Sony has done it again. The Last of Us appears in a further, shiny, dramatically titled version: The Last of Us Complete: Collector's Edition. A name that promises more than just the game. It promises completeness. Finality. The ultimate version. And what's inside? Two games that we all already own - probably in multiple versions - in a box that pretends to be a historical artifact and not just a remaster of a remaster.
Of course, the thing is beautiful. The box features an artful design that speaks of humanity, survival and emotional depth. The look screams: This is more than just a game. And indeed, it is more - more of the same. Including an artwork book that touches you emotionally, while you ask yourself: How much does this emotion actually cost this time?
Perfect timing: The Last of Us meets Season 2
Of course the The Last of Us Complete: Collector's Edition onto the market right now, not entirely by chance. With Season 2 of the acclaimed HBO series in sight, the timing is almost perfect. Anyone who loves the series now has the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in the dark world of Ellie and Joel again - in a high-quality collector's edition that fits the series' atmosphere perfectly, both visually and thematically.
But despite all the love for the brand, you can also look carefully between the lines: The new release not only looks like a loving homage to one of the most iconic games of the last decade - but perhaps also a little bit like a placeholder. Because apart from established brands, Sony's games output is currently rather quiet.
New IPs? Innovative first-party titles? Not at all, or at least on hold. While the competition is increasingly focusing on fresh ideas, Sony is sticking to what is sure to work - and The Last of Us always works.
This is not necessarily a bad thing. On the contrary: if you don't know the games yet or would like to experience them again in their most beautiful form, you'll get an all-round successful package here. The Collector's Edition is without question an eye-catcher and a real highlight for fans. But it also reminds us that you can't shape the future forever with strong brands alone.
Sony's master plan: Remaster, remaster - and then another remaster
So maybe it's both: a clever accompaniment to the series and a quiet hint that it's time for the next big thing. Until then, let's celebrate the end of the world again - this time in a classy cardboard box with a hardcover artbook.
The Reactions from the fans? Let's put it this way - enthusiasm sounds different. Sentences like:
"Damn, you've already remastered 1 and 2 for extra money, and now you can get both remastered, but in the same box." Or also: "How many times can they sell the same game?"
It's a bit like your favorite song on the radio that eventually becomes an annoying earworm - except that Sony charges you every time it comes on again. After all The Last of Us a great game. No question about it. But great enough to resell it in what feels like every console cycle? Several times?
Some are already joking about a possible "Remastered Edition of the Complete Edition" - which, if we're honest, doesn't sound entirely unlikely. Imagine the version The Last of Us Ultimate: Legacy Definitive Remastered Collector's Expanded Omnibus Edition Included: the same games, a new box, and a digital voucher for a theme that you can no longer install.
The true fan - or how to voluntarily fall into the consumer trap
Of course, there are also those particularly loyal - or particularly broken - souls for whom Sony's tactics are sure to strike at the heart (or wallet) meets. One user (Net find) writes: "I already have the game for 3 console generations and in countless Collector's Editions ... Of course I need them now too. Thanks for the tip <3" - and that's not even meant ironically. This is not a victim of the consumer spiral speaking, but a true disciple. You can picture him tending to his shrine of Ellie statues, steelbooks and PSN codes as he mumbles: "Naughty Dog, take my money, I wasn't completely empty yet." It is touching. And frightening. But above all: profitable.
And yes, of course the Collector's Edition sold out immediately - in no time at all. Scalpers are rubbing their hands again, while fans hoping for new content are just shaking their heads uncomprehendingly.
What does this realization bring us? Sony, how about a new IP? Something fresh? Something you haven't already played three times, in four different packages?
But until then, let's just look forward to the next remaster. Probably with a real mushroom spore effect in 8K. Only for €129.99 - exclusively available to pre-order, limited to exactly as many as you can sell.
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