Re-Making The Last of Us Part I - Noclip Documentary

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We travel to Naughty Dog to explore the process of remaking their 2013 classic for modern platforms.
Noclip's work is 100% crowdfunded.
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Edited by Jeremy Jayne & Danny O'Dwyer
Filmed by Jeremy Jayne & Danny O'Dwyer
Gameplay Capture by Frank Howley
0:00 - Introduction
2:25 - Chapter One: Back to the Start
6:43 - Chapter Two: What to Change?
10:32 - Chapter Three: Visuals
20:09 - Chapter Four: Artificial Intelligence
27:31 - Chapter Five: Sound
31:50 - Chapter Six: Performance
45:50 - Honoring the Original
47:25 - CREDITS

[@danielwareking]

One thing that Naughty Dog is very underrated in is their ability to make games with insane visual fidelity that are not fatiguing to look at. Lots of games that have an emphasis on high quality rendering are so insanely busy and over-detailed that your eye doesn't know where to rest, but there's a true artfulness to how ND designs spaces. It's all very considered and I don't think they get enough credit for their restraint in that department.

[@grahamiest]

So true, man. I was playing Assassin's Creed 2 then after beating it went to play AC Unity and it hurt my eyes. It was such a big jump up in graphical fidelity but it was so cluttered it overwhelmed me. It really shows how "good graphics" doesn't necessarily mean good art direction or good gameplay. I've never felt visually overwhelmed or confused on where to go while playing a Naughty Dog game and they're all stunning looking. Really shows how amazing they are.

[@damianson56]

They follow the rules of making a good image in art and apply it to their games, graphic composition, values (or tones) and leading lines. Everything is laid out to get you to your goal and they dont just add detail for the sake of it. Its so refreshing, a lot of games just add things visually because they can, and it is overwhelming.

[@jeckert547]

I have felt this way about Horizon Forbidden West. There’s almost too much detail and color to the point that it becomes a bit overwhelming to my eye. In this video, when they were mentioning the use of foliage to bring balance to a level’s appearance, I had never considered that. Very interesting.

[@SL4PSH0CK]

for a linear game for its scale and a post apocalyptic sub-genre, totally, its visual motifs isn't an eye strain.

[@Fonz0]

Underrated!? They're the best in the industry lol

[@sak9626]

I'm glad the in-game facial expressions were discussed, it really striked me when I played the remake. Joel's smiling more and Ellie's general curiosity is even more endearing. It's been cool watching that system iterate over the last decade of Naughty Dog's games. In the original game, characters would pivot and make eye contact with each other in gameplay and I thought just that was really impressive. We've come a long way.

[@rudyh3546]

Ho

[@SL4PSH0CK]

It's like looking back at Pixar animation of Toy Story with few joints to it's recent that were more expressive. It's stunning

[@rhi4288]

My favorite part of TLOU series is exploring the surroundings so it was awesome to see them flesh out areas like the museum offices . I didn't realize that was added and I actually spend some time looking at the items in those rooms.

[@SL4PSH0CK]

BASED, I'd do the same

[@PoperoniNews]

Reminds me of watching the behind the scenes footage for Lord of the Rings. The reverence and appreciation of what came before and desire to not change but simply present the most brilliant version possible to the viewer is so admirable.

[@zaidlacksalastname4905]

Ikr. Love when the source material is respected and used to boost the new art even higher.

[@IssaG0ld]

Man I can feel so much emotions in Joel’s eyes in the remake, it’s crazy.

[@fragr33f74]

One of my favourite games of all time, and not just for the wonderful story, the multiplayer was actually so brilliant too. Wanted a noclip Tlou doc ever since Danny started this venture, and now we have one. So cool!

[@Karlach_]

same

[@domportera]

I loved the multiplayer, so underappreciated

[@jacktyler1082]

​@@domportera Me too! I'm looking forward to standalone Last of Us MP.

[@Tony-Dev]

One thing that strikes me looking back on the team talking about memory constrains talking about the PS3, it only ran on 512MB of memory! instead of the 8GB of the PS4 or the 16GB of the PS5. That to me is insane!

[@chengong388]

I bought a PS5 to play Forbidden West, but then I remembered there was this game I never got to play, and they're doing a remake, so I waited a couple weeks and played 1+2 back to back, first time. It was just incredible.

[@TurdF3rguson]

The expressiveness in the facial animations of these characters is absolutely stunning. It really does the actors' performance (as well as the writing) justice.

[@pedroscoponi4905]

I love that you went out of your way to mention the sound design - I was getting the urge to play this while watching and I could tell that was almost 100% because of how tactile the guns and steps and stuff felt like.

[@syra1541]

have you played the game?

[@Blindmin]

these videos are so inspiring for me, i was feeling so burnt out in my software dev studies but the looks into real studios remind me of what I could be doing if I kept at it. THANK YOU NOCLIP!

[@JJ-ze6vb]

Haha, sure. Working crunch in a big studio is a breeze…

[@Blindmin]

@@JJ-ze6vb trust me I know the downsides and I also don't really care

[@TinhNguyenDota2]

As if most companies are this passionate with their own products. Wish the bests for you though.

[@JJ-ze6vb]

@@Blindmin your comment makes it sound like you don’t know what you’re talking about.

[@Marcuscaravan]

​@@Blindmin Follow your dreams dude! None of these guys know what it's like to work in the industry. Every job has its downsides. If you love it, DO IT! If it's not for you, so what! At least you tried. There's nothing worse than wasted potential :)

[@Rsxl]

Amazing work as always. Thanks to all involved.

[@AmateurHuman19]

Wowwwww what a drop! Congrats on such a huge doc, the timing couldn't be better!

[@slothsarecool]

Easily one of the best looking games, not just graphically but the art direction is amazing

[@brya9681]

Lol it's a generic post apocalypse what's amazing about that

[@l-l]

@@brya9681 what’s it like living as that one guy nobody likes?

[@BrianBaastrup]

@@brya9681 It's actually a good question, but you don't seem like the person who's interested in the answer...

[@crookedgamer7183]

@@l-l Lust of ass is one of the games ever made!!1

[@SL4PSH0CK]

Ngl, the reason I want more linear games over openworld was, that linear game scale was a lot of space to offer for it's graphical side

[@Gr13fM4ch1n3]

Great work, NoClip. Love the honest outro at the end. Brought a smile to my face.

[@KingDeschain]

Hyped for this! Absolutely love this series and your documentaries, so getting some insight into Naughty Dog's process will be super interesting

[@Acrobatic_Nun]

No wonder I could never take down a whole pack of infected with a few bottles/bricks and Molotovs/nail bombs! They weren’t all spawned in! I actually noticed that in Part I (remake) in the subway tunnels, the exact scene he’s talking about in chapter 4. I went fully loud at the entry point playing on Grounded, so no Listen Mode. A few runners were still scattered around the station after the scuffle which included a broken bottle, a Molotov, then multiple gunshots, screams, and the heavy fall of multiple pairs of running feet. From less than 100 feet away those runners apparently heard nothing… I actually think that made the encounter worse. I also think the dodge mechanic from Part II would’ve helped gameplay dramatically, making it more dynamic and engaging. VS the very static RNG based melee combat in Part I. Also to clarify, I bought and played the game at launch 4-5 times through, then again on PS4 for the remaster another 5-7 times, and then again through Part I. I absolutely love the original, remaster, and remake, just my constructive criticism as a long time fan!

[@Jozombies115]

I've also got over a dozen playthroughs on remastered (2014). The remake changes too much imo that makes it a worse experience. For example, sneaking around clickers used to be viable, but now they are constantly doing that scream that allows them to see, and there's no way to avoid it if you're in an open area. I'm sticking to playing the old version.

[@hayabusa09]

I can't wait for the $70 PS5 Pro Version

[@CCowleyMedia]

This was great, always interesting to see how different devs work through problem solving! Thanks NC and ND!

[@alvikay]

Thanks for this. As always, your documentaries are S tier.

[@whythobro5175]

Thank you so much for addressing sound design! Many people don't even realize how much work goes into that aspect of the game!

[@draecarron5503]

Just subbed to this channel, can't wait to check out more of these awesome documentaries. And thanks to the ppl who help to donate to make these possible! ❤️

[@REVOLVERE]

Wow what a pleasant surprise. I'm currently doing my 4th playthrough of the game. Really looking forward to watching this all the way through 💪

[@blubirdhill2608]

Beautiful game, beautiful documentary. Thanks for your work! 🙏😘

[@absoriz2691]

We need to know wtf happened with the DISASTROUS PC port

[@wck]

Don't hold your breath on this channel. Danny O'Dwyer will never be critical of games again. He's permanently in glazing mode because he needs studios to like him in order to get access.

[@gaybaaa7649]

This was amazing. Such a superb game and great commentary from the designers. I remember playing Part II with my PS4 almost exploding in the background and being amazed at how good it looked. Looking at these cutscenes side by side my mind is absolutely blown. Let's hope Naughty Dog is not stopping anytime soon.

[@Dbzlatino27]

I freaking love how looks this scene in the minute 35:36 its just ridiculous how freaking powerful and beautiful looks, i love last of us but the part 2 was my favorite and really hit me hard, i wish you could do an documentary in the part 2 but either way thanks so much for the documentary. Havent play this remake but from what i could see it looks promising and even so much more when i can see how much respect to the original was putted on this remake.

[@matejda91]

A brilliant documentary! You've just earned yourself a new Noclip fan. 😊👌

[@akabreadley]

Your documentaries are S tier. Thank you for this!

[@Liversh0t]

Always love hearing the devs thoughts and intentions with certain decisions

[@Therionproject]

Unfortunately I lack the time and I don't get to watch your documentaries in a regular basis. But man, when I do have the time, I feel like it was a time well spent. All the marvelous work ND did on the original as well as re-making this game, deserved this great documentary. Great job guys, really. 👌 Cheers

[@AndresMind]

amazing work guys!

[@moragslothe6449]

Glad there is an official "making of" documentary out now. What a moving and insightful video from ND.

[@KillerTacos54]

Fantastic!! Thank you guys so much for this.

[@eliasmora715]

A jewel of a game.... a.balance of a great story & game dinamics, great Documentary, thanks

[@victormustin2547]

Amazing editting! You managed to illustrate every single sentence with the proper game footage, incredible stuff!

[@15awesomehighfive]

Thank you for dedicating a section to sound and music. They are often neglected when talking about videogames and it's the main way I remember and live with the games long after I play them.

[@JmsNmnn]

Another GREAT NoClip doc. Thank you!

[@EvanflowDDT]

Danny, I've missed seeing you since the Giant Bomb visits. This video was really amazing!

[@joshuatealeaves]

Took me 47 mins to realize that this is one video about part 1 & not part 1 in a series of videos about the making of the remaking 😅 Great video NoClip!

[@2009hobbes]

Well, dammit, now I'm going to to have to play the remake... I played the original on PS3 back in the day, played the PS4 remaster when I got my PS5 last year and thought I was done. But having watched this documentary, I'm just gonna have to go through all that trauma all over again! (Don't think I'll replay Part II though, as that was just a bit too much misery for my tastes - a phenomenal game, but just utterly relentless). Anyhoo, another great doc by the Noclip team!

[@ricepony33]

Just finished it last night and had the same thought, totally worth it. Can’t do the sequel again, too heavy.

[@89DerChristian]

Appreciate keeping it spoiler free. Gonna play the remaster on pc soon

[@napynap]

Beautiful! Thank you for this.

[@tylergeosano4043]

NoClip, thank you for doing what you do.

[@usernamesareforidiot]

The original came out when I was in the middle of college for game design. I was burnt out and questioning my decision. Then, I played this game and it reaffirmed my decision to get into game design. I'll never forget it and I will always consider it and the sequel to be masterpieces.

[@jernaugurgeh451]

This was great. So, when are we going to get to see Part 2 of the documentary?

[@spandel100]

This was excellent...thank you.I was on the fence about the pre order,but not anymore.

[@AceBadguy]

Amazing game series. Thanks for the documentary.

[@AbrahamLure]

I have both the Last of Us artbooks! I read them all the time and use them in my own art direction and references.

[@Phaota]

Superb job on the documentary. I've never played the games, though I have watched the full gameplay here on KZbin in playthrough movie form and loved the HBO series. I did not know the development team put so much time and effort into the remaster other than just updating the textures, lighting and shadows. It clearly got way more than just a new coat of paint and that is a good thing.

[@ArashiKageTaro]

May I ask why you’ve never played it? Genuinely curious why some folks would rather watch someone else play a game instead of experiencing it for yourself.

[@Teddy_Bear312]

@@ArashiKageTaro For myself it's because i don't own any consoles apart from portable ones. Bigger games i play on PC, and since a year or so exclusively on Steam Deck. The Last of Us released on Steam recently, but i haven't bought it yet because i have a too big of a backlog i still have to play 😅

[@Phaota]

@@ArashiKageTaro In the beginning, I did have a PS3, but it got fried in a lightning blast power surge. After that, I just never bought a PS4 or had the time to play the game with life and work. So, it was easier for me to watch a full playthrough here on YT. Nothing against playing the game, which I might still do, but with certain titles that are not available to me due to needing a console or super high-end PC, watching it is better and easier. Plus, I have the option of pausing and coming back to it whenever, just like a movie (which it is).

[@Hugop_arts]

I wanna preface this by saying I LOVE Noclip's work, this was beautifully structured and edited and I'm coming into this with a TLOUS Hype. With that context, I'm afraid the subject itself wasn't that deep? at least as previous remake docs have been. It felt like I was re-hearing the same things and anecdotes from different people which usually fell in three camps: "Back then we couldn't do 'X' thing because of tech limitations, but with 8y of tech now we could! But then we ended up doing too much so we had to pull it back to match more of the original" or "we pulled this tech from TLOU2 but had to do Y tweaks to it" or "Our focus was on the original intent, the original vision. Sticking to it but upgrading it with our now added 8 years of tech/learnings" So... yeah. I am fully aware you can only do so much with what you're given by people's answers but I can't help but feel on this doc the same shine as always but definitely less depth than the rest -and, again, reiterating, that I don't think it's noclip's fault. Perhaps it's because out of the remake focused docs, this one has the least time between original and remake? Anyhow, hopefully yall won't hate me and see where I'm coming from (but bracing for impact rn either way)

[@j.a.weishaupt1748]

I totally agree. I was excited to watch a deep 45 minute long NoClip dive into this game but the result is nothing I haven’t seen before or didn’t already know.

[@AlexJ1]

It's because they had to pretend that the point of this remaster WASN'T to simply sell more copies of the same game. They have nothing new to say because nothing new was created. I guarantee we'll see a PS6 version one day.

[@bryanstone5745]

Felt more like advertising for the game and less a documentary.

[@endorbr]

Because Sony/Naughty Dog put A LOT of PR into this remake to coincide with the HBO show, so we’re l getting the same canned responses from the developers. They’ve been coached on what to say for maximum focus impact to market the game and show.

[@JigglypuffTutorials]

Contrary to the other replies, I don’t think it’s due a cash grab reasoning. I think the limit on spoilers hampered this doc.

[@DmitrijPaskevic]

Amazing release. Thanks Noclip ♥️⭐

[@vfastvdangerous]

Amazing as always.

[@mgxa_]

Thank you for keeping it spoiler free!

[@direxps3]

Noclip and GVMERS are the best way to educate yourself in this beautiful industry! Video games are treasure!💙

[@josephrener1]

Wonderful documentary 👏 ❤️

[@AlkoPRO11]

Thanks Noclip and Naughty Dog❤

[@craigchaotic]

So interesting to hear about all the fine detail that goes into the making of the games. Especially with how highly remasters are criticised

[@paulkyle]

I really appreciate footage from someone who plays well

[@TeaMakerJason]

You picked a good day to upload this

[@TheMrLeoniasty]

Nice ! I was hoping a behind the scenes of the remake would be coming out, thank you noclip !

[@gpstenholm23]

Thanks Danny, Jezza, Frank & Jesse o/ I've never played TLOU, as the PS2 was the last Sony console I owned. I did watch a complete play-through, with no commentary, few years ago though. Looking at the specs for the upcoming PC release I am going to have to wait for a better computer to try that... but one day, one day I shall play The Last of Us.

[@DBHErazor]

Bless you for this

[@PabloEdvardo]

I'm just a PC gamer so I didn't know about the improvements in controller feedback. I've long been wanting a resurgence of good force feedback. I had a force feedback PC joystick back in the 90s and it made certain games incredibly immersive (like Jedi Knight where moving the joystick was harder/easier based on saber style, and MechWarrior 2 where the whole joystick would move and shudder a bit as the mech's weight crashed into the sand with each step). Strangely, force feedback died out quickly, and was only replaced with the "rumble pack" in console controllers, which were nothing like the dynamic experience of force feedback controllers.

[@vonEitzen]

Well, there go my plans for the next hour... ;-) Looking forward to your latest.

[@fujibayoshi3224]

Thank you! This was quite interesting.

[@gzzuss]

Talk about timing 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Man, I played the PS3 version its funny how memory works, you really look fondly to old things, jzzz that framerate so jarring now!

[@jnaur6849]

Class interview, nice to see a fellow Irishman in the industry!

[@Deadforge]

That was an awesome documentary that gives me a bit kore respect for what they've dine with the Part 1 remake.

[@cmclbloody]

It's good to see These documentaries about My favorite game 👍👍👍👍👍

[@feathers3411]

I'd really love for you guys to cover Rain World - it's such a unique experience of a game that you really can't get anywhere else, plus it has some super interesting AI and procedural animation!

[@TheDanimatorsChannel]

These guys are freeking amazing, true artists

[@lazysayso]

Great video!

[@IRWPD]

Hard to believe the game will be ten years old. Might have try out this new version.

[@SaintGraeme]

TLoU Pt. 1 is like the definition of "It looks exactly how I remembered it."

[@phil_matic]

Which to me is bad. I was hoping it would look better than I remember.

[@Inhuman0]

Hyped for the PC release.

[@UsedToBeFriend]

while informational part was as always good, this video lacked the crucial noclip signature - that the games made are by humans and the complex context of their work and relationships. in the absence of it this docs reminds more of a promotional peace or sleek official playstation channel doc. questions regarding difficult history of production (different teams, the bend studio initial involvement), how it was to make a remake without bruce strailey's (or with?) his consultation, why no obviously needed gameplay & environmental changes were made, just cosmetics - all this questions would bring a life this story

[@grimlock8369]

ND churned through ALOT of talent during tlou2. It would be surprising if there was many people left who worked both projects

[@AntiNihilist]

Sure, there's a lot of effort put into the remaster, but I really can't wait for them to move on to another project already. I can only hope that maybe this will make the game palletable to play 20 years from now as well.

[@SolidBoss7]

Remake* ....and get over yourself.

[@phil_matic]

@@SolidBoss7 No. Not enough of an upgrade to warrant the title of remake. It's not the same amount of effort that was put into the Resident Evil remakes.

[@mrchiledonut]

Currently, I am going back and fourth between the remaster and the remake, and it's interesting to see the similarities and differences. It's surprising. I started it by the capitol building in Boston and am currently standing in Bill's town right when you get the bow. I've known and felt a handful of the differences as I went through the remake, but there are many more than I knew about. A major one I am noticing right now is that, weirdly, Ellie will not cross the plank you have to pick up next to where you get the bow on the PS5 version, while in the remaster, you have to allow her to cross it. The similarity that is surprising me is that they've largely kept the color tones of the environments, which I remember thinking looked off, but that's up to the lighting differences. The sound also differs slightly as the remaster is a bit louder compared to PS5 when they're both using studio reference. It's fascinating.

[@ErzenDesignClassic]

Excellent, been looking forward to this one!

[@akathoth]

The lighting was really impressing on PC, especially the fires in the beginning of the game. I was glad to be able to play this game and enjoy the story they told. Sadly, many others couldn't due to stability problems on launch. Hopefully it's all fixed now.

[@adambrock284]

This game was beautiful on ps3.. I've got it for ps5 will hopefully get round to it soon.

[@DivingDeveloper]

Okay, okay! You've sold it to me. I'll have to play it again!

[@Bryanpena270]

I played on survival. The AI always get me. They walk nice and quiet as they flank you and smack you with a pipe while you’re at your lowest health.

[@Joolz1982]

Really interesting thanks NoClip, they should have explained this all on release as was not clear why they did not change the mechanics to Part II’s for example.

[@hehashivemind6111]

Really interesting look behind the scenes for the remaster. Definitely shows it wasn't just an easy skin, and now it makes way more sense why they made this for PS5 knowing that the HBO series was on the horizon.

[@VanGtfogh]

I love art books but what I really want is an included collection of high resolution image files of what is in the book so that I can make them desktop backgrounds

[@CaptainMaakasu]

Smart timing ^^

[@kylerclarke2689]

ohhhhhhhhh! Can't wait to watch this one!

[@James-gj8rn]

This will be a great one Danny and yes i love both games, they are great (Yes i know a lot of people don't like the series now but hold off on the pitchforks, i'm just voicing an opinion, if you don't agree thar's fine)

[@VladimirDev]

Don't get me wrong, I love TLOU, it's one of my favorite games of all time, but man can you feel the difference between a noclip video about a AAA game and an indie game. In a video like this, everyone tells you how excited they were to work on a game like this, what a privilege that was, how it's an honor, etc. While in indie documentaries, you hear life stories of individuals or very small teams about pouring their hearts into their work and how they never imagined what would they get in return.

[@yandhigaming420]

Indie games are fya no doubt but TLOU is a one of a kind IP and they genuinely made it look beautiful

[@recht_voor_zijn_raap5506]

Have decided to buy The Last of us Part 1. Even if I own the PS3 original and PS4 remastered edition and have played both versions more times than I dare to admit. And glad I did. The remake is leaps and bounds above the original game. Graphics are of another level, true. BUT what most surprised me was the incredible upgrade to AI.. Because I played the original so much I knew exactly how the AI worked and could easily stealthkill entire rooms and in combat scenarios always control how the fight went. NOT so in the remake.. The AI was so much starter and quite a lot of times I was sneaked up from the sides of behind by a hunter that I didn't see coming because his buddies kept me busy by drawing fire... And it was a real wake up call that I wasn't as good in the combat/stealth as I thought. Had to learn to play all over again. Bravo Naughty Dog.. Bravo.

[@LexLutha]

I cannot believe I will be re playing my favorite game of all time on my pc ❤

[@mickael486]

Game Informer had a very interesting short article about how much nuance was lost with this remake. I agree.

[@seth5362]

There needs to be a term for inbetween remastering and remaking, a refinishing if you will.

[@toyo8460]

Great documentory. The last of us is incredible, and so is the Show adaptation.

[@glaikunt1225]

Yes!!1! Good timing! 😄

[@MatheusSantoro91]

Great video

[@LiveTheDream24]

I for one couldnt be more thrilled that they remade part 1. Its so fucking beautiful and if there was EVER a game that DESERVED a full remake like this its The Last Of Us. I plan on buying the pc port once i know its in a better state as far as running. I'll pay full price gladly and im going to do the same for part 2 one they port it to pc as well. This might be my favorite IP that i can think of and the HBO series just made the whole lore/story even better. Newer LoU enjoyer and a bit of a fan boy I'll admit. The story just resonates deeply.

[@bryanstone5745]

Chloe from Uncharted spotted in the concept art @19:49. Kind of interesting.