The Last of Us Part II stands as one of the most divisive titles in modern gaming history. Released in June 2020 by Naughty Dog under the direction of Neil Druckmann, this sequel to the beloved 2013 original has been hailed as a technical marvel and a narrative triumph by some, while others decry it as a betrayal of its predecessor’s legacy.
Whether it’s deemed a masterpiece or a misstep often hinges on one’s ability to understand—and accept—Druckmann’s bold creative choices.
A Tale of Ambition | Druckmann’s Vision Unveiled
Neil Druckmann, co-director of the original The Last of Us alongside Bruce Straley, took the helm for Part II with a clear intent to push boundaries. The first game won hearts with its emotional journey of Joel and Ellie, a surrogate father-daughter duo navigating a post-apocalyptic world. Fans expected the sequel to build on that bond, perhaps delivering another heartfelt adventure. Instead, Druckmann crafted a story centered on revenge, loss, and the cyclical nature of violence—themes that deliberately subvert expectations. This shift, while artistically daring, ignited a firestorm of debate.
The game follows an older Ellie, now 19, as she embarks on a brutal quest for vengeance following a devastating event early in the narrative. Alongside her, a new character, Abby, emerges as a pivotal figure whose actions and perspective challenge players to reconsider their allegiances. Druckmann’s decision to split the story between these two protagonists—and to force players to inhabit both—was a gamble that didn’t pay off for everyone. Yet, it’s precisely this ambition that elevates The Last of Us Part II to a level of storytelling rarely seen in video games.
The Leak That Changed Everything
The game’s journey to release was anything but smooth. On April 26, 2020—months before its official launch—a massive leak rocked the internet. A hacker from the Netherlands accessed a development build, unleashing gameplay footage and key plot details onto forums and social media. In the The Last of Us universe, September 26, 2013, marks the fictional Outbreak Day; for fans, April 26, 2020, became the real-world equivalent—a day when the internet erupted in outrage and spoilers flooded the discourse.
The leaked content revealed pivotal moments, including Joel’s shocking death at Abby’s hands and the game’s dual-perspective structure. For many, this premature exposure tainted their experience, fueling a wave of negativity before the game even hit shelves. Social media platforms buzzed with vitriol—“Naughty Dog, you’ve ruined it” being among the milder sentiments. The leak hastened the release date announcement, but it also cemented a knee-jerk backlash that lingered long after launch. This chaotic prelude set the stage for a reception defined by extremes.
A Game of Love and Hate
The Last of Us Part II is a title that inspires both adoration and animosity, often within the same breath. Its detractors point to Joel’s early demise—bludgeoned with a golf club by Abby in a scene that’s as visceral as it is polarizing—as a betrayal of the original’s emotional core. The marketing campaign, which heavily featured Joel and implied a larger role, only deepened the sense of deception. Meanwhile, Abby’s introduction as a muscular, vengeance-driven antagonist drew ire for her actions and her unconventional design, with some dismissing her as a caricature meant to provoke.
Yet, the game’s defenders argue that this discomfort is intentional. Abby isn’t just a villain; she’s a mirror to Ellie, a character with her own losses and motivations rooted in the death of her father at Joel’s hands in the first game’s climax. The narrative forces players to confront her humanity, a task that unfolds over hours of gameplay as her story intertwines with Ellie’s. This duality—hating Abby, then understanding her—lies at the heart of Druckmann’s plan, and it’s where the game’s brilliance shines for those willing to embrace it.
Technical Triumph | A Benchmark for the PS4
Beyond its divisive story, The Last of Us Part II is a technical tour de force. Visually, it’s a stunning achievement, squeezing every ounce of power from the PlayStation 4. From rain-soaked streets to overgrown urban ruins, the environments are breathtakingly detailed, a testament to Naughty Dog’s mastery of the craft. The sound design is equally immersive—every creak, scream, and gunshot reverberates with chilling realism, enhancing the game’s oppressive atmosphere.
Gameplay, too, has evolved significantly from the first installment. Ellie and Abby navigate larger, more vertical spaces, with mechanics like dodging, crawling, and smashing windows adding depth to combat. Encounters are brutal and dynamic, offering players a range of options—stealth, melee, firearms, or improvised explosives—all rendered with a visceral intensity that borders on unsettling. Critics and fans alike agree | on a technical level, the game is a near-perfect 10/10, a swan song for the PS4 that rivals the studio’s earlier triumphs.
The Narrative Core | Revenge and Redemption
At its essence, The Last of Us Part II is a meditation on revenge and its consequences. The first game explored loss and connection through Joel and Ellie’s burgeoning bond; the sequel shifts focus to the fallout of Joel’s choices and Ellie’s descent into vengeance. Flashbacks reveal tender moments between the pair, contrasting sharply with the present-day carnage. Meanwhile, Abby’s arc parallels Ellie’s, showing how both characters are trapped in a cycle of violence that leaves them broken.
The game’s most striking moments come from this juxtaposition. Players pet a dog as Abby, only to kill it later as Ellie; they chat with NPCs who meet grisly fates shortly after. These scenes underscore Druckmann’s thesis | violence begets loss for all involved. By the end, as Ellie spares Abby in a gut-wrenching climax, the story circles back to forgiveness—or at least the possibility of it. It’s a slow burn that demands patience, but for those who see it through, the payoff is profound.
Characters That Steal the Show
Beyond its leads, The Last of Us Part II excels in its supporting cast. Ellie’s companions—Dina, Jesse, and others—bring warmth and humanity to the journey. Their banter about movies, coffee, or childhood memories livens up exploration, making the world feel lived-in. These interactions contrast with the game’s darker stretches, offering respite and reinforcing the stakes. Abby’s allies, like Lev and Yara, similarly flesh out her side of the story, adding layers to a character initially designed to be despised.
This richness in character development is a standout feature, turning what could have been a bleak slog into a tapestry of relationships. Even in combat, these companions provide tactical support, echoing the dynamic of Joel and Ellie in the first game. Their presence ensures that players are rarely alone, a design choice that amplifies both the emotional and gameplay experience.
The Flaws | Where It Stumbles
For all its strengths, The Last of Us Part II isn’t flawless. Critics argue that its emotional manipulation can feel heavy-handed—cute animals and tragic backstories sometimes come off as contrived attempts to tug heartstrings. The pacing, too, is a point of contention; at over 20 hours, the dual-narrative structure tests patience, especially for those uninvested in Abby’s redemption arc. Some players abandoned the game midway, unwilling to reconcile with a character they’d been conditioned to hate.
The game also wades into social themes—Ellie’s queer relationship with Dina, Lev’s transgender identity—that, while well-intentioned, occasionally feel forced within the apocalyptic setting. Abby’s transformation into a hulking avenger raises eyebrows as well; her physique, explained through a vague backstory of training and resources, stretches believability in a world of scarcity. These elements, combined with Joel’s abrupt exit, fuel accusations of agenda-driven storytelling, though supporters counter that they enrich the game’s diversity and depth.
A Legacy Defined by Division
The Last of Us Part II launched to critical acclaim, earning a 93 on Metacritic from reviewers, but its user score plummeted to 5.8 amid review-bombing. Sales were robust—over 4 million copies in its first weekend—yet the discourse remains split.
Some laud it as a groundbreaking narrative that challenges conventions; others see it as a misfire that squanders the goodwill of its predecessor. The leak amplified this divide, but even without it, Druckmann’s vision was destined to polarize.
In hindsight, the game’s greatness lies in its ability to provoke. It’s not a safe sequel like God of War | Ragnarök, which iterates comfortably on its formula. Instead, it takes risks—killing off a fan-favorite, flipping perspectives, and refusing easy answers.
Whether that makes it a masterpiece or a miscalculation depends on the lens through which it’s viewed. For those who buy into Druckmann’s plan, it’s a haunting, unforgettable experience; for those who don’t, it’s a frustrating departure.
Final Thoughts | A Game Worth Wrestling With
The Last of Us Part II is a complex beast—technically dazzling, narratively ambitious, and emotionally exhausting. It’s not a universally adored classic like The Witcher 3 or Red Dead Redemption 2, nor does it aim to be. Its legacy is one of debate, a testament to Naughty Dog’s willingness to defy expectations. Players who approach it with an open mind may find a story that lingers long after the credits roll.
Those who can’t may walk away disillusioned. Either way, it’s a title that demands engagement, making it a standout in an industry often content with the familiar.
