The Last of Us Part II Reviews
My biggest issue, which I think universally everyone has, is the writing. Mostly, that though well-intended, the pacing is incredibly off for a videogame and takes too long to develop. Still, if you stick with it, it proves to be one of the most violent and emotionally exhausting games you’ll ever play. It makes me reevaluate the relationships that matter most in my life. Though mostly, it makes me just want to hug my dad.
The Last of Us Part II is not only Naughty Dog’s finest work, but one of the greatest video game experiences I have ever had. It sets a new bar in terms of graphics, storytelling and presentation – while offering up so many different ways to play that it feels inclusive to all gamers (Over 18)
It’s not as bad as people are making it out to be, but pacing issues, a lack of innovation in combat and storytelling well below Naughty Dog’s usual standard ensure that The Last of Us Part II doesn’t come close to its predecessor’s greatness.
The Last of Us Part II is an excellent game overall despite some niggles and shortcomings in places. If you take things at face-value and lose your invested allegiances, there’s a clever tale here of two perspectives coming together under the guise of murder, horror and revenge.
“All I ask is that fans of the first one put faith in us and trust us. We’re going to do right by you.” When it was announced by Naughty Dog that they were making a sequel to The Last of Us, considered by many to be one of the greatest games of all-time, Creative Director Neil Druckmann offered the above quote. After spending over 35 hours on my initial playthrough, I spent the following couple of days reflecting on the game before sitting down to write this review. So in the end, did Druckmann and the team at Naughty Dog do right by fans? Yes….and no.
Collectively speaking, this game subverts expectations in ways that make it stand out head and shoulders above the rest. For that reason alone, you should feel confident that the money you drop on this game will be money well spent. The PlayStation 4 couldn’t have received a better swan song.
This is a must-play game for anyone who owns a PS4 and played the original.
Ambition winds up elevating and harming The Last of Us Part II with respect to its expanded gameplay and uneven narrative.
The player doesn’t play The Last of Us. The Last of Us plays the player, and it’s an amazingly unique experience.
The Last Of Us Part 2 is a spectacle of storytelling and conveys emotion in a way that few developers understand. This is a game that expectations were set so high that people were always going to be critical of it before it was released. It improved on everything from the first game and added far more emotional depth and makes players question everything throughout. The Last Of Us Part 2 truly is one of this generation’s best games.
The Last of Us Part II is a complete package of AAA games. a bold Game that is emotional and deep and hard to miss.
Review in Persian | Read full review
From now on the video game is already art.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The Last of Us 2 is a game that demands conflicted feelings. It engenders adoration for the brilliant graphics, compelling acting, and substantial gameplay. But the story made me feel utterly miserable, even if I really admire it.
Even after the first few hours of the game, I had the feeling that I was in front of a wonderful title; after reaching the end credits, that feeling was definitely consolidated: The Last of Us Part II is one of the best video games of this generation, the best Sony exclusive and the real link between video game and cinema. Naughty Dog's work is superior to its predecessor in every respect, and raises the standards to which, from now on, any videogame will have to adhere, and believe me when I tell you that even just equalling this title will be an immense challenge, even for the most talented developer. But The Last of Us Part II is not a mere display of technique: it is emotion made videogame, it is a journey into the darkest part of our spirit, the one that we do not talk about willingly and perhaps we are ashamed of, but that is one of the faces that defines our human being, imperfect and beautiful at the same time. The second part of this adventure will shock you, but it will imprint itself in your memory like a brand, leaving in your mouth that bittersweet taste typical of the great works of the intellect, the ones we will talk about today and, above all, in the future. To give a grade to The Last of Us Part II seems almost an offense, so great and out of scale is the work done by Naughty Dog, but since an evaluation must be given, it can only be the maximum possible. To conclude, I'd like to give you an advice as a passionate player as I think I am: enjoy this adventure in the same way as a fine liquor, slowly, one sip at a time, enjoying every nuance, because it will be a long time before you can put your lips back on such a delicacy.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The Last of Us Part 2 has a lot to say about us as people after we connected ourselves to these characters in the first entry. The journey is one that is not for squeamish, but it was one that deserved to be told. As the player, we must once again witness the reality of this harsh world and those who are brought up in it.
The Last of Us Part II is a bold and successful return to this post-apocalyptic world, masterfully owning and working with decisions made with the first game. By refining the already great gameplay and moving it forward, we are before some of the most solid mechanics of this generation. The story will not please everyone, but there is no denying it is impacting, exciting and emotional, albeit being a bit too long in some sections. All this is partnered with phenomenal performances from the whole cast, and irreproachable when it comes to visuals, sound, and technical aspects. The Last of Us Part II is a masterpiece, Naughty Dog’s best work so far, and in contention for the game of the generation.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
The Last of Us Part II is an action-adventure. Set five years after The Last of Us (2013), offers to the players a great history, but a slightly innovative game mechanics. We will enjoy a story throughout its 11 chapters, which will put our feelings on the surface for about 25-30h. Despite its lights and shadows discussed throughout this analysis, Naughty Dog has made a very good game that makes us see different points of view and empathize with different situations.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The Last of Us Part II is a technical marvel, one of the best looking games of this gen with a phenomenal soundtrack and sound design and a gameplay loop where every encounter is suffocating and extremely satisfying. Its narrative doesn't always stick the landing, however, it is still a memorable tale about conflict and bonds between flawed human beings on a world which lacks humanity.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ultimately, The Last of Us 2 is a must-play title on the PS4. The sheer quality of the game on a visual and technical level all but guarantees that. I was amazed at what was possible on base PS4 hardware. The shortcomings of the story as a whole, especially in the denouement, left me with a feeling of disappointment. I am grateful I undertook this journey with these characters but in the end, the pay-off doesn’t live up to its predecessor and the ending, in particular, does not stick the landing that Naughty Dog intended.
The Last of Us Part II is a slap in faces rarely hitted by Game Industry.
Review in Italian | Read full review