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The Last Of Us 2 Review: Humanity At Its Lowest By Brendan Rooney

In all honesty, did the Last of Us feel like it needed a sequel? The answer may shock you. In my opinion, it’s complicated, to say the least. No matter what side you supported; Naughty Dog still heard your cries of all emotions, from tears of joy to even the lonesome complainants. And the unthinkable happened; a sequel was in the works.

The Last of Us 2 was now in the sole possession of newly appointed director Neil Druckmann. He was previously a writer and co-director on the series. So Druckmann knew about the direction he wanted to take the series going forth into the future. 

The Last Of Us 2 is a highly decorated sequel that feels very reminiscent of a blockbuster film from elements such as the aesthetic of the gameplay, or the even solemn cinematography.  When you first start the game, you don’t hear an echo of sound. It’s clear to see that Naughty Dog is trying to lure you into a world devoid of all human connections. 

A contributor mentioned that the atmosphere feels reminiscent of the film I am Legend (Patrick Rooney). He explained to me that he was viewing a streamer and, he noticed the mannequins, lying in the decaying buildings, while no one was in sight.  The discovery in his eyes were truly a horrific spectacle to behold.

Another thing he told me that was disturbing to witness was the massacre of dogs. “Seeing the simple and easy pattern of the slaughter of dogs was a tough pill to swallow”.(Patrick Rooney). I mean I do agree with the comment but at the same time, Druckmann and Naughty Dog did go on fact and state that no animals were harmed in the making of the sequel.  

In addition to the cosmetic and narrative choices, Naughty Dog has made. The sequel picks up about 5 years after the events of the first one. The premise and narrative have switched from moral compass Joel to our humble, yet broken Ellie. In, many ways the role reversal was an interesting choice by the studio, but it was a welcome one. 

I feel the Last Of Us 1 was Joel’s perspective. And the DLC from that title was the birth of Ellie’s journey beginning to take form so it was only natural that the sequel would be from a more mature Ellie; Considering the time jump of five years.  

Joel is brought to life once again by Troy Baker. Baker still carries every ounce of heart from the original and ups his performance to an oscar worthy level. Then, of course, Ashley Johnson returns as Ellie. Johnson has a tough job of portraying Ellie at two significant portions of her life, but honestly, she nails it.

It’s clear to tell that the events of the Last of Us 1 are still shackled and imprinted into both characters. However, for once we are greeted with a mirage of peace and tranquility. Something that is a clear departure from the tone and apocalyptic world of the series. 

We finally see growth in Ellie over the span of the five-year time jump.  She is no longer the scared little girl Joel found in Boston. She’s tough, rugged, full of grit and always out to prove herself. Ellie toes the line of walking the straight and narrow in this sequel. There was an instance of gameplay with her that had me to the point of not wanting to press the action button. I was conflicted with the choice. I had to make it, but to continue the campaign I did it anyway. 

One interesting discovery was we even come to learn; that she has fully come to terms with her sexuality. No doubt in this new sequel, Ellie’s character is fleshed out to the point of her feeling almost life-like. The character of Ellie is fleshed to extreme length in the sequel and it’s only logical considering because the 2nd is her story. In fact, in this case, the studio really did exceed expectations. 

I give a clap on the back to Naughty Dog because it felt like it took great efforts for the inclusion of our time period and everything going. In many ways, the studio went above and beyond.

I will go on record and say that The Last Of Us 2 was very supportive of the LGBTQ community. The only snippet of information I will dispel is that Ellie feels comfortable with her feelings. To the point of you as the player are almost a conduit for the picture the studio is trying to promote and embrace. 

In addition to the spotlight and clarity of cultural representation. The studio also has a few other characters that will appeal to certain groups.  However, to name them would be treading into spoiler territory. Due to the fact, The Last Of Us 2 is an experience that one should not have spoiled. Because the integrity of the title would be severely tainted. 

With that being said, The Last Of Us 2 thrives on simple yet tender moments. Especially at the beginning where you are partaking in a snowball fight. Of course then at the last minute, the bubble of time pops around you from a heavy dose of reality hitting you in the face. The tone of the game quickly changes from happy and upbeat to the cold; dark; a mellow world we as players love to explore.

Then of, course spoilers come into effect and the story starts painting a one-sided picture for those who have played you will know what I mean.

 For those who have never had any exposure to the series. I will go on record and say that The Last Of Us is not designed and built like a game. In all honesty, it is in the same vein of the a motion picture film. The cast has undergone full-on motion capture to achieve every ounce of entirety and realism. 

It felt for the longest time, Naughty Dog was playing with me as a person and the choices I was about to make were going to feel real and have a dramatic impact going forward even after the completion of the game. I will say one aspect about The Last Of Us 2 is that it feels raw and definitely full of emotion. 

In all truth, this game is going to split and divide the community as a whole. The verdict will be either you love it or hate it. The sense of a middle choice will never feel real or tangible. The best way to convey this premise of narrative would be is “The story is about loss and hate, and revenge. However, it’s also a story about learning how far you are willing to go to achieve your passion for revenge and the justification of when enough is enough”(Chris Miller) 

The quote my fellow content creator Chris made is actually a deep symbolic representation of the theme that the Last Of Us 2. The sequel is trying to imprint a message of complexity and the process of how we as a species processes certain feelings and thoughts. With being said the series veterans will probably be disappointed in the decision of a character’s certain fate.

At first, I was torn but the more you invest in the narrative you get a serious dose of juxtaposition. In all honesty, playing this game from beginning to end it was an emotional roller-coaster ride. I did and experienced things as a player that would terrify me if I was part of this fictional dystopian universe. 

I will say in closing, The very thought of thinking everyone is righteous or full of morality in a world such as The Last Of Us is hypocritical. Especially a reality that is a dark memory and remnant of what our beautiful Elysium used to be is an interesting sight. 

In many ways, Neil Druckmann and Naughty Dog feel like they are trying to establish a commentary on the world and how our very conflict incites our destruction. A studio once known for a younger audience appeal has created a game that is more adult and story-driven.

I felt after the completion of the game. The very essence of gaming has been changed forever in the time being. It holds a position in the present and that being said the very choice of making this magnum opus will have a lasting effect drifting into the future. 

So in all truth, the best way to process this ride and film of an experience. Is to play it yourself and then construct your own opinion. 

Final thought, The Last Of Us 2 is a game that will divide many but it’s also one that reveals an image of humanity at its lowest and that being said the debate is far from over. 

So if I had to put a grade on this title. I would rank it as B+. The reasoning behind that choice is that it had a strong start, but it fell short through the middle. Then it felt confused at certain story beats, and the ending was powerful and it was real. 

However, that being said the chapter came to a close, and the tale of Ellie and Joel was put to rest for the time being. Now we wait for naughty dog to make their move. But I feel that forcing a sequel would taint the lore of these two games that felt like a personal journey.