The Last of Us Part II (PC) – Review
A Narrative of Vengeance and Empathy
At its core, The Last of Us Part II is a story about the cyclical nature of violence, the destructive power of revenge, and the complexities of empathy. Set five years after the events of the first game, it follows Ellie, now a young woman, as she embarks on a quest for vengeance after a traumatic event shatters her life. This quest leads her from the familiar surroundings of Jackson, Wyoming, to the war-torn streets of Seattle, where she confronts not only the infected but also a rival group, the Washington Liberation Front (WLF).
The game’s most controversial narrative decision is its shift in perspective. About halfway through the story, players are thrust into the role of Abby, a WLF soldier with a direct connection to Ellie’s tragedy. This narrative structure forces players to confront their own biases and consider the perspectives of those they initially perceive as antagonists. It’s a bold move that challenges the traditional hero-villain dynamic and asks uncomfortable questions about the nature of morality in a post-apocalyptic world.
This narrative approach is undoubtedly divisive. Some players find it to be a brilliant exploration of moral ambiguity and the human cost of violence. They argue that it adds depth and complexity to the story, forcing players to grapple with uncomfortable truths about themselves and the characters they control. Others criticize it for undermining the emotional investment in Ellie’s journey and for what they perceive as a forced attempt to elicit sympathy for a character they believe is irredeemable.
Regardless of one’s personal feelings about the narrative choices, there’s no denying the power of the storytelling. The performances of the cast, particularly Ashley Johnson as Ellie and Laura Bailey as Abby, are nothing short of phenomenal. They deliver nuanced and emotionally raw portrayals of characters grappling with immense pain, loss, and anger. The game’s script is equally impressive, filled with dialogue that is both naturalistic and impactful.
Gameplay: Brutal and Refined
The Last of Us Part II builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, refining and expanding upon its stealth-action gameplay. Players navigate a variety of environments, from dense forests to sprawling urban landscapes, scavenging for resources and engaging in tense encounters with both infected and human enemies.
The game’s combat is brutal and visceral. Every encounter feels like a life-or-death struggle, with limited resources and highly capable enemies. The infected, including the new and terrifying Shamblers, are relentless and unpredictable. Human enemies are equally dangerous, exhibiting intelligent AI and employing a variety of tactics to flank and outmaneuver the player.
Stealth remains a crucial element of the gameplay. Ellie and Abby are both highly capable of moving silently, using cover, and taking down enemies without being detected. The game’s level design encourages creative approaches, with multiple pathways and opportunities for flanking and ambushing enemies.
One of the most significant improvements in Part II is the enhanced mobility of the player characters. Ellie and Abby can both jump, climb, and crawl with greater agility, allowing for more fluid and dynamic movement through the environment. This added mobility opens up new possibilities for both combat and exploration.
The game also features a robust crafting system, allowing players to create a variety of items, including weapons, ammunition, and healing supplies. Resource management is crucial, as every item is valuable and must be used strategically.
Visual and Auditory Masterpiece
The Last of Us Part II is a visual and auditory masterpiece. Naughty Dog’s technical prowess is on full display, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible on the PlayStation 4. The game’s environments are incredibly detailed and realistic, with stunning lighting, textures, and effects. From the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest to the dilapidated buildings of Seattle, every location is rendered with breathtaking fidelity.
The character models are equally impressive, exhibiting an unprecedented level of detail and expressiveness. The subtle nuances of facial expressions and body language convey a wide range of emotions, adding to the realism and emotional impact of the story.
The game’s audio design is equally exceptional. The sound of the infected is truly terrifying, and the environmental soundscapes are rich and immersive. Gustavo Santaolalla’s haunting score perfectly complements the game’s tone, adding to the emotional weight of the narrative.
The PC Port: A Welcome Addition
The PC port of The Last of Us Part II brings the game to a new audience and offers a range of enhancements that take advantage of the platform’s capabilities. These enhancements include:
- Unlocked Framerate: PC players can experience the game at higher framerates than were possible on consoles, resulting in smoother and more responsive gameplay.
- Ultrawide Support: The game supports ultrawide monitors, providing a more immersive and cinematic experience.
- Customizable Graphics Settings: PC players can fine-tune a wide range of graphics settings to optimize performance and visual fidelity for their specific hardware.
- NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS Support: The game supports various upscaling technologies, allowing players to achieve higher framerates without sacrificing image quality.
- Full Controller Support: The game supports a variety of controllers, including the PlayStation DualSense, which offers haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support.
While the PC port is generally well-received, some players have reported experiencing performance issues, such as stuttering and frame rate drops. However, these issues appear to be less severe than those that plagued the PC port of The Last of Us Part I at launch. Overall, the PC port is a welcome addition that makes The Last of Us Part II more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience.
Conclusion: A Divisive but Unforgettable Experience
The Last of Us Part II is a game that will stay with you long after you’ve finished playing it. It’s a technical marvel, a narrative tour-de-force, and a deeply divisive experience that challenges players’ expectations and forces them to confront uncomfortable truths. Its complex characters, brutal gameplay, and stunning visuals create a world that is both captivating and horrifying.
While its narrative choices may be controversial, there’s no denying the power of its storytelling and the emotional impact of its characters. The performances of the cast are phenomenal, and the game’s script is both naturalistic and impactful.
The PC port is a welcome addition that brings the game to a new audience and offers a range of enhancements that take advantage of the platform’s capabilities. While some players have reported performance issues, the port is generally well-received and makes The Last of Us Part II more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience.
Ultimately, The Last of Us Part II is a masterpiece, even if it’s a divisive one. It’s a game that pushes the boundaries of the medium and leaves a lasting impact on the player. It’s a game that demands to be played, discussed, and debated. It’s a game that will be remembered for years to come.
