TLOU2 Remastered Gets a Nolan-esque Twist: Chronological Mode – But Does it Work?
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Naughty Dog added a chronological mode to *The Last of Us Part II Remastered*, drawing comparisons to Nolan's *Memento*, but some question if it enhances or detracts from the original's storytelling. Will it be a stroke of genius, or a mildly interesting gimmick? Only time will tell, mate.
Right, so Naughty Dog's gone and done a thing. They've slapped a 'Chronological Mode' onto *The Last of Us Part II Remastered*, and one of the devs, Kurt Margenau (who, fair play, worked on *Uncharted: The Lost Legacy* – cracking game!), is comparing it to Christopher Nolan's *Memento*. Bold move, eh?
According to Margenau, the team was always keen on doing a *Memento*-style recut, where you can experience the story in order. Now, for those who've forgotten (or maybe had their memories wiped by a dodgy mind-altering device – happens to the best of us), *Memento* is Nolan's film famous for its non-linear storytelling. The special DVD edition Margenau mentions presents the film in chronological order. Think of it as unlocking a secret level… but for your brain.
But here's the rub. *Memento*'s chronological version still had the black-and-white and colour scenes to differentiate the timelines, right? A similar hiccup appears in *The Last of Us Part II Remastered*. Because they've rearranged chapters, some gameplay bits might pop up before the game officially teaches you how to use 'em. Bit like giving someone a lightsaber before they know which end to hold, isn't it?
Naughty Dog reckons this new mode is a bit of a celebration for *The Last of Us*, marking milestones and what-not. Some critics, though, reckon they should just crack on with new projects. And, let's be honest, a few folks are grumbling that this chronological lark actually messes with one of the game's best bits: its deliberately non-linear storytelling. See, the whole point of *TLOU2*’s structure was to mess with your head and make you feel Ellie's (and Abby’s) confusion.
But plenty of gamers are chuffed, giving them a fresh reason to dive back into the brutal world of *TLOU2*. They're probably the same brave souls who enjoy walking backwards through a minefield, just for the thrill of it.
I reckon the real question is: does this chronological mode actually enhance the experience, or does it just end up being a mildly interesting curiosity? Only time (and countless hours of gameplay) will tell. Me? I'm cautiously optimistic. It *could* be brilliant. It *could* be a bit of a mess. Either way, it's another reason to revisit a game that, love it or hate it, certainly made a splash. Maybe even a tidal wave.
Tags: The Last of Us Part II, Naughty Dog, Remastered, Christopher Nolan, Memento
Original article: Game Rant