Naughty Dog is making the most of the extra time provided by The Last of Us Part 2's delay. Today the studio released a new "Inside The Last of Us Part 2" video series, with new entries published every Wednesday. The first episode of Inside The Last of Us Part 2 focuses on some of the core themes of the action game. But perhaps even more exciting is the confirmation of several new gameplay mechanics for The Last of Us Part 2.
The new gameplay features being implemented in The Last of Us Part 2 are rather mundane from a broader context. For example, The Last of Us Part 2 will allow Ellie to jump. However, for The Last of Us Part 2, it's a major addition. Ellie being able to leap over obstacles grants her a level of dexterity that Joel could never have managed. It opens up a ton of new gameplay options that Naughty Dog has to build The Last of Us Part 2 around, as well.
That's the case for most of the new gameplay additions. Ellie will also be able to go prone, where she has access to her full arsenal and crafting ability. This will allow Ellie a new level of stealth, but also opens up a new layer of level design to account for. Ellie will be able to climb under vehicles or through the brush, but in turn, enemies will take this into consideration.
Ellie will also be able to dodge and run in combat. Since Ellie is much smaller in strength compared to Joel, she can't go into combat like he did. She'll have to avoid attacks as she's able. She'll have to escape from situations where she's overwhelmed. The Last of Us Part 2 isn't a straight-up action game, it's a survival game first.
Jumping, going prone, dodging, and running are all very basic action game mechanics, but in The Last of Us Part 2 they'll add a layer of intensity that escalates the game's gameplay. Players will be much more in sync with Ellie as opposed to Joel. And the world and combat scenarios will open up in different ways because of that.
The Last of Us Part 2 is an evolution on Naughty Dog's past work, like each of its games tend to be. But Naughty Dog's goals remain largely the same. The team wants players to better understand who Ellie is and what the world is like around her. Naughty Dog wants players to experience that world through Ellie's shoes. And each change or addition to The Last of Us Part 2 is meant to bring players close to that experience.
The Last of Us Part 2 releases June 19 on PS4.