The Last of Us Part 2 - Revenge
Naughty Dog returns with the follow
up from their 2013 hit The Last of Us, with The Last of Us Part 2. In this review I will try to remain spoiler
free, as I think this is a game that should be experienced. The original The
Last of Us follows the grizzly protagonist Joel Miller, as he tries to cope
with the loss of his daughter, the world collapsing around him, and his new
found mission to deliver a young girl named “Ellie” to a group known as the Fireflies; a revolutionary
militia group with hopes of eradicating the virus and restoring the US
government to what it once was. We find out in the Last of
Us Part 1 Ellie is immune to the virus, as she has was bitten by and infected, and still hasn't turned. Joel must take Ellie
to the Fireflies, as they are rumored to have doctors that will be able to
reverse engineer the virus with the immunity that Ellie possesses. After several events
unfold, we find out in order to reverse engineer the virus the Firefly doctors must remove
Ellie's brain, thus killing her in order to save humanity. With the loss of his own daughter, Joel is determined
to not let that happen as he has grown to care for Ellie. Joel puts aside the sake of humanity and he proceeds to kill everyone at the Firefly facility including
the only doctor with the knowledge of how to reverse the virus. Joel succeeds in
saving Ellie, but in the end lies to her stating that the Fireflies will find
another immune person to get the virus from instead, and thus taking us to The Last of Us Part 2.
Set 5 years after the original game
Joel and Ellie are now in Jackson, Wyoming living with a community of settlers
trying to regain what they had lost since the outbreak, while still fighting
the dangers that lie just outside of their walls. We follow Joel, and Ellie as they continue
their lives in the post-apocalyptic world, while also meeting a new cast of
great characters with the likes of Laura Bailey voicing Abby, and Shannon
Woodward as Dina. This story is simply a story about revenge. In the 20 hours
it took me to complete the main story, I found myself facing several different
emotions as I played my way through the violent, yet exhilarating story of loss, and revenge.
From first glance, it’s
undeniable at the graphical achievement Naughty Dog has achieved with The Last
of Us 2. Boasting a great photo mode, I found myself looking at the bleak yet
gorgeous environments and set pieces as I progressed through the games story.
As you walk through the decaying Seattle you can see the meticulous detail
Naughty Dog put into the city itself, from the Ferris Wheel to the Aquarium. With nature is making its way back city, the
overgrowing trees, and brush look amazing moving in the wind as you walk through
or hide to try and take out an enemy.
With amazing upgraded graphics
comes the update in gameplay. Its obvious Naughty Dog was paying attention to
the response of the last game, as the gun play, and overall controls feel
much better than the predecessor. Aiming
down sights with the joysticks feels way more responsive, and deliberate with where
you would like to aim, though there is an added aim assist option you can turn
on and off.
New characters mean new factions
and new enemies to encounter. Without getting into spoiler territory, the new
mechanics enemies possess will change the way video games are made in the future,
whether it be one of the new factions “The Scars” calling out as they see you
in a terrifying manner, or an enemy calling out a member of their group by name
as you lay waste to them. Resources are once again based on the difficulty you
choose, just as the previous title. For my first play through, I just chose to
play it on the standard difficulty, with there being harder, and easier
difficulties. I wanted to have my first play through the way the game was
intended, and then to go back later at a different difficulty as I go try to obtain
all the games trophies. Collectibles, and upgrades are rampant in The Last of
Us Part 2. If you’re like myself and try and love getting Platinum Trophies,
then you will most likely need to play through the game at least 1.5 times in
order to get all the trophies. With weapon upgrades you can only get to about
80% upgrades when you reach the end of the game. The good news is The Last of Us
Part 2 has a New Game + option that will let you keep all your upgrades and
collectibles. On top of the New Game +, once you finish the game you will be
greeted with a chapter select option that will show you the remaining collectibles
you have if you would like to go back to a certain chapter and complete it that
way.
The Last of Us Part 2 is a game
that needs to be experienced and shouldn’t be spoiled by reviews or YouTube videos.
The story Naughty Dog is trying to tell is much more than leaked spoilers, and
review bombing. The Last of Us Part 2 is a game about the human psych as it
tries to deal with pain, loss, and revenge, and personal issues not often found
in video games. With the amazing performances from the cast, you really feel the
issues the characters are suffering/dealing with. There are game franchises I wish
I could erase my memory and play again, and the Last of Us is easily near the
top of that list.
Last of Us Part 2 - 10/10