Gaming The Last of Us Part II (PS4)

[Redlambs]

Such BS. the multiplayer in the first one was some of the best multiplayer I've ever played. Then all that teasing every year only to cancel it now. All because they wanted to do some dumb online service type. Hopefully for TLOU 3 they'll just give us the same as the first one, with better movement and weapons. That's all anyone wanted for it.

Unfortunately modern gaming doesn't allow for that. Thanks to the rise of Twitch and streaming, online multilayer is a whole new world of constant updates, content releases and not to mention the huge amount of server cost.

It's not as easy as just dropping a mode and letting it run it's course anymore, it's an equal if not bigger investment in itself now. Sucks, but that's just the way it is.

 

[Berbasbullet]

Wait TLOU2 should have focused MORE on revenge?! It's all they bloody talked about.

Oh except for the 2 hour soliloquy about how if you don't like trans people then you're a bigot... oh wait!

 

[amolbhatia50k]

All these agendas.

Bloody hell!

And here he comes with his red lambs. Even lambs aren’t allowed to be just be white anymore.

 

[Redlambs]

And here he comes with his red lambs. Even lambs aren’t allowed to be just be white anymore.

To be fair, I should be more upset about representation as even the snowflake homophones have more in TLOU2 than lambs of colour!

 

[SalfordRed18]

How do you people not realise yet that gay people’s existence in things means it’s being literally forced upon us.

If you think for longer than one individual synaptic connection of your brain you may also come to the conclusion that someone being gay is no more “for the sake of it” than an Asian character, or a female character, or literally the choice of horse colour. It’s arbritrary and only seems to matter to certain people. But let’s not stress our heads with that much critical thinking.

That's the thing, nothing was rammed down our throats, those characters just existed like they do in real life.

Just say you dont like gays and get on with it.

 

[Eriku]

So I’ve finally gotten into this. The first one is one of my favourite gaming experiences, and one of my favourite stories in any medium. I bought this right when it released but some part of me was hesitant to get into it. I’m not one for horror typically, and these games deffo have that element, plus with the negativity surrounding it probably planted a seed that I might be disappointed. I started playing and got myself to Seattle, only to find that it was hard to boot up the game and expose myself to the nervy exploration and getting ambushed by zombies, and I hadn’t gotten that invested in the plot yet. Several years later I’ve gotten a grip, and am now 12 hours in, and have just gotten to day 3.

Good lord these games are so well-made. Graphics, animation, voice-acting and mo-cap… nothing revolutionary in terms of gameplay (though it’s clearly a solid upgrade from the first) but I don’t mind. There’s sooo much more tension in this one, for me, but I am now all-in.

Spoiler

Obviously the opening is tough for anyone who loved part one, but I love that they included some flashbacks to give you some Joel content. Not to mention that they explore the obvious tense note that the first game ended on. Ellie going back to hospital was a cool way to it. Seeing her walk into the pediatric surgery unit stirred some feelings, and her reaction confronting Joel was so well done

Reading this thread from before it was released is fascinating. I get that I’ve still got a fair way to go and that there’s gonna be twists and turns, but so far the early outrage saying the game was terrible and too focused on being a vehicle for LGBT representation seems ridiculous going by my experience so far

 

[amolbhatia50k]

So I’ve finally gotten into this. The first one is one of my favourite gaming experiences, and one of my favourite stories in any medium. I bought this right when it released but some part of me was hesitant to get into it. I’m not one for horror typically, and these games deffo have that element, plus with the negativity surrounding it probably planted a seed that I might be disappointed. I started playing and got myself to Seattle, only to find that it was hard to boot up the game and expose myself to the nervy exploration and getting ambushed by zombies, and I hadn’t gotten that invested in the plot yet. Several years later I’ve gotten a grip, and am now 12 hours in, and have just gotten to day 3.

Good lord these games are so well-made. Graphics, animation, voice-acting and mo-cap… nothing revolutionary in terms of gameplay (though it’s clearly a solid upgrade from the first) but I don’t mind. There’s sooo much more tension in this one, for me, but I am now all-in.

Spoiler

Obviously the opening is tough for anyone who loved part one, but I love that they included some flashbacks to give you some Joel content. Not to mention that they explore the obvious tense note that the first game ended on. Ellie going back to hospital was a cool way to it. Seeing her walk into the pediatric surgery unit stirred some feelings, and her reaction confronting Joel was so well done

Reading this thread from before it was released is fascinating. I get that I’ve still got a fair way to go and that there’s gonna be twists and turns, but so far the early outrage saying the game was terrible and too focused on being a vehicle for LGBT representation seems ridiculous going by my experience so far

It’s a brilliant game. For me, the gameplay was really great. Will be replaying the PS5 remaster soon.

With this and Part 1 (which I’m currently playing), I find that my appreciation of Naughty Dog has grown over the years. Can’t wait for their next game.

 

[Massive Spanner]

I tried to replay the ps5 remaster recently and got a few hours in but then Astro came out and I haven’t been bothered. It’s legitimately a great game but not one I particularly enjoy experiencing again because it’s so fecking sour and depressing. The first on the other hand I replayed multiple times because it had so many iconic scenes and hopeful moments in comparison. Also a much better, more compact story.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

I tried to replay the ps5 remaster recently and got a few hours in but then Astro came out and I haven’t been bothered. It’s legitimately a great game but not one I particularly enjoy experiencing again because it’s so fecking sour and depressing. The first on the other hand I replayed multiple times because it had so many iconic scenes and hopeful moments in comparison. Also a much better, more compact story.

Must say something about me that I actually enjoy how sour and depressing it is

But yeah if there’s a part 3 and there better be, I hope it’s got a bit of levity to add the series some counterbalance.

 

[Leg-End]

I finished my first playthrough of the remaster last week, I enjoyed it way more than the original release playthrough.

I distinctly remember not enjoying the pacing on the first run through and by the end it borderline outstayed its welcome but I had none of that this time, it certainly deserves another run through if anyone hasn't already. The game is master craft, top tier but it's a hell of a slog too, I feel like I have to cleanse my gaming palate after finishing it.

 

[Ainu]

I finished my first playthrough of the remaster last week, I enjoyed it way more than the original release playthrough.

I distinctly remember not enjoying the pacing on the first run through and by the end it borderline outstayed its welcome but I had none of that this time, it certainly deserves another run through if anyone hasn't already. The game is master craft, top tier but it's a hell of a slog too, I feel like I have to cleanse my gaming palate after finishing it.

I had a similar experience on replays. That first run, I guess I was sort of anxious to see where the story would go, and the pacing definitely hurts that experience, especially near the end. On replays, I found a much greater appreciation of each point of the story, even that last part. The game got better with each playthrough.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

I finished my first playthrough of the remaster last week, I enjoyed it way more than the original release playthrough.

I distinctly remember not enjoying the pacing on the first run through and by the end it borderline outstayed its welcome but I had none of that this time, it certainly deserves another run through if anyone hasn't already. The game is master craft, top tier but it's a hell of a slog too, I feel like I have to cleanse my gaming palate after finishing it.

Are you referring to Part 1 or Part 2? As Part 2’s remaster has very few changes - manly the rogue like mode and dual sense features. Regardless, I also liked it much more on the 2nd playthrough as my appreciation for how well made it was and especially the gameplay loop, increased significantly.

I do intend to play it again for the remaster. Would be my third time!

 

[Leg-End]

Are you referring to Part 1 or Part 2? As Part 2’s remaster has very few changes - manly the rogue like mode and dual sense features. Regardless, I also liked it much more on the 2nd playthrough as my appreciation for how well made it was and especially the gameplay loop, increased significantly.

I do intend to play it again for the remaster. Would be my third time!

Part 2, I just meant in general its my second play through after playing the original PS4 release of it, I know there aren't huge changes between the two.

I'd like to get the platinum sorted to go with Part 1 but I can't bring myself to play it again just yet.

 

[Eriku]

Just finished this. Wow.

Stunning graphics, mocap, voice acting, and I’ve never played a game with that kind of story structure. Yeah it’s a slog and the story’s very dark, but I like when stories dare to lean into the uncomfortable. Most stories of this ilk will feel gratifying, and the violence is glorified, but here it’s just grim reality. Mixed feelings in the end, just like with the first one, but again; I think that’s a bold move. Whatever I’m left with it was an incredibly captivating experience.

Spoiler

The switch to playing as Abby was inspired, and did so many things for the story. It gave you the other side of the consequences of Joel’s actions, humanized what were previously faceless goons that you’d been happily killing off, answered a lot of questions and unknowns from the first half playing as Ellie… brilliant move, and I found myself caring about Abbie the moment she found out her father was dead. If only those two knew how similar their motivations and feelings were.

I also loved the minimalistic music, the bass drones that ramped up the tension as you were exploring certain situations. Simple, but incredibly effective. And the gameplay was quite the jump in quality from the first one.

As good an example as you can come up with of video games as a story-telling medium being an art form. 10/10 for me.

 

[Sylar]

Just finished this. Wow.

Stunning graphics, mocap, voice acting, and I’ve never played a game with that kind of story structure. Yeah it’s a slog and the story’s very dark, but I like when stories dare to lean into the uncomfortable. Most stories of this ilk will feel gratifying, and the violence is glorified, but here it’s just grim reality. Mixed feelings in the end, just like with the first one, but again; I think that’s a bold move. Whatever I’m left with it was an incredibly captivating experience.

Spoiler

The switch to playing as Abby was inspired, and did so many things for the story. It gave you the other side of the consequences of Joel’s actions, humanized what were previously faceless goons that you’d been happily killing off, answered a lot of questions and unknowns from the first half playing as Ellie… brilliant move, and I found myself caring about Abbie the moment she found out her father was dead. If only those two knew how similar their motivations and feelings were.

I also loved the minimalistic music, the bass droned that ramped up the tension as you were exploring certain situations. Simple, but incredibly effective. And the gameplay was quite the jump in quality from the first one.

As good an example as you can come up with of video games as a story-telling medium being an art form. 10/10 for me.

Felt the same when I played it. It's really good and I enjoyed the long game time for it. I was going between this and Spiderman at the same time, which obviously was lighter, but felt like it was a good mix.

 

[One Night Only]

Felt the same when I played it. It's really good and I enjoyed the long game time for it. I was going between this and Spiderman at the same time, which obviously was lighter, but felt like it was a good mix.

If I even attempted this I'd have died in both games about 3 times as much as I did because I'd be trying to shoot webs and do flips in TLoU and then I'd be trying to stealth in Spiderman.

 

[Annihilate Now!]

Just finished this. Wow.

Stunning graphics, mocap, voice acting, and I’ve never played a game with that kind of story structure. Yeah it’s a slog and the story’s very dark, but I like when stories dare to lean into the uncomfortable. Most stories of this ilk will feel gratifying, and the violence is glorified, but here it’s just grim reality. Mixed feelings in the end, just like with the first one, but again; I think that’s a bold move. Whatever I’m left with it was an incredibly captivating experience.

Spoiler

The switch to playing as Abby was inspired, and did so many things for the story. It gave you the other side of the consequences of Joel’s actions, humanized what were previously faceless goons that you’d been happily killing off, answered a lot of questions and unknowns from the first half playing as Ellie… brilliant move, and I found myself caring about Abbie the moment she found out her father was dead. If only those two knew how similar their motivations and feelings were.

I also loved the minimalistic music, the bass drones that ramped up the tension as you were exploring certain situations. Simple, but incredibly effective. And the gameplay was quite the jump in quality from the first one.

As good an example as you can come up with of video games as a story-telling medium being an art form. 10/10 for me.

Spoiler

This is where it all kinda falls apart for me though - you literally spent the lots of the first game as Joel, and most of the second game as Ellie and Abbie murdering however many peoples dads/sons/daughters etc... so what makes Abbie's story more pertinent then any of theres? Will the Last of Us 3 be someone hunting Abby for killing their dad?

Its like the end, I can see what they're going for with Ellie sparing Abbie (cycle of violence, whats the point etc.) but again it kind of loses its impact when you just massacared countless number of people to get to her.

That was my take anyway

 

[One Night Only]

Spoiler

This is where it all kinda falls apart for me though - you literally spent the lots of the first game as Joel, and most of the second game as Ellie and Abbie murdering however many peoples dads/sons/daughters etc... so what makes Abbie's story more pertinent then any of theres? Will the Last of Us 3 be someone hunting Abby for killing their dad?

Its like the end, I can see what they're going for with Ellie sparing Abbie (cycle of violence, whats the point etc.) but again it kind of loses its impact when you just massacared countless number of people to get to her.

That was my take anyway

Spoiler: ..

yeah you were the baddies in the first one, Abbie's dad trying to save the world, could all be over by now if a cure was found. Evil Joel stopped it because he had no place in a normal world

 

[afrocentricity]

it's messy and imperfect.... because the world is messy and imperfect

 

[Eriku]

Spoiler

This is where it all kinda falls apart for me though - you literally spent the lots of the first game as Joel, and most of the second game as Ellie and Abbie murdering however many peoples dads/sons/daughters etc... so what makes Abbie's story more pertinent then any of theres? Will the Last of Us 3 be someone hunting Abby for killing their dad?

Its like the end, I can see what they're going for with Ellie sparing Abbie (cycle of violence, whats the point etc.) but again it kind of loses its impact when you just massacared countless number of people to get to her.

That was my take anyway

Spoiler

Who says it’s more pertinent? It’s unorthodox, sure, but I think it’s a stroke of genius that they managed to make me sympathize with what had been an evil antagonist. It’s like life, there usually is something under the surface that can make things more understandable and allow us to engage our empathy. There are reasons for why things are the way they are. Fair enough, it neverminds that kind of nuanced lesson with the people in Santa Barbara, opting to instead show them as sadistic fecks that deserve for you to come at them (with Ellie muttering incredulity as she’s infiltrating their compound) with all your ammo and know-how accumulated throughout the game. I’m fine with that though.

It emotionally resonated with me when Ellie pulled out all the stops, even threatening Lev to get Abby to engage, and us getting that brutal final showdown, only for her to stop short because she gets a flash of Joel at peace in her mind. I don’t know what the thoughts accompanying it are, whether it’s Joel wouldn’t have wanted her to do it, or if she just saw it as a counter to him lying bloodied on the floor due to a violent cycle she is now perpetuating… it doesn’t really matter to me. I like and sympathize with both Abby and Ellie, and found it hard to watch Abby being drowned and was glad when she let up. There’s enough revenge stories where we get gratification from our protagonist getting to punish their tormentor, I was happy to get a different take.

Spoiler

yeah you were the baddies in the first one, Abbie's dad trying to save the world, could all be over by now if a cure was found. Evil Joel stopped it because he had no place in a normal world

Spoiler

I don’t necessarily see it that way. Who knows what the fireflies would do with the vaccine? Would they spread it, or would there just be a two-tier society? It wouldn’t cure the already infected, and they would still run the risk of being torn apart, seeing as Ellie with all her immunity isn’t free to walk among them without being attacked.

Plus, considering Joel’s loss in the opening of Part 1, no wonder he wouldn’t allow for what was essentially his second daughter, who he had just bonded deeply with after a lot of reluctance, to be snatched away? The Fireflies could have asked for Ellie’s consent, and they likely would have gotten it. Had Joel gone against her wishes then then he would have been the bad guy of the story. As it stands there’s enough blame to go around, with no clear sides of good and evil.

it's messy and imperfect.... because the world is messy and imperfect

Yup. It’s not as gratifying as one might want it, but that again is something that makes it stand out for me. They’re more concerned with telling a story than leaving people feel like the story reached a nice resolution. It’s one of the reasons why I love the Wire so much.

Sorry for the quotation mess, it wouldn’t let me quote ONO so I had to improvise and copy paste, and it all seems to have gone a bit wrong and gotten nestled weirdly.

 

[One Night Only]

Spoiler

Who says it’s more pertinent? It’s unorthodox, sure, but I think it’s a stroke of genius that they managed to make me sympathize with what had been an evil antagonist. It’s like life, there usually is something under the surface that can make things more understandable and allow us to engage our empathy. There are reasons for why things are the way they are. Fair enough, it neverminds that kind of nuanced lesson with the people in Santa Barbara, opting to instead show them as sadistic fecks that deserve for you to come at them (with Ellie muttering incredulity as she’s infiltrating their compound) with all your ammo and know-how accumulated throughout the game. I’m fine with that though.

It emotionally resonated with me when Ellie pulled out all the stops, even threatening Lev to get Abby to engage, and us getting that brutal final showdown, only for her to stop short because she gets a flash of Joel at peace in her mind. I don’t know what the thoughts accompanying it are, whether it’s Joel wouldn’t have wanted her to do it, or if she just saw it as a counter to him lying bloodied on the floor due to a violent cycle she is now perpetuating… it doesn’t really matter to me. I like and sympathize with both Abby and Ellie, and found it hard to watch Abby being drowned and was glad when she let up. There’s enough revenge stories where we get gratification from our protagonist getting to punish their tormentor, I was happy to get a different take.

Yup. It’s not as gratifying as one might want it, but that again is something that makes it stand out for me. They’re more concerned with telling a story than leaving people feel like the story reached a nice resolution. It’s one of the reasons why I love the Wire so much.

Sorry for the quotation mess, it wouldn’t let me quote ONO so I had to improvise and copy paste, and it all seems to have gone a bit wrong and gotten nestled weirdly.

my spoiler was tongue in cheek tbh.

Not every story has a perfect ending. If they did, every movie / TV show / game would be pointless now because we'd all know the ending from the start.

 

[Eriku]

my spoiler was tongue in cheek tbh.

Not every story has a perfect ending. If they did, every movie / TV show / game would be pointless now because we'd all know the ending from the start.

Hard to tell when you read some of the takes online some people resent that you’re made to examine Joel’s actions in that way.

Absolutely mental the amount of hate this game has evoked in some people.

 

[Bobski]

Its a great game that has definite pacing issues. The switch kills momentum, stopped playing for a couple of days at that point but when you get back into it the game continues to improve. I don't think the supporting cast outside of the main players are great and I have some issues with story choice but it is a hell of game still for all of that.

Gameplay and combat is fun as hell as well, most engaging game-play out of all the Uncharted/TLOU games.

 

[Bebe]

Hard to tell when you read some of the takes online some people resent that you’re made to examine Joel’s actions in that way.

Absolutely mental the amount of hate this game has evoked in some people.

Agreed. There are plenty of things I can criticize about the game, but the unadulterated hate (mostly because of a singular story development) is ridiculous. The game has a very clear objective with the story it's telling, and it makes that point powerfully. It's art, basically.

I do think the pacing was quite poor at times and Ellie ceased to be believable to me fairly early in, so I don't have this game on the same level as it's predecessor. Despite that I'm very glad it exists and (hopefully) encourages the industry to be more daring in the kinds of stories it tells.