Naughty Dog has introduced a new Chronological mode in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered for PS5 and PC, inspired by the recut edition of Christopher Nolan’s film Memento. Kurt Margenau, a game director at Naughty Dog, discussed how this version allows players to experience the story’s events in strict chronological order, offering a fresh perspective on the game’s complex narrative.
Development and Inspiration Behind the Chronological Mode
Kurt Margenau, who has worked on several Naughty Dog titles including Uncharted: The Lost Legacy as well as the original release of The Last of Us Part 2, revealed the team’s long-standing interest in providing players an alternate storytelling experience. He compared the new mode to the special DVD editions of Nolan’s Memento, which offer a linear cut of the film’s originally fragmented timeline. These editions restructure the scenes so that they appear in a straightforward sequence rather than Nolan’s signature non-linear style.
Margenau, currently part of the team developing Naughty Dog’s upcoming project Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet alongside studio head Neil Druckmann, emphasized this mode’s role as a unique way for fans to revisit the story. The recent update for both PS5 and PC not only introduces this chronological narrative but also adds two Uncharted-themed skins, catering to the nostalgia of long-time players.
How the Chronological Mode Changes the Gameplay Experience
The chronological rearrangement in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered alters the flow of the story significantly, similar to how Nolan’s Memento recut rearranged film sequences while maintaining the distinction between color and black-and-white scenes. In the game, some gameplay mechanics may appear before their tutorials, which can create unusual situations for players unfamiliar with certain features. Players are therefore advised to use default outfits, as some bonus skins may not fully function within this new mode.
The developers framed the update as a celebration of The Last of Us franchise’s recent milestones, marking its lasting impact on the gaming community. However, reception has been mixed: while some fans are excited to explore the story in a new sequence, critics argue that emphasizing a linear progression undermines the game’s original narrative strength, which heavily relies on non-linear storytelling techniques to enhance emotional depth and suspense.
Fan and Critic Reactions to the New Mode
Many players appreciate the new mode as an opportunity to revisit Ellie and Abby’s emotional journeys from a different angle, extending the game’s replay value. Some voice concerns that the development team should prioritize new projects rather than revisiting older ones. Despite this, Naughty Dog’s continuing support is welcomed by a loyal fanbase eager for fresh content and variations within established worlds.
As more players experience the Chronological mode, its impact on the community’s perception of the story will become clearer. The possibility of replaying the game’s events in a linear format offers a new way to engage with the narrative, potentially attracting players who prefer straightforward storytelling over complex, time-jumping structures.
Revisiting Ellie and Abby’s Journey on Modern Platforms
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered enhances the original game with improved graphics and modern features for PS5 and PC. The release includes new gameplay modes, like the roguelike survival experience No Return, and full integration with the PlayStation DualSense wireless controller, crafting a more immersive experience. The game’s protagonists, Ellie and Abby, continue their arduous path through a post-pandemic United States, confronting both infected threats and hostile survivors.
Set five years after the initial journey, Ellie and Joel have found a semblance of peace in the community of Jackson, Wyoming. However, violent events disrupt this fragile stability, propelling Ellie on a relentless mission for justice and closure. The Chronological mode allows players to experience these intertwined stories by following the timeline directly, offering a new perspective on the characters’ motivations and choices.
“He explained that the team had always been intrigued by the idea of an option, similar to the special DVD editions of Nolan’s Memento, that lets fans experience the story in strict chronological order.” —Kurt Margenau, Game Director
“The DVDs in question are typically known as the alternate edition of Memento. They feature a secret recut of the film, presenting the events linearly instead of the original non-linear format.” —Kurt Margenau, Game Director
