Naughty Dogs last entry to the ps4 is certainly a masterpiece filled with an exceptional emotional plot engulfed with overwhelming emotions, lovable characters and amazing gameplay that has redefined the industry. While the game may not have been what fans were expecting it surely is a pleasant change from the constant fan service.
The last of us part II is a journey about anger, hatred, love and moral. The last of us part II has been able to perfectly illuminate the hardships faced by many soldiers and survivors. To what extent will you go to avenge yourself, to finish what you started, to find peace and forget the past? These philosophical decisions are conveyed seamlessly made with care and attention to subtle nuances creating what can be deemed one of the best narratives of all time.
The story opens with where it ended in the last of us, about what Joel did at the firefly hospital and the lie he told Ellie to save her from the truth. This lays the foundation of the relation between Ellie and Joel. Throughout the game, their relationship changes and develops.
The story depicts violence that Ellie is forced to use to navigate and finish her mission to the extent where you question your role and morality. As you clear guards you can hear them cry for the perished soldiers that you decided to kill. Each and every level is sowed with emotion seeping through every little cut scene, level, mission or even dialogue.
This time around humans plays a bigger emphasis on the story than the previous games with 2 new factions being introduced into the game. Dogs are also an enemy you want to avoid or take out first as they can make your job significantly harder. Every enemy from the previous game and few more exist in this world with each varying with difficulty.
The attention to detail is astonishing. The game’s greatest ally is its background music ranging from a great score to absolutely nothing. You can hear the droplets of rain rushing to the ground, the hushing of the leaves, swaying of the grass enrapturing the loneliness Ellie is faced with at times. Animations are taken to another level with Naughty Dogs latest video capturing technology. The graphics are the best compared to anything this generation.
After completing the last of us part II it is hard to go back to older games as Naughty Dog once again revolutionised its combat. Adding a dedicated dodge button, the fluidity of each encounter is outstanding it truly immerses you in the game, the combat is fun and never seems to get repetitive or boring as each level requires you to adapt and evolve the way you fight as every level is unique and forces you to think differently. New enemies and mechanics are introduced at a stay rate keeping the game fresh and changing the dynamic of how you play. Each level is its own piece of art from being able to explore it to the way you traverse and fight enemies.
The last of us part II does have its flaws when it comes to its narrative but that does not take away the enjoyment and suspense during my playthrough. If you are a fan of the first game I recommend picking up this game.
Writer: Atif Agboatwala
10/07/2020
Comments