When Does The Last Of Us 2 Get Good?
For anyone that enjoyed The Last Of Us, some fans have a complicated relationship with the second game. Filled with controversial decisions by the game designers, on top of an unforgiving continuation of the story, the game came out to divisive fan opinion. That being said, the game itself is considered by most to be a masterpiece. It does start a slight bit slower, but most fans will argue after the first five hours of building a new narrative, the action kicks off and doesn’t rest until the harrowing finale.
What Fans Say:
The Last of Us Part II is hailed by fans as a masterful, emotionally charged continuation of one of gaming’s most beloved stories. Fans praise its breathtaking visuals, meticulous attention to detail, and realistic character performances, particularly from Ashley Johnson (Ellie) and Laura Bailey (Abby). The game’s narrative is often described as daring and impactful, as it delves into themes of vengeance, loss, and moral ambiguity. The complex storytelling and character arcs challenge players to grapple with difficult emotions and perspectives, a feat rarely achieved in video games.
Gameplay innovations are another highlight. The refined stealth mechanics, responsive combat, and vast, atmospheric environments elevate the immersive experience. Fans commend how the game blends narrative with gameplay seamlessly, offering moments of quiet reflection juxtaposed with visceral action. The bold choice to shift perspectives mid-game and introduce Abby as a central character has also been praised by those who appreciated the game’s risk-taking in storytelling.
The soundtrack, composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, enhances the game’s haunting tone, complementing its raw and emotional atmosphere.
What Haters Say:
While The Last of Us Part II enjoys widespread acclaim, it has also been a source of polarizing debate. Some detractors criticize the game for its narrative choices, particularly the decision to kill off a major character early in the story. For many, this moment felt jarring and alienating, leading to resentment toward the game’s subsequent direction.
The mid-game perspective shift to Abby has been another divisive point. Some players felt forced to empathize with a character they were primed to dislike, leading to frustration and disengagement. Others argue that the story is too bleak, offering little emotional payoff for its extended exploration of revenge and suffering.
From a gameplay standpoint, critics point out that the game can feel overly long, with certain sections described as repetitive or unnecessary. While the combat is praised, some found the pacing uneven, detracting from the overall experience. The intense violence has also drawn criticism, with some feeling it borders on gratuitous.
Aggregated Critic Commentary:
The Last of Us Part II has received widespread critical acclaim, holding high ratings across major outlets. Critics laud its storytelling for pushing the boundaries of what a video game narrative can achieve, offering a mature and thought-provoking experience. The voice acting and motion capture performances are frequently highlighted as industry-defining, bringing a level of realism and depth to the characters that few games can match.
Gameplay mechanics are also widely praised for their polish and fluidity. Critics note the improvements in combat, enemy AI, and exploration, making every encounter feel tense and strategic. The visuals are described as stunning, with detailed environments and lifelike character animations that immerse players in its post-apocalyptic world.
However, the game’s divisive story has not gone unnoticed. While many appreciate its bold choices, some critics acknowledge that its heavy tone and shocking moments may alienate certain players. The pacing has been another common critique, with some reviewers feeling the game overstays its welcome.
Overall, The Last of Us Part II is celebrated as a technical and narrative achievement, even as its risks ensure it will remain one of the most debated games in recent memory.
Overview of the Game:
The Last of Us Part II, developed by Naughty Dog and released in 2020, is the highly anticipated sequel to The Last of Us. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection, the game continues the story of Ellie as she navigates the dangerous, broken world left in the wake of the Cordyceps outbreak. The game takes place five years after the events of the first installment, with Ellie living in relative safety in Jackson, Wyoming, alongside Joel and other survivors. However, a shocking act of violence sets Ellie on a relentless path of revenge, leading her to the ruined city of Seattle.
What sets The Last of Us Part II apart is its unflinching narrative. Unlike traditional tales of heroism, this sequel delves into the consequences of vengeance, forcing players to confront their own moral judgments. The game splits its perspective between Ellie and Abby, two characters locked in a cycle of violence and grief, offering a profound exploration of empathy and perspective.
Gameplay improvements build on the foundation of the original game, introducing more dynamic combat, expanded stealth options, and richer exploration. Players can crawl, dodge, and craft items on the fly, adding layers of strategy to encounters with both human enemies and infected creatures. The level design encourages exploration, rewarding players with resources and story details hidden in the world.
Visually, The Last of Us Part II is a showcase of Naughty Dog’s technical prowess. From lush forests to rain-soaked cityscapes, every environment feels alive and lived-in. The game’s audio design, including its melancholic score by Gustavo Santaolalla, further enhances the emotional weight of its story.
While The Last of Us Part II remains a polarizing experience due to its challenging themes, it is widely regarded as a landmark achievement in storytelling and game design. It is a game that demands emotional investment, leaving players with a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
Game Highlights:
Part I: The Search for Revenge The early section of the game focuses on Ellie’s grief and her determination to hunt down those responsible for her loss. Players explore the city of Seattle, encountering hostile factions like the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and the religious Seraphites. This part of the game introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as prone movement, dodging, and enhanced crafting systems. Combat sequences are tense and strategic, with enemies demonstrating improved AI. The environment design is stunning, filled with hidden areas that provide both resources and world-building details.
Part II: A New Perspective Midway through the game, the perspective shifts to Abby, a soldier of the WLF. This bold narrative choice allows players to see events from Abby’s point of view, adding layers to the story. Her arc introduces new characters, such as Lev and Yara, and explores the themes of redemption and forgiveness. Abby’s combat style feels distinct, with a focus on raw power and brutal melee attacks. This section further develops the story’s central conflict while humanizing characters who were initially painted as villains.
Part III: The Cycle of Violence The final act brings Ellie and Abby’s stories to a devastating conclusion. The game’s themes of vengeance, loss, and the cyclical nature of violence come full circle, leaving players emotionally drained yet contemplative. This section features some of the game’s most intense sequences, both in terms of combat and storytelling. The resolution is deliberately open-ended, encouraging players to reflect on the choices made by the characters.
Similar Games (3-5 Titles):
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End – Another Naughty Dog masterpiece, combining cinematic storytelling with dynamic gameplay.
- God of War (2018) – Features a powerful narrative centered on loss, revenge, and redemption with visceral combat.
- Red Dead Redemption 2 – A story-driven open-world game with rich character development and emotional storytelling.
- Tomb Raider (2013) – Combines exploration, stealth, and combat with a strong narrative focus.
- Days Gone – Another post-apocalyptic adventure featuring emotional storytelling and tense gameplay.
If You Liked These, You’ll Like This Game:
- The Last of Us (Part I) – The original game sets the stage for the emotional and thematic depth of Part II.
- Bioshock Infinite – Features complex characters, a gripping story, and challenging moral questions.
- Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice – A haunting, narrative-driven game that explores mental health and emotional struggles.
- Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain – Offers stealth gameplay, emotional storytelling, and a morally gray narrative.