In the hauntingly immersive world of The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, players have stumbled upon a fascinating Easter egg: a shirt inspired by the classic PlayStation IP, Killzone. This subtle nod has sparked speculation among fans about a possible revival of the revered Killzone franchise, which has been dormant since its last release in 2013. The inclusion of a Killzone-inspired shirt among the new in-game cosmetics—unlocked by completing challenges in the game's No Return mode—acts as a beacon for speculation and hope regarding the future of the Killzone series.
Killzone, developed by Guerrilla Games, made its debut in 2004, offering players gritty, intense combat in a richly atmospheric world. Over nine years, the franchise expanded to include four mainline entries and two spinoffs, culminating in Killzone: Shadow Fall. Since then, Guerrilla Games has shifted its focus to the Horizon franchise, leaving Killzone fans yearning for a return to the Helghast-dominated universe.
The Last of Us franchise, celebrated for its deep storytelling and complex characters, also has a reputation for including Easter eggs and references that span the entirety of Naughty Dog's back catalog and beyond. These references range from meticulous recreations, such as the entire Dunder Mifflin office, to hidden collectibles that nod to other PlayStation games. The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered takes this tradition to new heights, offering players shirts for Ellie and Abby that reference a variety of video games including Hotline Miami, Jak and Daxter, Mortal Kombat, Destiny, and Death Stranding, with the Killzone-inspired shirt prominently featuring the iconic Helghast Triad logo.
This move could suggest Sony’s recognition of a gap within their current lineup—a gap that a Killzone live-service game could potentially fill. With Guerrilla Games currently dedicated to the Horizon series, the future of Killzone remains uncertain. Yet, the fan demand for a franchise revival is palpable.
The presence of the Killzone-inspired shirt in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered not only serves as a celebration of Sony’s rich gaming history but also as a beacon of hope for the fans eagerly awaiting the return of the Killzone franchise. As speculation continues to build, one cannot help but wonder if Sony will answer the call to revive this beloved series.