The Last of Us 2 has had the difficult task of following one of the most acclaimed narrative-focused titles in the gaming. While this would be a significant amount of pressure on any game, leaks from The Last of Us 2 also led to some fans being concerned with the direction that the game was exploring. Despite the concerns that have surrounded the anticipated title, it seems that The Last of Us 2 has managed to be a satisfying sequel.
The Last of Us 2 is set to release June 19 after a number of schedule changes amidst development. It seems that players will be able to look forward to another compelling story alongside tension-filled action and the monstrous infected. With a week until the game is available the release from Naughty Dog has received a number of early reviews that have been largely positive.
The original The Last of Us managed to cultivate a huge and passionate audience and as a result, many have been waiting to see what the reception of the sequel would be like. After leaks and a split fan base on the information that has circulated about The Last of Us 2, many fans have been keen to get some clarity about the quality and features of the game. With that in mind, what are critics saying about this sequel to a landmark post-apocalyptic title?
VG24/7 (Kirk McKeand)
"When the credits rolled on The Last of Us Part 2 I was still buzzing from the excitement of the final few hours. My loyalty shifted between characters. I grew to love who I hated and dislike who I loved. I laughed, I teared up. I felt anger and elation. It’s the new high water mark for video game characters and I can’t wait for everyone to see just how special it is. As soon as it ended, I booted up New Game Plus and I’m experiencing it again with my eyes open, the context of the finished story imprinting new meaning into those early scenes and characters. I’m not swiping in the dark anymore."
Score: 5/5
IGN (Jonathon Dornbush)
"It [The Last of Us 2] delivers a layered, emotionally shattering story on top of stealth and action gameplay that improves the first game’s mechanics while integrating a bit more of Uncharted’s greater mobility and action. But while Part 2 is a thrilling adventure, it still makes time for a stunning, nuanced exploration of the strength and fragility of the human spirit. The PlayStation 4 has one of its best exclusives in one of the generation’s best games."
Score: 10/10
Game Informer (Andy McNamara)
"I can rave about the attention to detail, the world, and the combat, but the story is where The Last of Us Part II sets a new bar. It is more about challenging your heart than your reflexes, and I simply cannot recommend it enough. There is much to be said about this game that can’t be said here due to spoilers, but you should play it as soon as you can with as little info as possible."
Score: 10/10
Digital Trends (Lisa Marie Segarra)
"The Last of Part II is a tour de force that takes the best parts of the original and molds them into their finest forms. The story will leave you reeling, and there are several unexpected turns that will keep you invested throughout. The level of detail and quality in the world creation and story building are at the top of their class."
Score: 5/5
US Gamer (Kat Bailey)
"The Last of Us Part 2 is an outstanding action game; a darker, more introspective follow-up that seeks to challenge the conventions of big-budget action games. In this it's not always successful, but its execution is impeccable, and its story proves an appropriate bookend to the story of Joel and Ellie. In short, it's some of Naughty Dog's best work."
Score: 4.5/5
"By the time I finished The Last of Us Part II, I wasn't sure if I liked it. It's a hard game to stomach, in part because so much of who Ellie is and what she does is beyond your control. She is deeply complicated and flawed, and her selfishness hurts a lot of people. At times, the pain you inflict feels so senseless that it can leave you numb. It's all messy and bleak and made me profoundly sad for myriad reasons, but the more I reflect on it, the more I appreciate the story and characters at its core. I wanted almost none of it to happen the way it did, and that's what's both beautiful and devastating about it."
Score: 8/10
Digital Spy (Laurence
"Overall, The Last of Us 2 is going to be divisive. Naughty Dog has made brave narrative choices for its difficult second album, which we massively respect. We would just have liked to have seen the same applied to the gameplay. It's still solid and thrilling, and if you loved the first game, this is a must-play."
Score: 4/5
Push Square (Sammy Barker)
"The Last of Us: Part II adds a couple more inches to the already outrageously high bar that Naughty Dog has set for itself. This is the developer’s crowning achievement to date, expanding and improving upon the concepts that it’s been iterating on for over a decade now. Unparalleled presentation combines with an engaging gameplay loop that puts you in the shoes of its characters – and forces you to feel all of the tension and misgivings of its cast. It’s uncomfortable and not everyone will necessarily enjoy its direction, but that’s ultimately what makes it so essential."
Score: 10/10
In conclusion, it seems that despite some decisive elements in The Last of Us 2, the game is a success overall. Our review of The Last of Us 2 is similarly positive and for fans of the original, this sequel appears to be an essential title. Players who have been uncertain about the quality of this game can now be assured that critics hold it in very high esteem.
The Last of Us Part 2 releases June 19, 2020 for PS4.