The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PlayStation 5 is garnering excitement with a new feature that allows players to take on the role of Gustavo Santaolalla, the series' composer, in the Guitar Free Play mode. The mode not only offers guitar but now also includes banjo playing options. Gustavo Santaolalla had inadvertently hinted at this cameo and the remastered edition before its official announcement. In addition to the musical gameplay, The Last of Us Part 2: Remastered is bringing other enhancements such as Lost Levels with developer commentary, graphical improvements, and a roguelike mode titled No Return. Scheduled to release on January 19, the game promises to be an enriched experience for fans, adding to the legacy of the original title which received critical acclaim for its storytelling, gameplay, and design.

Is Gustavo Santaolalla’s appearance in The Last of Us Part II Remastered his first cameo in a video game?

No, Gustavo Santaolalla made a previous cameo appearance referencing the remaster and its new musical modes before the official announcement.

The Last of Us Part II, developed by Naughty Dog, is a sequel to the critically acclaimed game The Last of Us, which was released in 2013. Santaolalla, known for his evocative scores and incorporation of various instruments, has been integral to the series' emotional resonance. The original game's narrative revolves around Joel and Ellie, characters who traverse a post-apocalyptic world. Its sequel continues to focus on complex themes and character development. With the remastered version, fans will not only revisit the world of The Last of Us with enhanced graphics and new content but also enjoy the unique addition of interactive music play, blending the mediums of gaming and music in an innovative way.