Following delays, leaks, and various other issues, Naughty Dog finally released the much anticipated Last of Us Part 2. The game’s been around for just over a week and the PS4 community is divided. Some hate while others love it.

It’s a polarizing game that’ll leave even the most vocal critics, physically or emotionally, drained. Having finished the game with a near comprehensive playthrough, here are our thoughts on Naughty Dog’s newest release.

The Last of Us 2 review: A complex story that’s still worth a try

First off, the gameplay. Staying true to its roots, The Last Of Us 2 retains the original game mechanics that were introduced in its highly popular predecessor. Yes, it feels a little old school at times but the nostalgia makes up for it.

Players have an option for tackling various encounters with either stealth or an all-out massacre. The game excels in its ability to blur the lines between the two, very contrasting styles.

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Like the Last Of Us, the sequel features the familiar undead foes with a few newer additions. These make for some terrifying moments that’ll surely leave some fans gasping. Even if someone’s immune to jump scares and the undead horde, the encounter itself is certain to evoke groans of despair or dismay.

The Last of Us 2 Writers Open up on Plot Points and Trilogy

Speaking of scares, full marks to Naughty Dog for living up to the first game’s ability to cause fear with its terrifying settings and characters. There’s a far more frightening entity than the usual post-apocalyptic crowd that’s sure to make players sweat.

The graphics and gameplay are exactly what one would expect from a PS4 exclusive in 2020. While it isn’t mind-blowing, the sheer size of the newer environments makes the gameplay very engaging.

So far so good but it’s the core element of a Naughty Dog game that’s left the fans divided. Rightfully so, but we’ll get to that in a minute.

Part of what made The Last of Us such a masterpiece, was its ability to tell a story that every single player connected to.  Players could almost feel Joel and Ellie’s pain and the game ended on a high. It was a fantastic storyline that barely had any loose ends. The pure melancholy towards the end and the rush of emotions that exposes human flaws perfectly wrapped things up.

There was arguably very little to go on for a substantial sequel after such a flawless ending. Nevertheless, Naughty Dog had something in mind and it’s the execution of those ideas which hasn’t gone down well with many of the fans.

What doesn’t work

After a long and grueling campaign that lasts a staggering 30 hours, I, like the majority of players, was simply exhausted to even decide if I actually liked the story and particularly the ending.

Simply put, the sequel does not live up to the hype and emotions that its predecessor evoked.

The Last of Us 2 is a masochist’s dream. There’s no shortage of gore and bloody massacre, which are a staple of this particular franchise.

It’s not a bad storyline by any means. Had this been a standalone game without any connections to the first part, it probably wouldn’t be getting battered with bad reviews.

Misdirection is a powerful element that can be quite unpredictable. Sadly, it has misfired for Naughty Dog this time around. In conclusion, The Last Of Us 2 is a lengthy albeit confusing tale of revenge.

It provides closure but not the kind that’s everyone’s cup of tea.