A lot further a harsh comparison for sure, but it was the closest thing at the time in my head.
Gaming The Last of Us Part II (PS4)
- Thread starter Neelu
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A lot further a harsh comparison for sure, but it was the closest thing at the time in my head.
I mean at this point it's been four years right? They're living in a secluded safe city and seems like they just go on patrol and kill the odd infected but don't have many other worries. Maybe this was the only time he did actually drop his guard and it cost him. Sometimes people die in shitty ways.
So is this good?
Thats fair, I think he has mellowed but I don't think he'd be that stupid. Its literally a gang of strangers hanging round his town and he kinda buys "Just passing through". It just seems illogical to me. There was a big disagreement but the decision is till crazy. I actually like Owen as a character too, it just seems too many people making silly decisions for the sake of convenience, something that doesn't really happen in the first game.
I will also hold my hands up and say I am judging this harsh because its the Last of Us. The writing in part 1 was near perfect. This one feels like bog standard video game writing by comparison.
I will also hold my hands up and say I am judging this harsh because its the Last of Us. The writing in part 1 was near perfect. This one feels like bog standard video game writing by comparison.
I believe they were also somewhat bound by circumstance. Joel and Tommy were forced out there in that blizzard all the same and they had to go somewhere, unless I'm already remembering that sequence wrongly. If that was the closest place that was guaranteed safe from infected, there wasn't much of a choice at that point.
And the Washington group, I still don't see it as a silly decision. I really don't think it's such an easy decision to have two more deaths on your conscience, especially if you believe them to be "innocent" people (as in, they haven't wronged you). Our point of view is still twisted in that sense. As players and observers, video game deaths mean very little to us unless it happens to beloved characters. Even in a world such as that though, death still has a lot more weight for a lot of people. I'm sure some of that group would've killed them without hesitation if there others weren't there. As it happened, it's a decision that they will undoubtedly regret later, but that's how life goes sometimes. I experienced it all as decisions that made sense for the characters at that point in time.
And the Washington group, I still don't see it as a silly decision. I really don't think it's such an easy decision to have two more deaths on your conscience, especially if you believe them to be "innocent" people (as in, they haven't wronged you). Our point of view is still twisted in that sense. As players and observers, video game deaths mean very little to us unless it happens to beloved characters. Even in a world such as that though, death still has a lot more weight for a lot of people. I'm sure some of that group would've killed them without hesitation if there others weren't there. As it happened, it's a decision that they will undoubtedly regret later, but that's how life goes sometimes. I experienced it all as decisions that made sense for the characters at that point in time.
Depends who you ask by the looks of it. I haven't played it as I haven't got a PS4. I probably would if I had one to see what all the fuss is about. I wouldn't have read the spoilers if I intended to though.
If you like Uncharted and TLOU part 1, yeah, it's similar. Cinematic experience with adequate stealth and shooting gameplay.
That's a shame you had that particular part spoiled. People are fecking arseholes, as we continue to see with the user review on Metacritic.
For a second though, when she picked up that golf club, I genuinely thought they were going to give control back to me and I would have to swing the club. Now if they did that, my reaction would be different! I'm glad they didn't, obviously. I'm gutted he's gone though. I'm interested to see more of this Abby character. I still hate her at the moment! But as i said, I've only just arrived in Seattle so have so much more of the game to play
But Joel has changed as a character. People change. If he hadn't changed at all, then there would be criticism around that, too. The fact that he drove past that family at the beginning is a poor comparison. Shit had just hit the fan, everyone was going crazy, nobody knew what the feck was going on and they had to get out of there. This is over two decades later! I mean, he's gone through a massive transformation. He's way more mellow; he's very protective of Ellie which has probably softened him somewhat. He's now living in a community with others where they all help each other out. He's probably made friends and has other relationships. And as I said, this is over two decades later. He's older. He's probably a bit more trusting than he was years ago when he was still raw and angry. Comparing it to GOT season 8 is a bit ridiculous and hyperbolic, honestly.
As for Abby, I genuinely don't know much about her character as I'm only 4 hours into the game, so don't say anything if you do. Maybe we'll see another side. I agree that the way he went out was brutal and I hate her at the moment because I loved Joel. But we'll see where it goes. Maybe her story won't be empathetic, and maybe that's the point. The one thing I will agree with you on is the fact that they left Tommy and Ellie alive. That's a bit of an eye-roller that one. They obviously had to get the feck out of there double-quick, but yeah, it seems like a bad idea. It's a bit of a genre trope in all honestly so I'm not going to judge it too harshly.
As for Abby, I genuinely don't know much about her character as I'm only 4 hours into the game, so don't say anything if you do. Maybe we'll see another side. I agree that the way he went out was brutal and I hate her at the moment because I loved Joel. But we'll see where it goes. Maybe her story won't be empathetic, and maybe that's the point. The one thing I will agree with you on is the fact that they left Tommy and Ellie alive. That's a bit of an eye-roller that one. They obviously had to get the feck out of there double-quick, but yeah, it seems like a bad idea. It's a bit of a genre trope in all honestly so I'm not going to judge it too harshly.
EDIT: Just to say, you seem like you enjoy your games and you were pretty hyped for this one but obviously reading all the spoilers beforehand was a really bad move, probably. It has obviously tainted your view of the game, which is a shame because no matter what anyone says, you are still experiencing those spoilers in isolation and with no context. Also, the conversation around this game is hard to escape at the moment and that has a big impact. I've honestly stopped reading stuff on the game now. I want to make my own mind up now without being influenced by outside sources. Obviously you can do what you want - doesn't' bother me whether you buy it nor not, but it would probably be a shame if you didn't experience it yourself without being bombarded with everyone else's opinion before you even pick up the controller. At this point, you probably can't even give it a fair shake.
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If you were okay with first game gameplay, it's more of same with improvement in almost every aspect. As a whole package, it is quite good
11 hours into the game and I haven't had an agenda pushed on me yet, I'm kind of disappointed. Is the agenda pushing part further into the game?
Jokes aside, this game is fecking brutal to play. Probably a weird thing to focus on, but I'm really enjoying how realistic the shadows are when you're using your flashlight and moving around in a dark room. It definitely adds to the tension.
Jokes aside, this game is fecking brutal to play. Probably a weird thing to focus on, but I'm really enjoying how realistic the shadows are when you're using your flashlight and moving around in a dark room. It definitely adds to the tension.
Only a few hours in but it’s pretty clear this is a fecking great game.
Very interesting! I'll keep an eye out for what you say. I think my problem was playing The Witcher 3 on PC a couple of nights before and having rose tinted spectacles on thinking about what all the trailers looked like.
On another note it's really funny seeing the difference between how Ellie and Abby deal with stealth kills. Ellie goes in quickly and sticks the shiv in whilst Abby just dive bombs them and chokes then out. I don't know why but it reminded me of Casino Royale where the agile bomb maker parkours through a high vent and then Bond just runs through the wall like a rhino
Abby also brings back some conflicted memories for me since one of my exes was a rugby player. Fond memories or PTSD depending on who was holding the leash that night. But that's a story for another time.
On another note it's really funny seeing the difference between how Ellie and Abby deal with stealth kills. Ellie goes in quickly and sticks the shiv in whilst Abby just dive bombs them and chokes then out. I don't know why but it reminded me of Casino Royale where the agile bomb maker parkours through a high vent and then Bond just runs through the wall like a rhino
Abby also brings back some conflicted memories for me since one of my exes was a rugby player. Fond memories or PTSD depending on who was holding the leash that night. But that's a story for another time.
each to their own but I thought their change in attitudes was meant to reflect how relaxed they've become in life? They live in this big bustling town where people hang out, drink, and have snowball fights with kids. In fact, I remember walking out with Ellie at the start of the game and finding myself staring at the parent helping their little toddler to walk down a flight of stairs, just open mouthed.
They've started to forget how harsh the world is because things are starting to feel like they were before for people like Tommy and Joel. They remember when life was calmer and although they still go out it's regimented. The log sheets for patrols exist because they all live in a world now that lets them waste time doing something more than just surviving, and trying to find a place to hide. The town is their sanctuary but it's also made them soft.
I dunno, I'm not too far in yet (not even in Seattle) but I had the misfortune of seeing the leaks and I always felt that people like Joel, especially after what he did at the end of the first one, will do anything that he can to just pretend that his life could go back to the way things were before. His turn in the first as he slowly started to become less distant to Ellie and lose his steely resolve was the start of him beginning to crumble. His own selfishness taking her away from the Fireflies and dooming mankind has to be something that he hopes had a meaning. He doesn't want to admit that the world around him is still a mess.
They've started to forget how harsh the world is because things are starting to feel like they were before for people like Tommy and Joel. They remember when life was calmer and although they still go out it's regimented. The log sheets for patrols exist because they all live in a world now that lets them waste time doing something more than just surviving, and trying to find a place to hide. The town is their sanctuary but it's also made them soft.
I dunno, I'm not too far in yet (not even in Seattle) but I had the misfortune of seeing the leaks and I always felt that people like Joel, especially after what he did at the end of the first one, will do anything that he can to just pretend that his life could go back to the way things were before. His turn in the first as he slowly started to become less distant to Ellie and lose his steely resolve was the start of him beginning to crumble. His own selfishness taking her away from the Fireflies and dooming mankind has to be something that he hopes had a meaning. He doesn't want to admit that the world around him is still a mess.
Ignore the bullshit, it's fecking great. The gameplay is everything you liked about the first game (assuming you did) but much better.
The story is also really good so far (about half way).
There is zero agenda pushing in this game. Literally none. In fact bar one comment at the start
bigot sandwiches
The fact she's straight and just not pretty must be a proper kick in the teeth to those who tried to use it as a stick to beat Naughty Dog. Her look is actually perfect for the world they live in. She's big and strong and tough because the world demands people be able to look out for themselves.
Yeah I didn't expect there to be, but you wouldn't have thought that judging by the meltdown before the game was even released.
@BusbyMalone and @Ainu I'll just tag you guys as its easier than quoting 3 messages.
I think you can become milder without becoming/being silly in your decisions. Even going back with Abby to me is a crazy decision on their part, yes the storm was bad but walking into a house full of people they don't know, even after years in Jackson just doesn't seem logical espcially given how Ellie, Jesse and Abby still treat the world. I think we're at an impasse with regards the writing, and we'll probably be going around in circles.
But its kind of cool we can discuss this stuff now the game is out without the usual suspects making it political like on other forums.
But its kind of cool we can discuss this stuff now the game is out without the usual suspects making it political like on other forums.
On the plus side you guys have convinced me to buy it to feck. Even if I do hate it, I mean I'd piss the amount away on a Saturday night soon as pubs open and its not like my personal stance is gonna deny Neil Druckmann his solid gold toilet.
Thats the problem you have these uber right and uber left wing people on social media sadly who want to politicize everything to belittle the others. The amount of times I've been accused of being Donald Trump for not liking a video game story and lumped in with the homophobes and racists is mental as is the amount of people using a character in a video game to promote homophobia. 99% (maybe closer to 90%) of people are logical and sit somewhere in the middle, sadly the 1% ruin it for everyone (as the contrasting reviews show).
I legit saw one person say the game was promoting being Jewish over Christian because Dina talks to Ellie about her religion when they stumble upon a Synagogue? (hope thats the right word but religion is not my strong point)
I think my problem with the characterisation of Joel in that scene is more of a structual one. By putting the sequence so early in the story there was not really enough time for the writers to establish that Joel had mellowed and grown careless. Having the first story so fresh in my mind by replaying it in anticipation of the second part made that shift in personality so jarring that it completely took me out of the story.
I also disagree that the quiet life in the village made him that careless because he forgot the world around him. That is because I don´t attribute his keen instinct and cautious behaviour to the world molding it into him but something he already had and what allowed him to survive for so long in the first place. Look how in the very beginning of the first story when the pandemic was just starting he took on a leadership role and guided his brother in the car and even ignored people begging for help in favour of protecting his family.
So for me it was not really reverting to the person he was before the world became a shit show, but actually shifting a core personality trait to move the plot along. This can very well be done, but for me something like that has to be developed and earned to go along with it. For me the writers did not managed it so it became a clear case of pushing a character in a direction that felt unnatural and out of character to get him to the place the plot demanded. Given that this moment was the catalyst for the entire story the writers did not put enough work into it.
Actually a shame given that the game looks stunning and has a good gameflow.
I also disagree that the quiet life in the village made him that careless because he forgot the world around him. That is because I don´t attribute his keen instinct and cautious behaviour to the world molding it into him but something he already had and what allowed him to survive for so long in the first place. Look how in the very beginning of the first story when the pandemic was just starting he took on a leadership role and guided his brother in the car and even ignored people begging for help in favour of protecting his family.
So for me it was not really reverting to the person he was before the world became a shit show, but actually shifting a core personality trait to move the plot along. This can very well be done, but for me something like that has to be developed and earned to go along with it. For me the writers did not managed it so it became a clear case of pushing a character in a direction that felt unnatural and out of character to get him to the place the plot demanded. Given that this moment was the catalyst for the entire story the writers did not put enough work into it.
Actually a shame given that the game looks stunning and has a good gameflow.
Fair play and, echoing padr81, it's good that we can have civilised discussions about these things.
Having said that you're both bigot sandwiches who probably also hated the Ghostbusters and Oceans remakes. HeheheahahharharharharahahahhHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHHHAHHAAHHAAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAHAHHAHAowfeck
Hah, jokes on you. I even found the orignial ones silly xD
Well, that was amazing. Gonna start another playthrough this week. Delighted with the direction Naughty Dog took with the game, they never disappoint.
Can somebody tell me (without spoilers ofc) how far I am through the story? Really enjoying it but now I feel like I'm rushing through it. It's too addictive!
I'm up to the part where you meet Jessie again. Looks like the next bit is a flashback with Tommy.
You’re not halfway yet. But you’re close. After the boat area..
Did you beat it? I’m at the halfway point right now doing something “different”. But I’m worried how this part is going to change my opinion of the game. I’m really enjoying it right now.
I think you might be me from a different country with better grammar. I found both original movies as bad as the re-imaginings.
Cheers mate.
I've been watching my boyfriend play this the graphics are incredible think gaming eventually will be like watching tv
I managed to convince him to let me get him to the next mission, I'm having a great time galloping along enjoying the scenery....
Spoiler: Seattle
I managed to convince him to let me get him to the next mission, I'm having a great time galloping along enjoying the scenery....
Spoiler: Seattle
of course it's the scene where your horse gets blown up on a trap the bad people had left I thought I'd fecked up his mission the same happened when he let me play Red Dead I was meant to purely get him to the next mission and ended up causing carnage fortunately this time it wasnt my fault!
the same happened when he let me play Red Dead I was meant to purely get him to the next mission and ended up causing carnage fortunately this time it wasnt my fault! Holy feckballs, my poor heart after this section. That whole stretch with the dogs and houses that culminates with Jesse finding Ellie and escaping (sort of) by car was so incredibly intense. It just kept going and I kept finding new ways to totally mess up my stealth and deplete my arsenal. The music made the whole thing even more stressful. It was great, but I need a break now. It's been a hell of a ride until now and I haven't even encountered any Scars yet. I'm already dreading that moment. I'm also scared to death about what might happen to Jesse or Dina further on down the line. This game might break me.
Yeah finished it earlier. There were parts like that for me too but its all brought together wonderfully. Imo at least.
Might have to play something light hearted next.
I think this is the only game where I’ve not shot at random things to see what happens. Too concerned about my lack of ammo
I think this is the only game where I’ve not shot at random things to see what happens. Too concerned about my lack of ammo
Lego Star Wars or something me thinks.
Just finished the game today. Wow. What an experience. The best game I've ever played, better than the first, God of War, Spiderman, Red Dead, etc.
No game has come close to the emotional experience of this one. It's brutal and heartbreaking, and really impacted me like no other game has before. Feck the haters, this is a 9999999999 out of 10 game.
No game has come close to the emotional experience of this one. It's brutal and heartbreaking, and really impacted me like no other game has before. Feck the haters, this is a 9999999999 out of 10 game.
10/10 side aren't giving many good arguments but 5/10 side have been feckin obnoxious with their arguments. "oh, it made me feel uncomfortable", "oh I didn't buy Ellie going for revenge for her father figure cause I wouldn't", "oh, the story should have been structured like an HBO series", "oh, Ellie kills too many people" etc etc so many stupid reasons to say they hate the GAME.
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Now Naughty Dog is being accused of forcing it's employees to watch through gruesome videos to animate all those killing scene.
It's concept artist has to come out and defend herself
Neil is getting bartterd on twitter. Every single tweet of his is full of death threats
Must suck to be them right now.
It's concept artist has to come out and defend herself
Neil is getting bartterd on twitter. Every single tweet of his is full of death threats
Must suck to be them right now.
These mindless "gamers" are the feckin worst. Not only are they making the gaming community look really really bad, they are also completely minimizing actual criticisms of the game or even of ND (long working hours etc).
Yes and no, I suppose. The important thing to remember here (and something to keep in mind in general, not just in this case) is that Twitter isn't real life - thankfully! Despite the controversies surrounding the game, despite the fact that it's getting reviewed bombed on Metacritic, despite people supposedly boycotting it for whatever fecking reason, It's still one of the best-reviewed and critically acclaimed games of all time. And also, this:
Again, It's important to remember that the vast majority of people probably didn't even know/care about any of the leaks. Didn't take any notice of the supposed "controversies" surrounding the game. It's all just noise. It's manufactured, online rage. Nothing more. The majority of people will play it, without the distraction of all this shite, and make up their own minds. That's not to belittle the abuse the people at the studio are getting, but this is one of the biggest selling exclusive (at least in the UK) and most critically acclaimed games of all time. And I'm sure this fact hasn't escaped the people who have worked on it.
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Buying it and playing thought it yourself is probably the best thing. Go in as open-minded as you can (which is probably going to be near impossible as you seem to have read a lot about it) and judge it then. I'm actually enjoying the gameplay so far and the game does look great when you progress past the first hour or two and enter Seattle (not that it looks bad before that, obviously) What I will say, is one or two of your concerns with certain aspects of the story and how they did certain things was actually articulated by one of the characters in the game. I'm being vague on purpose as I don't' want to say, of course. When it was brought up I kind of stopped in my tracks and thought it was interesting. Hopefully, it goes somewhere. Again, just another reason to play the game yourself in context.
The last thing I would say on the whole Joel thing, is that the point I'm making is that it's not beyond the realms of possibility that he would make some of these decisions when you consider the points I highlighted in my first reply to you. This is why the comparison (and it's not just you who made this) to GOT season 8 is not apt at all. Anyway, we have a difference of opinion on this which is obviously fine.
At least the game is encouraging some debate. Which is more than most games do (not that every game in the world needs to, of course. But still).