The last of us dlc length full#

Infected Stalkers regularly try to silently corner you, while attack dogs aid humans by sniffing out your position. Though you'll still find the post-apocalyptic standard shotguns, bows, handguns, and rifles - weapons you'd expect to use as you clear areas of either infected or other humans - The Last of Us 2 improves upon the gameplay found in the original.īoth humans and infected have better tactics this time around. Though the shift is mostly enjoyable and contains some of the best gameplay moments in TLoU2, its poor timing and lengthy nature undermine its impact, disrupting the overall pacing and structure of the game. The plot's momentum grinds to a halt a few times throughout The Last of Us 2, and the perspective switch is one such place. While this decision creates an interesting new layer for the game's events, its implementation is questionable because of its placement within the overarching narrative. In a brave move, The Last of Us 2 eventually shifts away from Ellie's tale of vengeance, providing another perspective on the game's narrative. The game handles the concept in heartbreaking ways, continuously putting you into morally ambiguous situations where right and wrong collide.īecause of the game's stunning framing and beautiful presentation, these moments of grey are gripping and hard to forget, made more commanding by the performances of Ashley Johnson, Troy Baker, Laura Bailey, Shannon Woodward, Stephen Chang, and Jeffrey Pierce. In many ways, the theme of The Last of Us 2 is more than just 'revenge is bad.' The main characters are flawed people facing real problems by honoring their loved ones in the only ways that they know how. Seeing Ellie's internal and external struggles, and how they affect those around her, makes you contemplate whether or not this tale of revenge is worth it at all. It's in those moments that the game truly shines. They're integral to the overall story.Īs expected, Ellie's actions sometimes end up harming her both physically and mentally. There are repercussions for your actions, and they don’t simply happen in a gameplay sequence just to be forgotten about later. The Last of Us 2 demands that you analyze your actions as both main and secondary characters die in visceral ways. Her mind is set on killing her enemies in the name of revenge, but at what cost?

This is doubly true for Dina and Jesse, both of whom have known Ellie for years and whose backstories we don't get to see much of at all.Ī large chunk of The Last of Us 2 takes place over the course of three days in Seattle, Washington, during which Ellie goes to great lengths to achieve her main goal. It's hard to get emotionally attached to characters whose backstories are presented through journal entries or random bits of dialog. It's the most fully-realized connection in The Last of Us 2, with many other characters tending to fall a bit flat by comparison. That's just the way it goes.Įllie's relationship with Joel is what drives her on her journey. But as we all know, peace doesn't last in the post-apocalypse. This is a sequel that contains plenty of wonderful interactions sprinkled throughout its 25- to 30-hour length, some as flashbacks showing life just after The Last of Us concludes. These interactions between the two are the ones that players will undoubtedly connect with the most, especially those who have played the first game. Joel visiting Ellie to share a dad joke and playing a Pearl Jam song for her are moments I didn't know I wanted to see, but immediately fell in love with.

The last of us dlc length full#

The game's intro, set in a peaceful, thriving settlement, is full of wholesome moments that you wish could last forever. Joel and Ellie are now living in the thriving community of Jackson, Wyoming, along with Tommy and Maria. The Last of Us 2 picks up about five years after The Last of Us. Note: This is a non-spoiler review for The Last of Us 2. The journey to the end of its narrative is no doubt impactful in many areas, but some missteps along the way prevent those bright spots from connecting to each other as smoothly as they should. The Last of Us 2 tackles that sentiment head-on. In fact, it can feel impossible sometimes. We witness just how far characters are willing to go for the bonds they cherish so deeply, and we learn it's not always easy to forgive and forget.