The Last of Us Part II: Overview & Critic Reception

Combat and Stealth

Ellie can sprint, slide and roll, and the game adds a prone mechanic and grass stealth. Dogs track the player's scent, and the encounters take place across Seattle's environments. According to Wikipedia, GameSpot's Plagge appreciated the combat's intensity and the fluidity of Ellie's movements.

Gameplay and World

The game is set in Seattle, with the Seraphites and their island among its factions and locations. Exploration yields crafting materials and optional dialogue. Wikipedia reports that many critics felt the graphics were among the best of any PlayStation 4 game.

Story and Characters

The story follows two protagonists, Ellie and Abby, and splits its perspective between them. Per Wikipedia, critics widely praised the cast's performances, particularly those of Ashley Johnson, Troy Baker and Laura Bailey, while some players criticised Joel's death in the opening hours. The narrative is mature and divisive.

Critic reception

Wikipedia reports that The Last of Us Part II received “universal acclaim” according to Metacritic, with 94% of critics recommending it on OpenCritic. IGN's Jonathon Dornbush called it “a masterpiece worthy of its predecessor”, and Game Informer's Andy McNamara called it “the best narrative game I have played”. The Remastered version also received “universal acclaim” on Metacritic (Wikipedia, reception).

Pros & Cons