The Last of Us Part II: A Detailed Review of Pros and Cons
Released in 2020, The Last of Us Part II is the highly anticipated sequel to Naughty Dog’s original 2013 masterpiece, The Last of Us. As a story-driven, action-adventure game, it continues the harrowing journey of Ellie in a post-apocalyptic world filled with both human and monstrous threats. While the game has received universal acclaim for its storytelling, visuals, and innovation, it has also sparked some controversy. In this article, we’ll explore both the pros and cons of The Last of Us Part II, giving a comprehensive look at what makes this game so remarkable—and where it occasionally stumbles.
Pros of The Last of Us Part II
1. Stunning Visuals and World-Building
One of the most notable features of The Last of Us Part II is its jaw-dropping visuals. Naughty Dog has mastered the art of creating lifelike environments, from the ruins of cities to dense forests, capturing the beauty and decay of a world devastated by the outbreak. The level of detail in the character models, facial animations, and environments is unparalleled, contributing to a cinematic experience that draws players deeply into the world.
The world-building also shines, as the environments feel rich with history. Every location tells a story through scattered collectibles, environmental design, and NPC interactions, further immersing players in the game’s universe.
2. Deep and Emotionally Complex Storytelling
The narrative of The Last of Us Part II is bold and unapologetically emotional. The story isn’t just about surviving a post-apocalyptic world; it’s about revenge, loss, and the consequences of actions. It subverts expectations by offering a storyline that forces players to challenge their understanding of morality and perspective.
The character development is exceptional, especially with Ellie and Abby, who are given compelling, multifaceted arcs. Players are invited to explore their motivations, internal struggles, and the emotional weight of their choices, making the game an emotionally intense journey.
3. Engaging Gameplay and Combat Mechanics
The combat system is refined and more dynamic compared to the first game. The addition of new weapons, crafting mechanics, and stealth options gives players more freedom in how they approach encounters. Whether it’s sneaking past enemies, using the environment to your advantage, or engaging in intense firefights, The Last of Us Part II provides varied and challenging combat.
The AI behavior of both enemies and allies has been significantly improved, leading to more intelligent and reactive interactions. This creates a sense of tension and realism that keeps players engaged throughout the entire game.
4. Impeccable Sound Design
The sound design is one of the standout features of The Last of Us Part II. From the haunting cries of Clickers to the ambient noise of the environment, every sound is carefully crafted to enhance immersion. The soundtrack, composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, complements the emotional weight of the game, reinforcing the themes of loss and survival.
5. Incredible Voice Acting and Motion Capture
The voice acting in The Last of Us Part II is nothing short of exceptional. Laura Bailey (Abby) and Ashley Johnson (Ellie) bring their characters to life with nuanced, powerful performances. Their performances are supported by cutting-edge motion capture technology, which translates into some of the most expressive, realistic character animations ever seen in gaming.
Cons of The Last of Us Part II
1. Divisive Story Choices
While the narrative is one of the game’s strongest points, it is also where the controversy lies. Some of the story decisions, particularly with respect to character arcs and certain plot twists, have polarized the fanbase. A major plot point in the middle of the game shifts the player’s allegiance in a way that some felt was jarring or forced.
The portrayal of certain characters and their actions left some players feeling disconnected from the story. For fans who were attached to specific characters or had a certain expectation of where the story would go, these changes were polarizing.
2. Length and Pacing Issues
At over 20 hours, The Last of Us Part II can feel overlong at times. The pacing, while deliberate in creating tension and emotional investment, may drag in certain sections. Some players felt that the game’s extended length caused the emotional impact to diminish toward the latter stages, especially with repetitive gameplay elements.
The pacing also suffers from an often slow progression in narrative and exploration, which may feel like a grind to some players, especially when compared to more fast-paced action games.
3. Limited Replay Value
While The Last of Us Part II offers an exceptional single-player experience, its replay value is limited for some players. Once the story is complete, there’s little incentive to return to the game unless players are looking to explore different difficulty settings or challenge modes. There’s no substantial multiplayer component, unlike the first game’s Factions mode, which was a disappointing omission for some fans.
4. Overwhelming Tone
The game’s dark and grim tone can be emotionally exhausting. While this intensity adds to the emotional depth, the sheer weight of the story and the tragic events can make the experience feel overly depressing at times. Players who were hoping for a more uplifting or hopeful journey may find the relentless sadness difficult to endure.
5. Some Technical Glitches
Although the game is technically impressive, there are some technical glitches and bugs present. For instance, some players reported texture popping, minor frame rate drops, and occasional audio desynchronization. While not game-breaking, these issues can detract from the otherwise polished experience.
Conclusion
The Last of Us Part II is undoubtedly a masterpiece in many aspects: its visual design, storytelling, voice acting, and gameplay mechanics set new standards for the industry. The emotional depth and thematic exploration of loss, revenge, and survival are handled with incredible care and nuance. However, its divisive story choices, pacing issues, and emotionally draining tone make it a polarizing experience. Whether you see it as a triumph or a disappointment largely depends on how you approach its bold narrative decisions.
In the end, The Last of Us Part II is a game that pushes boundaries. It’s not just about playing—it’s about experiencing. And for those willing to embrace its challenges, it remains one of the most significant gaming experiences of the current generation.
