The original The Last of Us is widely considered one of the greatest games ever made. Its storytelling, character development, and emotional depth set a new standard for narrative-driven games. After seven years of anticipation, expectations for The Last of Us Part II were incredibly high.
Now that it’s here, the big question is: does it live up to the hype?
In this Buy or Pass review, we’re breaking down everything you need to know from graphics and gameplay to AI and story so you can decide if it’s worth your time.
Graphics
From the moment you start the game, it’s clear that The Last of Us Part II is one of the best-looking games ever made.
Naughty Dog has pushed visual fidelity to another level. The lighting system is incredibly realistic, with sunlight casting natural shadows through trees and buildings. Indoor environments feel just as detailed, with subtle lighting changes that add to the atmosphere.
The environments themselves are dense and full of life. Overgrown cities, thick forests, and abandoned structures are packed with detail. The amount of foliage on screen at once is impressive, and the game handles it smoothly without sacrificing performance.
Particle effects also stand out, especially in spore-filled areas. The floating particles and environmental effects add tension and immersion, making these sections feel more dangerous.
Where the game truly shines, though, is in its character models and facial animations. Every expression feels real, and emotions are conveyed with incredible accuracy. Conversations feel natural, and cutscenes are nearly indistinguishable from pre-rendered cinematics.
Overall, the graphics are nothing short of incredible and easily among the best in gaming.
Level Design
While The Last of Us Part II is still a linear game at its core, it introduces much larger and more open areas compared to the first game.
Some sections give you wide spaces to explore, complete with optional locations, hidden loot, and environmental storytelling. One of the early game areas even provides a map and multiple objectives, allowing you to tackle them in any order.
Despite these larger environments, the game never feels confusing. Level design subtly guides you toward your objective without forcing you down a single path. This balance between exploration and direction is handled extremely well.
Each area feels handcrafted, with multiple ways to approach encounters whether through stealth, combat, or avoiding enemies entirely.
Gameplay
No matter where you stand on the story, the gameplay in The Last of Us Part II is undeniably polished.
Movement feels smoother and more responsive than the first game. Transitions between actions—like crouching, sprinting, and climbing are seamless, making the game feel fluid and natural.
The skill progression system has also been expanded. You still collect pills to upgrade abilities, but there are now more skill trees and meaningful upgrades that actually impact how you play.
Weapon upgrades have also been improved. There are more customization options, and the upgrade animations at workbenches add a level of detail that most games would overlook.
Puzzles return as well, helping to break up the pacing. They’re not overly difficult but still require enough thought to keep things engaging.
Overall, the gameplay loop is extremely satisfying, and it’s easy to lose track of time while playing.
Combat
Combat is one of the strongest aspects of the game.
Weapons feel impactful, both in terms of sound design and feedback. Each weapon has its own identity, and switching between them keeps combat fresh.
Ammo is limited, which forces you to think carefully about every encounter. You can’t just run in and shoot everything you need to plan, conserve resources, and adapt.
Melee combat has also been improved. The animations are more dynamic and cinematic, making every encounter feel intense and brutal. Close-quarters combat is fast, aggressive, and often chaotic.
The game encourages a mix of stealth and action, allowing you to approach situations in different ways. Whether you prefer sneaking through areas or going in aggressively, the combat system supports both playstyles.
AI
The AI in The Last of Us Part II is one of the most advanced and immersive systems in modern gaming.
Enemies feel like real people rather than generic NPCs. They communicate with each other, react to your actions, and adapt to the situation.
One of the most impressive details is how enemies call out each other’s names. If you take someone down, their allies will react emotionally sometimes with panic, anger, or fear. This adds a level of realism that few games achieve.
Enemies are also highly aware of their surroundings. If you run out of ammo, they may push aggressively. If they spot you hiding, they’ll call out your exact location, forcing you to reposition.
The addition of dogs makes stealth even more challenging. They can track your scent, meaning you can’t stay hidden in one place for long. This adds tension and forces you to keep moving.
There are also unique enemy communication systems, including whistle-based signals that indicate different levels of awareness. These small details add depth and make encounters feel unpredictable.
Infected
The infected return, and they are more terrifying than ever.
The game builds on the horror elements of the first title, making encounters more intense and unpredictable.
New enemy types like Shamblers add variety. These enemies are similar to Bloaters but are more aggressive and force you into direct confrontations.
Stalkers are another standout addition. Unlike other enemies, they hide and wait, often ambushing you when you least expect it. They don’t show up clearly with your listening ability, making them much harder to track.
These additions make infected encounters feel fresh and keep the tension high throughout the game.
Story
The story is where opinions on The Last of Us Part II become divided.
The game shifts focus to Ellie, exploring her journey and character development. It takes risks with its narrative, presenting multiple perspectives and challenging the player’s view of right and wrong.
One of the strengths of the story is its willingness to explore complex themes. It doesn’t present a simple good vs. evil narrative instead, it shows how different characters perceive the same events.
There are moments that are emotionally impactful and thought-provoking, and some characters are genuinely interesting to follow.
However, the story isn’t without its flaws.
The pacing can feel uneven, particularly in the middle sections of the game. Some parts drag on longer than necessary, and certain characters may not resonate with every player.
There are also major narrative decisions that have been controversial. Without spoiling anything, some moments may feel frustrating or unnecessary depending on your perspective.
Ultimately, the story is ambitious. It works for some players and doesn’t for others.
Conclusion – Buy or Pass?
So, is The Last of Us Part II worth buying?
Overall, it’s a Buy.
From a gameplay and technical standpoint, the game is outstanding. The graphics, combat, AI, and level design are some of the best in the industry. It’s a highly polished and immersive experience that’s easy to get lost in.
The story, while divisive, is still worth experiencing. Even if it doesn’t land for everyone, it offers unique perspectives and takes risks that most games avoid.
If you’re a fan of the first game or enjoy narrative-driven experiences, The Last of Us Part 2 is absolutely worth playing.
