After spending a significant amount of time with The Last of Us Part II, it’s safe to say this is one of the most emotionally complex and divisive games ever made. As someone who considers the first game one of the greatest of all time, going into this sequel came with extremely high expectations.
And while it didn’t deliver the story many of us wanted, I strongly believe it delivered a story that is worth experiencing.
There’s no denying that the game has flaws. But there’s also no denying that it brings a level of ambition, detail, and emotional weight that very few games have ever achieved. This article isn’t about ignoring the issues it’s about understanding what the game does right, and why it deserves more credit than it gets.
Spoiler Warning
Story Through Presentation
Before diving into the controversial elements of the story, it’s important to recognize something that often gets overlooked: The Last of Us Part II is not just a story it’s an experience built through gameplay, design, and presentation.
Too many discussions about this game stop at the plot, ignoring the fact that storytelling here is deeply tied to how the game plays.
Gameplay and Mechanics
From a pure gameplay standpoint, The Last of Us Part II is one of the most refined third-person action games ever created.
Everything feels intentional. Movement is smoother, animations are more fluid, and interactions with the environment are far more dynamic than in the first game. Whether you’re squeezing through tight spaces, breaking glass to create new paths, or scavenging for resources, the world feels grounded and believable.
The crafting system also sees meaningful improvements. Instead of just being a mechanic you occasionally use, it becomes a core part of survival. Every resource matters, and every decision whether to craft a health kit or upgrade your weapon can impact how you approach the next encounter.
This constant tension between preparation and survival keeps the gameplay engaging from start to finish.
Combat and AI
The combat system is where the game truly shines.
Enemy AI is significantly smarter compared to the first game. Enemies communicate with each other, react to your actions, and even call out the names of fallen allies. This small detail alone adds a level of realism that makes every encounter feel more intense.
Stealth has also been expanded. You can now go prone, hide in tall grass, and navigate environments in more creative ways. Encounters feel less scripted and more organic, giving players the freedom to approach situations however they want.
What really stands out is how brutal the combat feels. Every hit, every shot, and every takedown carries weight. It’s uncomfortable at times and that’s intentional.
The game wants you to feel the consequences of violence, not just treat it as entertainment.
Because of this, even though the combat is incredibly well-designed, it also reinforces the themes of the story in a powerful way.
The Big Controversy
Now, let’s address the moment that defined the conversation around this game.
Yes..Joel dies.
There’s no way around it. It’s shocking, it’s upsetting, and for many players, it was enough to turn them away from the game entirely.
And honestly, that reaction is understandable.
But the question isn’t whether the decision was painful it’s why it was made.
The Hard Truth About the Story
At its core, The Last of Us Part II is a story about perspective, consequences, and the cycle of violence.
One of the hardest truths the game forces you to confront is this: there are no clear heroes or villains.
Joel, a character we all grew to love in the first game, is not a morally good person. His decision at the end of the original game while emotionally justified had massive consequences.
He didn’t just save Ellie. He took away the chance for a cure and killed countless people in the process.
From Ellie’s perspective, Joel is a father figure. From Abby’s perspective, he’s the man who destroyed her life.
Both are true.
And that’s where the story becomes uncomfortable.
The Purpose Behind Joel’s Death
Joel’s death isn’t just a plot twist it’s a narrative tool.
It’s designed to make you feel exactly what Ellie feels: anger, confusion, and a desire for revenge.
By doing this, the game pulls you into Ellie’s mindset. You’re not just watching her story you’re experiencing it alongside her.
But then, the game does something bold.
It forces you to see the other side.
Characters From the Other Side
One of the most controversial aspects of the game is its shift in perspective. Instead of presenting a one-sided story, it asks you to spend time with characters you initially view as enemies.
And this is where the game either wins you over, or completely loses you.
Owen
Owen stands out as one of the most grounded and relatable characters in Abby’s storyline.
At first, he may seem like just another supporting character, but as the story progresses, you begin to see his internal conflict. He’s tired of the endless violence and wants something different a life that isn’t defined by revenge.
What makes Owen interesting is that he represents what Abby could have been if she had chosen a different path.
He’s not perfect, but he feels human. His struggles, his relationships, and his decisions add emotional weight to Abby’s story.
Jesse
Jesse is one of the most likable characters in Ellie’s storyline, and it’s hard not to connect with him almost immediately.
He’s practical, loyal, and genuinely cares about the people around him. His personality brings balance to Ellie’s increasingly intense and emotional journey.
One of Jesse’s strongest traits is his sense of responsibility. He doesn’t act out of revenge he acts out of concern for his friends.
Unfortunately, his time in the game feels too short. There was definitely more potential to explore his character, but even with limited screen time, he leaves a strong impression.
Tommy
Tommy plays a much more significant role in this game compared to the first.
He acts as both a reflection of Joel and a catalyst for Ellie’s actions. In many ways, he represents what happens when grief and revenge take hold of someone.
Tommy’s character arc shows how even the most level-headed individuals can be consumed by loss. It adds another layer to the game’s central theme revenge doesn’t just hurt your enemies, it destroys you too.
Abby (The Most Divisive Character)
Let’s be honest Abby is the most controversial character in the game.
For many players, it’s hard to get past what she did. And that’s completely fair.
But if you take a step back and look at her story objectively, there’s more to her than just that one moment.
Understanding Abby
Abby’s actions are driven by loss.
Joel killed her father the one person she had left. From her perspective, her actions aren’t just justified they’re necessary.
The game doesn’t ask you to like Abby. It asks you to understand her.
And that’s a big difference.
The Weight of Loss
Something that often goes unnoticed is just how much Abby loses throughout the game.
While players may not feel as connected to her friends, she experiences just as much if not more loss than Ellie does.
This parallel between Ellie and Abby is intentional. Both characters are trapped in the same cycle, driven by the same emotions, and ultimately facing the same consequences.
Conclusion: A Flawed but Important Game
The Last of Us Part II is not a perfect game.
It’s messy, unconventional, and at times, frustrating. It tells a story that many players didn’t want and does so in a way that challenges your perspective.
But that’s also what makes it important.
This is a game that takes risks. It refuses to give you a simple, satisfying narrative. Instead, it forces you to confront uncomfortable truths about revenge, morality, and perspective.
On top of that, it delivers some of the best gameplay, combat, and technical design we’ve ever seen in a video game.
You don’t have to love the story. You don’t even have to agree with it.
But it’s hard to deny that The Last of Us Part II is one of the most ambitious and thought-provoking games ever made.
And for that reason alone, it deserves more credit than it gets.
Check out my argument against The Last of Us 2
