The survival horror experience brought to us in The Last of Us is one worth mentioning. Since it’s appraisal at GDC 2014, the game has been further on the rise with constant DLC packages and expansions to the plot surrounding the memorable characters and dilemmas of this catastrophic in-game world. But there is good news, it won’t be coming to an end anytime soon. Joystiq commented earlier this morning that the newest installment that Naughty Dog is going to attempt with The Last of Us is another season pass. This will cost the player around $20, and it is worth mentioning that the remaster that’s due in the summer is going to host all of the comprehensive and currently accessible DLC. We’re still not certain on an official launch date for the remaster edition, but Naughty Dog has confirmed that brand new DLC will be available before the re-release on the PlayStation 4. Thus, it would be a good investment to catch this deal while it lasts; since we’re unaware of how the downloadable content will conduct itself on the PS4. The steady stream of at least one per quarter is more then likely to continue at this pace for Naughty Dog, but that is an estimate based on their current performance which is due to change as E3 2014 begins to shine the light on various projects such as the shrouded Uncharted 4. Which we’ve taken the time to speak on earlier this week, considering the rumors that have begun to circulate.
The studio reassured that it’s releasing the Grounded DLC in the week of May 5, which more then likely alludes to the fact that it’ll be available to North America on May 6. Europe and Australia will have to make due receiving the DLC package on the following day, May 7. The details of the bundle were described in an interview with Joystiq as being, “near impossible.” For those of us whom really enjoy The Last of Us, and have been awaiting in earnest the idea of ‘hardcore’ mode; the AI will be buffed up to “relentless, smart, and brutal,” said Community Strategist Eric Monacelli. Seeming confident of the idea that solo-enthusiasts will struggle (and hopefully enjoy that extra level of difficulty) in their game. Of course, none of the experience is going to be free. In the end, it’ll be up to the player whether or not that this bundle is worth sinking in the extra cash.
But if soloing isn’t what gets your blood pumping, there is another side of the Grounded bundle that might appeal to you. With multiplayer, there will be four distinct maps in the Reclaimed Territories pack ($10), five weapons in the Survivalist bundle (at $6), and an assortment of skills across the Survival and Professional bundles (which are $4 each). If you’re looking to get some more information regarding the whole experience that Naughty Dog is beginning to construct around The Last of Us, it might be a good idea to take a quick glance at the official PlayStation blog. Which will go into further detail with what the bundle is offering and how the studio is planning to execute the additional content in the near future.
Returning back to the idea of the $20 season pass; you won’t have to concern yourself about those above prices. As they will all be made accessible to you underneath the one comprehensive pricing, which’ll ultimately be worth it if you’re planning on purchasing all of the content as it launches. If you’re not a season pass holder, you might want to take the plunge and get in on the deal before it’s discontinued in mid-May. Those numbers listed above are prone to adding up without warning, so the player might want to have a flat fee over continuously paying for Naughty Dog’s DLC bundles. The only loophole is that you can receive all of this once the PS4 “remastered” edition manages to hit shelves, since it’ll no doubt grant the player all the appropriate bells and whistles. Therefore, if you’re more akin to waiting it’ll be worth the expense.
But for those who’re not keen on purchasing The Last of Us remastered on the PlayStation 4, it would be best to weigh your options before taking the necessary steps. Feel free to tell us your excitement or disappointments following the project or the idea behind the DLC bundles. We’d be interested in hearing what fans have to say on Naughty Dog’s efforts to expand the world (and interaction) of The Last of Us.