Developer: Naughty Dog
Platforms: PS4, PS4 Pro
Genre: Action, Adventure
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
The Last of Us Part II is a follow up to the wonderful and brilliant Last of Us, The Last of Us is one of the best, if not the best game on the PS4. I’d recommend playing the first game before starting your adventure in this game, there is a fair bit of context in the game you may miss but it will add even more to the experience of the Last of Us Part II.
The Last of Us Part II follows Ellie and her journey five years after the first game, at this point the United States is still infected with huge swathes of zombies and you navigate this world. Ellie has settled well with life in Jackson after the traumas of the first game. The game is a mix of zombie survival, third-person shooter and a puzzle game with an amazing and gripping story that is underpinning it all and lifting the game to new levels of greatness. Naughty Dog has outdone themselves with an amazing cinematic and immersive experience. I found the narrative, pace of the game and storytelling gripping. It’s addictive, surprising and pure joy to play, this is what gaming should be all about. It combines the best parts of gaming and a movie to make this masterpiece.
Even though the mechanics of the game follow the well-trodden third-person survival horror game, the game stands out as each mechanic in the game has a purpose and a rightful place in the game. Every game mechanic helps you bond with Ellie and the world she inhabits. Every aspect of gameplay has a purpose which complements and enhances the storytelling throughout. It’s the combination of Ellie, game mechanics, the cast of characters, the storyline, voice acting and game design that is done with such attention to detail that makes the game such a superb and immersive game. You feel like you have been transported to Jackson various other playable areas.
The storyline and themes in the game help the player empathise and understand the perspective of the characters. The story also helps to weave the characters and provide a realistic and engaging narrative that makes you want to find out more. While the gameplay is relatively linear in a somewhat open-world, this doesn’t detract from the experience at all. The Last of Us Part II incorporates the best aspects of a film and game in one experience. It’s shot beautifully, every aspect of the game has a purpose and point to the game.
The game mechanics, the controls, level design and general level of playability is something to behold. In this dark apocalyptic world, the game really strives to give you a sense of the chaos, madness and sheer craziness of this world. It’s a dog eat dog world where only the tough and smart survive. Controls are intuitive and you feel in full control of Ellie, you feel as if you are in her place and experiencing her trials and tribulations. The beautiful landscapes and environments help to bring this world to life. Conversations and the character interaction add to the whole sense of being immersed too. Everything in this game has been put together meticulously.
This is by far the best game I have played in years, there is so much to love in this game. The gameplay, story, voice acting, beautiful landscapes, the dark apocalyptic world and cast of characters bring this game together to give the player a wonderful gaming and cinematic experience. Once you pick up the play this game, you will find it near impossible to put down. It’s a mixture of pure joy and engrossing experience that games are all about.
Overall: 10/10
Enjoys more than the odd game, long time gamer, somewhat a technologist and everything else in between.
Also enjoys a good solid game of FIFA online. Currently PS4, XBOX 360 and STEAM.
