Return stands as a complete experience, an expansion incorporating additional characters and locations from The Last of Us Part 1 could significantly prolong the roguelike's appeal.

The No Return game mode in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered provides an incredibly replayable experience, distinct from story-driven expansions. With diverse difficulties and score multipliers, players are enticed to tackle more challenging runs for greater rewards. The addition of previously unavailable playable characters, such as Mel or Manny, further enriches the gameplay.

While these characters do not feature new animations, their unique advantages and disadvantages add an extra layer of enjoyment as players progress. For example, the popular playable characters Joel and Tommy lack the ability to dodge. Although No Return is a fitting tribute to The Last of Us Part 2, there remains ample potential for expansion with additional characters and locations.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered’s No Return: A Comprehensive Experience

No Return's Longevity and Accommodations

No Return offers enduring gameplay, providing substantial longevity through its various roguelike permutations and numerous runs. While players may eventually unlock all content, the game's structure allows for extensive exploration and completion of different challenges.

Although the gameplay is challenging, the unlocking of characters and settings based on specific prerequisites adds depth to each run. However, an expansion could introduce even more content, significantly extending the roguelike's appeal.

Expanding No Return with Part 1 Additions

Given the graphical fidelity parity between The Last of Us Part 1 and Part 2, it seems feasible to incorporate Part 1 elements into No Return. This could involve adding characters like Tess, Bill, Marlene, and Henry as playable characters, along with encounters in Part 1 locations. While the mode's procedural and random nature ensures a fresh experience, an expansion featuring Part 1 content could further enrich the gameplay.

However, it is uncertain whether such an expansion will materialize, as No Return's self-sufficient nature may lead developers to focus on other projects. Nevertheless, the potential for a Part 1 expansion remains intriguing, offering a compelling prospect for fans until the release of Naughty Dog's next game.