For those who experienced the initial release of The Last of Us, it marked a pivotal moment in gaming history. While the medium had seen its share of compelling narratives, few had achieved the level of performance capture that drew comparisons to film and high-quality television. Fast forward seven years, and The Last of Us Part 2 emerged in a different landscape, one where its mature cinematic approach felt less groundbreaking. Nevertheless, the sequel garnered significant attention, with a narrative that polarized audiences and sparked intense discussions across the internet.
With the recent release of the game on PC, following the success of its television adaptation, players are greeted with an array of enhancements and gameplay features, making this version the most comprehensive yet. However, the port has faced its share of challenges, often feeling unstable, and while it boasts impressive elements, it does not quite reach the status of a masterpiece.
The last of my frames
Initial performance on an RTX 3060 Ti was satisfactory, particularly during the opening snowy scenes, albeit marred by occasional texture glitches. However, as I ventured into the game’s iconic overgrown urban landscapes, performance inconsistencies became more pronounced. A detailed performance analysis suggested improvements over previous iterations, yet issues persisted even on medium settings at 1080p, despite the hardware exceeding the recommended specifications for the game. A day-one patch is expected, but history suggests that multiple updates may be necessary to fully address these concerns.
The remaster introduces several new features consistent with Sony’s other ports, including ultrawide support, HDR, enhanced graphics options, and improved accessibility settings. Notably, the “speech to vibrations” feature allows players to experience dialogue through vibrations in the DualSense controller, enhancing clarity and immersion. These additions contribute to a sense of finality for this version.
Among the new modes are a guitar-playing feature for Ellie and a roguelite mode titled No Return. The latter stands out as a highlight, offering players a series of randomized combat encounters where they can earn weapons and upgrades. Unlike typical zombie games that focus on overwhelming firepower, No Return emphasizes strategic resource management against intelligent foes. Each run lasts under an hour and presents a variety of mission types, characters with unique perks, and customizable difficulty options, ensuring a fresh experience each time.
Moral of the story
In contrast to the first game’s exploration of fatherhood and humanity’s struggle in desperate times, The Last of Us Part 2 delves into the consequences of losing that grip on humanity, showcasing the conflicts that arise from damaged psyches. The performances are exceptional, and the score complements the narrative beautifully, making it one of the few games to exhibit a strong visual storytelling style. However, the script does suffer from notable flaws. While its portrayal of violence is empathetic, it also carries a cynical undertone that undermines its complexity.
The narrative centers around a conflict involving the military junta FEDRA, the insurgent Washington Liberation Front, and the religious zealots known as the Seraphites. The parallels drawn between these factions and real-world conflicts, such as the Israel-Palestinian situation, add layers to the story but also introduce uncomfortable biases. The characters, Abby and Ellie, find themselves ensnared in a cycle of revenge, mirroring the larger conflict, and the game’s message about the futility of violence feels somewhat diluted by its handling of power dynamics.
Despite its rich audiovisual presentation, the story often revolves around themes of vengeance and the moral dilemmas of violence, leading to a repetitive narrative structure. Characters frequently express their violent impulses, suggesting a troubling entitlement to rage that the game ultimately fails to critique effectively.
Short leash
Exploration within the game can be rewarding, particularly when players are encouraged to scavenge for resources. However, much of the gameplay involves transitioning between cinematic set pieces, with characters directing players toward their next objectives. Prolonged exploration often triggers hints or context-sensitive prompts, detracting from the immersive experience that The Last of Us Part 2 aims to provide. While these elements serve the cinematic storytelling, they can feel jarring against the backdrop of the game’s otherwise rich stealth mechanics.
Yet, the narrative and exploration do intertwine effectively, with spontaneous journal entries and environmental clues guiding players through a series of meticulously crafted encounters. From exhilarating chases to seamlessly integrated cutscenes, the game blurs the lines between gameplay and storytelling.
One early encounter exemplifies this blend, as a seemingly standard combat situation escalates into a breathtaking escape down a snowy hillside, showcasing the game’s cinematic scale and pacing. Combat encounters are engaging, with frantic brawls and gunfights requiring players to make quick decisions about resource management. The tension is palpable, enhanced by unique execution animations that utilize the environment and allies.
While The Last of Us Part 2 impresses with its storytelling and audiovisual artistry, its narrative can feel clichéd and at times objectionable. The combat and set pieces resonate strongly, yet exploration and dialogue often falter, leaving a sense of ambivalence. As I navigate the challenges of this port, it’s the innovative No Return mode that remains the most compelling reason to revisit this world.
