The Last Of Us 2 is a very different type of game, in terms of violence, gameplay, and the story, from the first installment. However, both the first and second games are complex narratives that draw from human emotion. They are still both different games and the same at the same time, in terms of themes and stories. However, a distinct difference between the two is who the player plays as.
In the first game it's Joel, a smuggler tasked with taking Ellie across the U.S. to find a cure for the pandemic. In the second, players step in the shoes of Ellie (sort of) as she embarks on her journey for revenge. Joel and Ellie have advantages, here are some of them to show how one can be better than the other.
10 Joel: Survivor
Joel has been through a lot and as a player, they have seen everything Joel has seen. From his daughter being killed in the beginning of the first game to Joel saving Ellie at the end, it's safe to say he's been through a lot. But what makes him such a good lead in the first is game is that he's able to keep going.
Even when Tess was killed, he pushed on, so it goes to show that he has a lot of grit. It's no small wonder why has survived for so long because he knows the world around him. Plus being smuggler, it gives him the advantage of making different alliances.
9 Ellie: Determined
In the second game, Ellie is much more courageous because she's on her own. During the events of the first game, she'd hide away from danger, but in the second game, she has become fearless.
It's her anger that drives and makes it much easier for her to go out in that hostile world. In comparison, Joel was doing for safety and a job, but Ellie is out for blood.
8 Joel: Experienced
Everything about Joel's experience can be traced back to his past. His struggle pretty much defines him, losing his daughter is still fresh for Joel. But at the end of the day, it has made him stronger and able to withstand what this world has to offer.
Even so, Joel has the advantage over most again being a smuggler. It's that job that allows him to see the world and during the first game, he's easily able to navigate through it. In comparison to Ellie, who hasn't really seen the world in its fullness. Plus Joel knows what life was like before the infection; Ellie doesn't.
7 Ellie: Optimist
One of the most likable qualities is her positive outlook on life, no matter how bad it is or how angry she gets. The Last Of Us 2 is a pretty dark game, but she still is an optimist during her darkest hour. That way of thinking is pretty contagious because everyone around her starts to feel the same way.
It offers a different view from Joels more realist view in the first game. In a dark, depressing world it's hard to find someone with that mindset, so it's refreshing. Even when playing the game it feels good to know that she still feels optimistic about her views. It allows her to become a better person than she already is but also helps her survive the world.
6 Joel: Realist
On the other hand, Joel is a realist, which has its advantages as well. He sees the world exactly for what it is, and that can be good or bad. In this case, it works for him because he's never really let down. In the first game, this mindset compliments Ellie's more positive outlook and it helps him see things from her perspective.
And since he has been through quite a bit it's notable that he doesn't still hate everything. It also makes Joel pretty retable to a player because he's more human in that sense.
5 Ellie: Personality
Both the characters and the players have grown to like Ellie, in part because of her personality. Players now have two games with her as a lead character and that gives them tons of time to get to know and grow with her. Her outgoing and likable personality is much more tangible than Joel is more rugged.
Her relatable mindset will obviously put her on top of Joel with players and fans because people playing feel a lot closer to her. And that attitude translates into the sequel, even though some very bad thing happened to her, she keeps her charm.
4 Joel: Character Development
One could attest that the first game is character development for Joel. From the start of the game, he wants nothing to do with Ellie, to becoming a father figure for her. Players see his character change when he starts to have a change of heart towards Ellie.
At the end of the first game, Joel doesn't want Ellie to die in order to find the cure, so he kills the Fireflies and their leader to save Ellie. This clearly shows he cares about her and that he has changed who he is. This mindset goes further into the second game, only this time Joel and Ellie have a slightly different relationship.
3 Ellie: Wisdom
Even though she's much younger than Joel, she still is just as wise and sensible as him or more. Every action she does comes after some thinking and she rarely regrets it. Her being wise enough for an adult gives her an edge over most.
This can be seen during the last moments when Abby and Ellie fight on the shore. Abby is submerged in water with Ellie holding her down but Ellie ultimately lets her live. Anyone else would have killed her right there and then, but Ellie is way more sensible.
2 Joel: Imperfect
Even though Joel feels like a superhero, he's not. He's way more human than a lot of the people in the game and it shows, from is dark past to his light future. He always growing and that shows how imperfect he is. Ellie is a bit more put together than Joel, but Joel is still growing.
Unlike many of the other qualities he has, this is the most grounded one because of that growth. The fact that he's willing to lie to Ellie in order to keep her in his life goes to show that exact trait.
1 Ellie: Immunity
This is pretty unique to Ellie and is why is she's able to live and survive for so long. Her immunity allows her to do things and go places where Joel can't. Players know how she got immune, but they don't know how it has impacted her life and her relationships until the sequel.
Ellie has to hide it from everyone so people won't use it against her. That aspect is very interesting for her because it's both a gift or a curse.