THE LAST OF US PART II

A gut-wrenching sequel

04 Eyebrows were raised when Naughty Dog announced it was making a sequel to The Last Of Us, a game that arguably needed no followup, but the result was a brutal yet beautiful postapocalyptic story that will leave your emotions feeling as battered and bruised as its cast. Team PLAY had a tough decision when choosing between The Last Of Us Part I or Part II for this coveted spot, but there’s a thematic maturity in Naughty Dog’s sequel that broke the standoff.

The Last of Us Part II feels like a game that’s constantly wrestling with itself. Its story of revenge and an eye-for-an-eye mentality leads to savage action and ruthless combat, two features often celebrated in games. But this thematic cycle of violence and death is destructive to its characters. These forces are at odds with another theme, of survival, and you are forced to confront them all head-on.

LOST AND FOUND

Post-pandemic America is a cruel place, but we’re given brief glimpses of humanity. Flashbacks show happier times with protagonists Ellie and Joel doing things like exploring a museum and playing the guitar together – a continuation of their relationship from the first game. They serve as moments of brief tranquility for the player but also emotional collateral that drives the bloodshed when you get forced back to the present.

The developers are skilled at making you empathise with the characters. The line between ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’ blurs as Ellie, hell-bent on vengeance, commits increasingly violent acts. The anger and hunger for justice characters feel are legitimate, but how far are their actions justified? This question is at the core of Part II and the result is a profound revenge tale with heart-wrenching moments and emotional gut punches. The Last Of Us Part II will leave you feeling exhausted by the time those credits roll. Thanks, Naughty Dog.

“A PROFOUND REVENGE TALE WITH HEARTWRENCHING MOMENTS.”