The Last of Us: Part Two - Review

"All the promises at sundown, I meant them like the rest" – A review of The Last of Us: Part Two. 

I loved The Last of Us. I love survival horror, I love apocalypse fiction, I love tense gameplay. I enjoy being a bit scared, I love a genuinely threatening enemy - so would The Last of Us: Part Two live up to its phenomenal predecessor?

Developed by Naughty Dog, The Last of Us: Part Two is the highly anticipated sequel to 2013's The Last of Us. Building on its predecessor's legacy, the game promised a deeper narrative experience and technical advancements for players. Would this promise pay off?

Set in a post-apocalyptic America, you follow Ellie as she embarks on a journey driven by vengeance and grief. The narrative delves into complex themes such as trauma, moral ambiguity, and, of course, violence. Through its clever use of dual perspectives, the game explores how personal loss and the pursuit of justice can blur the boundaries between hero and villain, providing a mature and often uncomfortable examination of human nature.

While the original game centred on the bond between Joel and Ellie, the sequel shifts focus to Ellie's personal development and her struggle with loss. Gameplay saw significant refinement; stealth mechanics were more flexible, environments were larger and more detailed, and the AI presented more varied challenges. Technically, the game has enhanced graphics, improved motion capture, and more nuanced animations, which really established a new benchmark for narrative-driven games.

The Last of Us: Part Two did a great job in crafting a tense and immersive atmosphere. The visuals are brilliant, with environments full of detail and a realistic depiction of a world in complete ruin. Sound design plays a critical role, from the subtle creaks of abandoned buildings to Gustavo Santaolalla's emotional score, heightening the emotional stakes and immersing you in Ellie's journey. The emotional tone is relentless, often pushing you to confront uncomfortable realities about the world around you and the choices you would make in tough situations.

Combat was definitely expanded for part Two, with the game offering greater mobility, crafting options, and weapon customisation. Encounters are always intense, with enemies displaying heightened intelligence and coordination – leading to several nightmare inducing encounters. The introduction of new enemy types, such as the terrifying Shamblers, adds so much variety, meaning you have to adapt you strategies to survive. Stealth remains vital, but firefights are also more punishing, demanding careful resource management and tactical planning.

I'm not going to pretend that this game is perfect. I don't think it was as good as the first – there are certainly pacing issues, for example. With that being said, this is an incredible story to immerse yourself in. Technically brilliant, highly emotional and full of interesting if difficult themes, this really is a must play for any fans of the first game, or survival horror as a genre.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

Share Article: