The Last of Us Part II
May 19, 2021 5 years ago
The Last of Us Part II is an action-adventure game set five years after the events of The Last of Us. The player traverses post-apocalyptic environments such as buildings and forests to advance the story. They can use firearms, improvised weapons, and stealth to defend against hostile humans and cannibalistic creatures infected by a mutated strain of the Cordyceps fungus. The game intermittently switches control between Ellie and Abby, and also briefly Joel in the opening sequence. The nimble nature of the player character introduces platforming elements, allowing the player to jump and climb to traverse environments and gain advantages during combat.
What it’s like
The Last of Us Part II delivers a harrowing, emotionally charged narrative centered on the cyclical nature of violence and the heavy toll of revenge. Set in a reclaimed, overgrown America, the game utilizes a dual-perspective structure, alternating between Ellie and Abby to force players into uncomfortable moral alignments and empathize with opposing viewpoints. The experience is defined by its relentless tension and psychological weight rather than traditional heroism. Craft-wise, it represents the pinnacle of cinematic storytelling in gaming, featuring unparalleled facial capture, environmental detail, and immersive audio design that amplifies every moment of dread. While the gameplay loop of stealth and survival horror remains tight and polished, the narrative’s deliberate pacing and unflinching tone create an exhausting but profoundly impactful journey that challenges players to confront their own biases about justice and empathy.
Strong in Atmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicCharactersPolish / PerformanceStory / NarrativeVisuals / ArtWriting / DialogueCombatDifficulty / ChallengeGameplay / MechanicsPacingProgression / ReplayabilitySocial / Relationships
Keep in mind The narrative is emotionally draining and deliberately controversial; players seeking a straightforward hero's journey or escapism will likely find it alienating. · Combat can feel repetitive and frustratingly difficult on higher settings, with enemy AI often relying on aggressive flanking rather than tactical variety.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from metacritic.com, ign.com, epiloguegaming.com, seasonedgaming.com, reddit.com, waytoomany.games.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 4 | Worldwide | Full release | Jun 19, 20206 years ago |
| PlayStation 5 | Worldwide | Full release | May 19, 20215 years ago |
